THE BRETHREN CHURCH

The Brethren in Durban, South Africa, have launched a critical new sewing school ministry, bringing a thread of hope and opportunity to the women there. This inspiring initiative equips women with valuable skills and empowers them to establish small businesses that significantly enhance their family's well-being and economic prospects. This new ministry carries a special resonance, drawing inspiration from the incredible work being done by our partners in India. For a remarkable 48 years , the Brethren Church in India has successfully operated a similar sewing school, transforming the lives of thousands. In both contexts, these ministries aim for more than just teaching a skill; the sewing school aims to transform entire lives and families and to open hearts to the enduring hope and boundless love of Jesus Christ. The work in India has shown us just how critical these programs are. By providing women with valuable, marketable skills, these schools offer a lifeline that can keep desperate women and their families out of dangerous situations, including the horrific threat of human trafficking. It's a powerful reminder that practical help, rooted in faith, can be a shield against incredible hardship. Like its counterpart in India, we believe the new sewing school in South Africa will become a beacon of hope, bringing economic stability and introducing women to the life-changing message of the Gospel. These ministries are powerful expressions of God's love in action, creating a lasting legacy of empowered lives and flourishing communities. Your support makes these beautiful stories of transformation possible! Scott Soden Global Partners Coordinator

What a truly special and joy-filled season it has been in the Philippines, as two vibrant Brethren churches in Bocaue and Caypombo celebrated public declarations of faith through baptism. These events, occurring days apart, marked profound moments of transformation and commitment to Christ, highlighting the flourishing of faith and life in The Brethren Church of the Philippines. In Bocaue, ten new believers took the powerful step of baptism, surrounded by friends, family, and the overwhelming love of their church community. It was a beautiful reminder of God’s grace in action—a fresh start and a public embrace of the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ. “Such a special and joy-filled day as we witnessed lives made new through water baptism! A group of amazing individuals took this powerful step of faith, surrounded by friends, family, and an overwhelming amount of love. It was a beautiful reminder of God’s grace and the fresh start He gives. ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!’ – 2 Corinthians 5:17. We’re celebrating each of you and excited for all that’s ahead!” Each life made new was a testament to God's redemptive work and the unity we share as members of His body, regardless of where we are in the world. Shortly after, JOFF (Jesus Our Firm Foundation) Caypombo Brethren Church welcomed eight new members through baptism. This congregation is barely a year old, and the atmosphere there was filled with joy and worship as the church family witnessed hearts transformed and lives renewed. As the church proclaimed with gratitude, “What a glorious day it was as we witnessed hearts transformed and lives renewed through water baptism! Heaven rejoices as our brothers and sisters boldly declared their faith in Jesus!” These words resonated with the truth of Romans 6:4: “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death… that we too may live a new life.” Together, these celebrations in Bocaue and Caypombo represent more than just individual milestones—they reflect a larger movement of God’s Spirit stirring across the Philippines. The commitment and faith of these new believers are a powerful reminder of why we continue to pray, serve, and give: to see lives transformed, communities strengthened, and Christ’s love embodied in tangible ways. To all who support Brethren Global Partners, know that your investment is not just fueling ministry—it’s multiplying life-changing moments like these. Through your partnership, churches are empowered, disciples are made, and the hope of the Gospel multiplies across the globe. Scott Soden Global Partners Coordinator