Creating signposts of the Kingdom

At MBMS International, we strive to do holistic ministry, planting churches through evangelism, leadership development and social ministry. “Social ministry” is a broad term given to ministries that touch the physical part of people’s lives. At MBMS International, we are calling those ministries “Kingdom Touch” because we believe there is no dichotomy between the spiritual and the social, between public and private.

What happens when you touch someone? I don’t mean the accidental touch that happens in a crowd, but an intentional movement to hug a shoulder, caress a baby’s face or grasp a loved one’s hand. When we touch people in a positive way, we become connected with them; we communicate acceptance and openness and ask them to enter into our life; we express “community”.

What happened when Jesus touched someone? The blind saw, the lame leaped, lepers were cleansed, and demons were exorcised. When Jesus touched someone, the Kingdom of God broke through into that person’s life.

Our goal is to support health activities, community development efforts, peacemaking, and relief efforts in times of disaster. We will also strive to help partners of MBMS International deal with oppressive social, political, cultural and economic structures, so that long-term change can occur in their communities. It is our hope and prayer that as we do social ministry we are doing it in step with Jesus; touching people in the way of the Kingdom; bringing healing, hope and “shalom”.

Saji Oommen is director for social ministry for MBMS International, the Mennonite Brethren missions agency.