Incarnation living is joining people right where they are, place-sharing by the power of the Holy Spirit, and as imaged by the ultimate Place-sharer, Jesus. Read how these congregations are trusting that Jesus is already at work in their communities and discerning where best they can follow him and come alongside their neighbors.
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Cricket is the most popular sport in Bangladesh, deeply ingrained in the nation’s culture and identity. The congregation in Dhaka, Bangladesh is participating in a cricket league, organized by an association representing 30 denominations. This brings positive exposure of the Christian faith to the community and builds solidarity among churches. It’s taking advantage of young men’s love for the sport and joining them right where they are.
United Kingdom
Recently, two GCI congregations in the U.K. have intentionally moved location to be in their local neighbourhood and be the living expression of Jesus in their community. GC Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire and GC West Hampstead, London relocated to physically “share a place” with their neighbours.
Mexico City, Mexico
GCI Mexico has undertaken numerous activities to reach more people in the community and demonstrate the love of Jesus through tangible acts of compassion.
Substance Use Clinic
Substance use is a profoundly serious issue. It has infiltrated countless homes, undermining the unity and peace of families across our city and our nation.
Since August 2023, I been actively serving at a rehabilitation clinic.
From this rehabilitation center, our congregation has connected with one couple and six young people, offering support in their fight against addiction. As a church, we have also provided food to those in residence, demonstrating and embodying the love of Jesus to those in need of his light.
Recognizing the pervasive issue of addiction, the Holy Spirit has challenged us as a church to focus more intentionally to support children, youth, and couples within our community.
Marriage Dinner
On June 7, 2025, we hosted a dinner for married couples, titled “Have You Screwed Up Yet?” It was a heartfelt evening dedicated to highlighting the importance of teamwork within marriages to strengthen relationships. Sixteen couples attended, including members of our church and new couples from the community we met for the first time.
This event beautifully bridged the realms of faith and love, emphasizing their vital connection in building healthy marriages. The dinner was a memorable evening filled with romance, laughter, an inspiring lecture, and a delicious meal. The event was thoughtfully organized and led by Valery Oloño, Abigail Sánchez, and Luis Enrique Flores.
Our next step is to establish monthly discipleship sessions for married couples, and we are eager to connect with new couples to join us on this journey.
The couple we befriended from the rehabilitation center attended. Another couple who we did not previously know is now a part of our congregation.
Transitional Housing Services
Alongside our Lord Jesus, we have also had the privilege to visit with women living at a social assistance and integration center (CAIS) operated by the Mexico City government. The center houses nearly 600 women who have experienced abuse, abandonment, human trafficking, and psychiatric issues. The center invited us unexpectedly, and we gladly accepted.
What we witnessed was deeply heartbreaking because of the circumstances that brought these women there. We firmly believe that Jesus goes to places of hopelessness, where needs are beyond what we can imagine. During his earthly ministry, Jesus reached out to the marginalized and overlooked, and that is exactly what we sought to do.
We shared gelatin treats and provided socks, played guitars, and sang songs from their favorite artists. Then, we had the honor of proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, praying, and singing praises. At the end of our visit, the women expressed their gratitude with smiles and told us, “Come more often, even if you don’t bring anything. Your time means so much to us.” And we do plan to visit regularly.
Out of respect for the residents’ privacy and security (since some are witnesses to drug trafficking and are protected by the government) we could not take photos inside. Nonetheless, the memories, the stories, and the joy of serving these women remain in our hearts. Though they may never attend our church, their lives are precious to Jesus. In the brief time we spent with them, they experienced the vast, long, high, and deep love of the triune God, even amid their challenging circumstances. We are committed to taking our church beyond the walls!
By Natanael Cruz, Pastor
Mexico City, Mexico
