Community service: a strategy of reaching out to Muslims in Auchi, Edo state

Abstract

Community service has been found to create an opportunity for the preaching of the gospel of salvation to non-adherents. It is a very significant way for a Christians to connect with our communities and people which might be resistant to the gospel. Although this program can help contemporary efforts of mission to us follow Jesus’ model of service in reaching out to Muslims in Auchi which is largely Islamic and the Adventist message is very unfamiliar and it has not been given a serious consideration. This study, therefore, is to focuses on developing a strategy of reaching Muslims in Auchi through community service. The method used during the research was descriptive research method. About hundred questioners were given out and were properly administered to people in Auchi community, the aim was to find out if the people were used to community service. Based on our findings, a plan was designed for effective community service as in the clearing of bushes or strategic places. In addition, health lectures were duly carried out.The researcher discovered that Adventist could do a lot through community service such as providing free health services, water, cleaning of the environments and basic needs, to reach the Muslims in Auchi. When well implemented, community service could establish a cordial relationship between the people and Adventist; thus and an avenue for the Adventist message to be well proclaimed. The study also found out that most Adventists need to be trained on Muslim evangelism. With the community service done in Auchi, the work concluded that Auchi needed a special attention when evangelizing the area and community service is more effective and appropriate in this area. Providing health services and basic amenities will lead to an open door to the Muslims. Therefore, the Adventist church in Edo State needs to intentionally train its ministers and laity in community service evangelism, provide special budgets for it and also make it an integral part of its evangelism strategy to reach certain communities.