Written by: Matt Bird
Article source: JOY! Magazine

At significant moments in Biblical history, we see God changing the names of people and places when He is about to do something fresh and new. Abram became Abraham, Jacob became Israel, Simon was renamed Peter, Saul became Paul, and so on. Cinnamon Network International recently changed its name to NAYBA™ in a move to double its efforts to help churches reach their neighbourhoods.

Where does the name come from?
NAYBA founder Matt Bird explains, “The global church is facing a historic inflection point in the opportunity to be Christ in the midst of this crisis. Our global family has chosen a name that we believe will mark a new era of our impact and enable us to easily talk about Jesus and the heart of our mission to help local churches transform their neighbourhoods.” The name ‘NAYBA’ derives from the Belize Kriol language of Central America. It is the word used in the Belize Kriol Bible when Jesus said, ‘Luv yu NAYBA sayhn laik how yu luv yuself’ meaning “love your NEIGHBOUR as yourself”– Matthew 19:19

‘Luv yu NAYBA sayhn laik how yu luv yuself’
NAYBA will be helping the global Church double-down on its mission to love their neighbour by increasing the assistance it offers through its three core programmes:

• NAYBA Enterprise: helping churches create jobs to combat financial poverty and improve wellbeing and mental health in their neighbourhoods
• NAYBA Civic: helping churches to measure their collective impact in a local government area in order to strengthen transformational civic partnerships.
• NAYBA Replicate: helping churches to discern what Jesus wants them to do in their neighbourhood and replicate tried-and-tested community projects.

Helping thousands of churches
Cinnamon Network was founded by Matt Bird in 2010 and has since gone on to help thousands of churches in dozens of countries to have a greater impact in their communities. Commenting on the name change, Matt Bird said: “Cinnamon Network International derived its name from the London restaurant in which the first meetings were held. It has served us well but we believe that to be ready to respond to this new chapter, a name that directly signposts our mission and purpose is needed.” NAYBA™ helps churches transform neighbourhoods. Its global goal is to mobilise 35 000 local churches in 35 countries to demonstrate Jesus’ love in tangible ways to 3.5 million people experiencing vulnerability and isolation.

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Date published: 21/06/2021
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only.
Matt Bird is a global speaker and Founder CEO of NAYBA whose mission is to help churches transform neighbourhoods. Matt is also the founder of Relationology, helping businesses build profitable relationships and Issachar Global encouraging people about how to live and lead. He lives in Wimbledon UK with his wife Esther and their three teenage children. Visit nayba.co

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