We have a church building! Here's a little history... Checo's grandpa was a pastor and he built this church building and the house next door many years ago (I really don't know when, so "many years ago" is as specific as I can get). His grandpa passed away and no one took over the church. It's been over 20 years since there have been Sunday morning church services in the building. Checo's grandma offerred for us to use the building for the church that we are going to start. We can also use the house next door for Sunday school classes, dinners, etc. The church building is just one big room with a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and an office, so it will be nice to have the house next door. There is a lot of work to be done! The house will need lots of work- deep cleaning, painting, repairing the roof, fixing doors, etc. The church building needs work, but we will be able to start Sunday services and work as we go.
We are planning on starting Sunday services Sunday, March 15th (yep, we really aren't wasting any time)! We really appreciate all your prayers. We plan on knocking on doors and inviting the people to the church- that will be our main way of getting the word out. The church is in a needy neightborhood. Many of the people are poor and need to hear the good news of Jesus. Please pray that their hearts will be open to coming to the church and to receiving what God has for them.
Eventually we want to have a midweek service, probably on Wednesday. As well as a Discipleship class, where the people will learn about the basic beliefs of Christianity and of our church, giving them a firm foundation, strictly based on the Word of God. We also want to do a kid's after school program, offering music lessons, help with homework, a healthy meal, and english lessons (but this will be further down the road).
We look forward to letting you know how the first church service goes!
6 comments:
OH how exciting! My heart just leaps with gladness for your family! I know you are doing exactly what God wants you to be doing and I couldn't be happier for you! May you be blessed and safe as you are going door to door and may you say exactly the right words at exactly the right time. Blessings friends!
This is awesome! I'll definitely be praying for you guys! Also, I love seeing Sammy run around town without a shirt on! He's so darn cute!
"Adventures" is right! Way to jump on in; no time wasters here! While I was reading this, I was thinking, "wouldn't it be fun to help get that place in ship-shape?" And then I remembered you're not in Seattle, but Mexico. Sweet Mexico.
Thanks for the all the encouraging words. It's definately been hard at times, but we know that we're doing what God wants us to do. There have been lots of trials these last 2 weeks (I can't believe it's only been 2 weeks that we've been here), but we were never promised that it would be easy. We appreciate your support!
Jenny- We'd still love the help anytime you can come if you want a little adventure!
Save me something to scrub/paint/polish/what have you! I may just have to take you up on that offer. It would be like the high school mission trip I never got to take.
Are you and/or Checo going to be working? Or are you fund-raising and doing full-time ministry?
I would love to help in any long distance way you can think of. e.g. cards (you could give me Spanish greetings), I think sometimes churches need cards for different things. Or... kid's shoes (you said it was a poor neighborhood). Tablecloths or curtains or throwpillows or blankets maybe, for the Sunday School rooms or nursery b/c I like to sew! I can make these funny little vintagey-looking cloth dolls. I've only made girl dolls but I can try and make boys, too. Bean bags! Bean bags make fun and versatile toys. Felt board Bible story kits?
Anything you can think of; I would love to help! Just throw it out there, whatever you think of and I'll put my thinking cap on and see if I can do it! Now I'm sort of excited and hope you need things. Well, that came out wrong. I just hope there are things you need that I'm able to help with because I know you and Checo have a lot on your plate and I'd love to pitch in.
Bye for now!
So exciting! God is so good, having the church and the house and the neighborhood all waiting for you!
And I love all of your friend Jenny's ideas of assisstance. That's so great. You know I could really use a story felt board up here for the kids... ;)
Let me know how I can help too! I can't wait to come visit and do some "nursey" stuff. :)
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