Congratulations, Acts 29, for successfully planting another church! Pastor Lavoisier Costa, above, is leading the now-complete Igreja Batista Independente Betel em Patos, in Patos, Paraiba, Brazil. As you can see in this final field report, the church is excited and ready to see what the Lord brings them next. May God bless you for your support of this growing church body!
The process of building and establishing the church was a major challenge for the members, as they had never been involved in such a large project, but saw right away that God was moving through a small congregation. He moved donors to provide the financial resources, which was a miracle to this group. A crucial factor to this coming to fruition was the members of the congregation believing and becoming involved in the work. Today, they are living a dream of having their own space and a greater capacity to reach their community.
Construction Progress
After many challenges and struggles, the church members finally finished construction and celebrated the opening service of their church and child development center. These were days of struggle, but also days where they saw great miracles from God.
Church Activities
The biggest activity was the final preparation for the inauguration of the building. The entire church was continuously involved, day and night, to organize everything from the simplest to the most technical and difficult work. Men from the church took days off from their jobs – and holidays as well – to help. Because of this dedication and God’s grace, they were able to host their inauguration.
Challenges Encountered
God’s power has been evident, and church members are grateful. But they know the challenges continue. At this time, their biggest focus is to stand firm in the Lord, take care of what He has given them, and work to better serve their children and the church.
Next Steps
In the coming days, the remaining steps are meeting with the church to review everything that was done during the construction of the building and take stock of how the entire development process went. Then they will plan their calendar as a church and child development center.
Testimony of Impact
The inauguration is the church’s great testimony so far: the realization of what God has done through them.
Praises and Prayer Requests
The pastor and leadership team want to ensure that you know how grateful they are for you helping them in this difficult work, to know that God has done great things and has shown that He is present with them. They would also like to emphasize how God has worked miracles among them – many through their own hands.
The church members want to thank the partners who have blessed them with this work. They ask for prayer so that remain centered on God and they can help the children and adolescents in their community through the child development center. They especially hope that God will continue to move their church, reviving them each day more and more with love for the non-believers in their community. They hope to see God bring more people to congregate with them.