Agoura Bible Fellowship, we are pleased to bring you an update from Iglesia Bautista Misionera, located in Bolivia. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of children in this community. The church wants you to know that they are praying that God would take care of you and protect you during the pandemic. In this report, you will find updates on recent construction, a summary of church activities during this unique time, a testimony of God’s provision, and prayer requests from the church.
Construction Progress
Over the past 60 days, construction workers:
- Built brick walls and are currently working on the floor in the sanctuary and classrooms.
- Added steps to the second floor of the church building.
- Installed a water tank and the septic tank.
- Made progress on the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Finished the wall around the perimeter of the church.
Challenges and Learning Opportunities
It has been challenging for the church to gather all of the necessary local resources during the pandemic. In light of this challenge, they are looking for new ways to raise funds and pay for labor.
Next Steps
In the next 60 days, the church will complete the following:
- Build the roof of the sanctuary.
- Place windows and doors in the sanctuary and in the classrooms.
- Build brick walls in the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Install electrical connection and plumbing.
- Clear leftover construction materials and equipment.
- Participate in a fast with the members of the church.
- Begin evangelism visits and follow-up with families in the community.
Church Activities
Before the pandemic began, the church had roughly 40 adults and 50 children attending. While many church activities have been suspended since then because of COVID-19, in September, the church was able to gather for an in-person service with 40 people. However, they share that this is not something they are able to do on a regular basis due to current restrictions. Due in part to these restrictions which prevent face-to-face gatherings, the church records no new baptisms.
During the last two months, the church has also been delivering hygiene kits for the most vulnerable children registered in the program and food packages for all children in the program. They have also been checking in on children in the program via phone calls and WhatsApp.
Testimony From Project Director Modesto
“During the planting of this church, I have been responsible for leading the construction, executing the budget, and raising the money to pay for the labor during this time. I was able to see the hand of God in all the activities we carry out. God is working so that we have the financial resources we need to pay for labor. The church used money from savings during the quarantine and pandemic and has not been able to organize many fundraising activities. However, God was good in the activities we did, such as selling food, a symbolic sale of square meters of the construction to the members of the church, and more. God touched the hearts of the parents of the children, friends of the neighborhood, and of course, the members of the church to contribute to the construction. I am convinced that if it weren’t for the grace of God, we would not have the great progress that we have.”
Praises and Prayer Requests
The church asks that you pray for the following:
- Pray that God will help the church to raise the necessary local resources to pay for labor until construction is completed.
- Pray that God protects and cares for each member of the church, each child, and their families.