Awaken City Church, thank you for your support in planting a church in Zapotal, Mexico. Your gift has equipped National Presbyterian Church, Gate of Heaven to better serve their community through a new building. And while we know the church is far more than just a building, we have seen how a safe environment for Jesus’ followers to gather opens hearts and doors for ministry in the lives of children, their families, their communities and beyond. Included in this update are final construction details and photos. *Photos of people without masks may have been taken prior to the appearance of coronavirus in this community, or after it subsided.*
Construction Progress
Construction workers finished electrical and plumbing work throughout the buildings. Windows and doors were installed, and all interior and exterior walls are painted. Volunteers assisted in cleaning up the property to prepare for in-person gatherings at the new building.
-
- A view inside the completed sanctuary.
Challenges and Learning Opportunities
The church reports that a recent challenge they faced was painting the buildings as most community members had never painted before. However, many individuals stepped forward to help and even offered to prepare food for construction workers.
-
- Construction workers and community members take a break from working and enjoy food inside one of the buildings.
Church Activities
In August the church hosted a special ceremony to present the new building to community members. Additionally, they started some programming for children. The church pastor plans on continuing evangelizing to community members and recruiting parents and children to participate in church activities. The church is still working on registering children at their child development center.
-
- Pastor Armando gives a word of encouragement to community members during a special service.
Next Steps
Due to the global pandemic, this church has not officially opened its doors to community members for regular services or program activities for children. They hope to do this in the near future as regulations allow.
Praises and Prayer Requests
Pastor Armando shares these prayer requests:
“We ask that you pray for the families that still do not know the Lord Jesus and the families that are in physical and spiritual poverty. Through our new building, we hope to be able to carry the Word of God to these families and children. We also ask that you pray this church would be a place that brings change in the lives of many families. We are motivated by the Lord, and we will continue to serve Him as long as life allows us. This work unites us as a family and we know we can do many things when the Lord motivates us.”
-
- The church has been able to host some programming for children in the community. They are protecting the health and safety of children and families by not holding regular group meetings at the church.
Thank You
The pastor of the church plant in Mexico sends you the following message of thanks.
“Constructing a new church has been a great blessing to us. This church is a great opportunity for community members to know God and for their children to receive holistic care. The people of the community cannot believe that in such a short time the church has been built, despite the pandemic which delayed some elements of construction. But God is good, and thanks to Him we were able to complete the construction. Today we can see the fruit of this effort. We are very grateful, first of all to God who saw something in us, and also grateful to the donors who made this vision come true. God bless you.”