Awaken City Church, we are honored to present this final closeout report with details on the completion of your church plant, National Presbyterian Church, Gate of Heaven located in Chiapas, Mexico. Construction is complete, and the church has opened its doors to the community for socially-distanced services. Activities at the child development center are paused to protect the health and safety of children. The church is currently serving nearly 100 children and their families by delivering age-appropriate educational materials, food packages and hygiene kits. This report includes a summary of construction progress and testimonies from church staff and the community. Thank you for your commitment to releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name!
A Review of Progress
Launched in September 2019, this intervention was completed in August 2020. Due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the initial schedule, scope and budget were modified to meet the circumstances. The following tasks and milestones were completed by the church plant team in Mexico:
- A civil engineer helped the church planning committee establish a plan and budget for the new building.
- The committee gathered quotes from three different suppliers for building materials.
- Materials were purchased in two phases.
- Local government supplied machinery to help level the land, and excavation for a septic tank began. The first stage of construction was funded by mobilizing local resources.
- A volunteer team of 40 individuals worked on building columns and walls for the church building, classrooms and restrooms.
- An electrician installed a system to bring electricity to all of the buildings.
- A plumber installed toilets, sinks, showers, faucets for the kitchen, and a 2,500 liter water tank.
- A blacksmith constructed 8 windows, the front doorway and an emergency door.
- A team of 10 individuals painted all exterior and interior walls.
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- The beginning phases of construction.
Objectives Achieved Through Your Support
The general objective of building this church was to create adequate facilities for staff to continue sharing the Gospel and ministering to the community, to form new disciples for Jesus, and to establish a program that promotes the holistic development of children in the community. Specific objectives were to:
- Build basic facilities that comply with national safety standards including three classrooms, one multi-purpose room, one kitchen, and a restroom separated into blocks for males and females.
- Have basic and safe facilities to evangelize children and the community. Create a biblical teaching space for the spiritual development of families.
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- The handwashing sinks outside of the restroom building.
A Testimony From Marisol, a Child You Support Through This Intervention
My life was empty because I did not know Jesus. But now I know that He is my friend and He takes care of me wherever I am. I used to fight with other children at the center, but not anymore. God teaches me many things. I like to play with my friends at the center. I feel more motivated to continue with center activities because every day I learn new things. I feel more calm and sure of myself because the Lord Jesus is with me.
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- Pastor Rafael dedicating the first building column before major construction began.
Q & A With Pastor Rafael
How have the lives of beneficiaries changed since the intervention’s completion?
The beneficiaries feel motivated to participate in program activities because there is no other church in this community. They have the opportunity to learn about Jesus and at the same time learn about good personal habits, moral values, and they can participate in sports. Children will enjoy improved emotional and spiritual health.
How has the church plant benefited the area and your ability to minister to children?
This intervention has helped us to concentrate on ministry. It is an opportunity for children of the community to learn good values and combat physical and spiritual poverty. This is a new experience for us, and it motivates us to continue doing the Lord’s work. With the new facilities, we will have decent space to care for children and that makes it easier for us to do the Lord’s work.
What would you like to say to those who provided the financial support for this church building?
I would like to tell you that we are very grateful. We are sure this will be a great blessing for children and their families. Please continue working for the Lord and we pray that everything you do for him will be rewarded. We will continue working to bring the gospel to families who still do not know Jesus Christ.
Thank You
Awaken City Church, thank you for partnering with Compassion International. The church plant that you funded is bringing hope to the Zapotal community in Mexico. Many children and their families will continue to be blessed through your generosity. May the Lord continue to bless your members and your ministry!