The Nazarene Church of La Castellana is based in the Santa Martha community, zone 5. The church reaches out to the “Jesus del Gran Poder” and “La Castellana” neighborhoods. Seventy percent of the residents in these areas are children. The poverty rate is high due to a lack of resources, education and employment opportunities. People try to earn a living as day laborers or through informal commerce. This sector lacks basic services such as reliable drinking water and sanitation. There are no other active ministries in the community and people are very open to the gospel.
The church is pastored by Israel Reina, Israel was a worship leader and youth leader at the mother church. He is married and has a three-year-old son. He is passionate to reach the community with the message of the gospel. Currently, 120 adults and 133 children from the center attend church. Thirty adults have received Christ and 12 people were recently baptized.
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- Pastor Israel Reina with children from the child development center sending a greeting to sponsors
Construction is well underway and the church is active in ministering to the community. The community is welcoming and receptive to the gospel. Marjorie, the mother of a child who attends the project, shares this testimony:
I am Marjorie, mother of Mathias, as a family member I can say that the church is quite influential in the community, I see how other parents come eager to hear more about God, and we are all learning, my son always asks me: “Mommy, is it Sunday already?”
He looks forward to that day to attend church because his teacher teaches him about God. He already has friends at church, he also loves the plays and puppets that church leaders prepare for children. We have all noticed the preparation and love they have and personally I am very happy to be part of this church.