Creekside Christian Church, we are grateful for your gift to plant a new church near Guayaquil, Ecuador. Thank you for your patience as the church team at Iglesia del Nazareno has faced many challenges. The church leadership remain committed to completing the construction project and they now expect to finish construction by October 2023.
Although there have been construction delays, the church’s child development center is serving 150 children in a rented space. Leaders are active in community ministry and they have shared the gospel with 150 children and 48 adults.
In the above photo, children participate in a child development activity.
Construction Progress and Next Steps
The construction is currently 20% complete. The church property is on a plot of land that is approximately 4,000 square feet. The land has been cleaned, prepared, flattened and compacted. Workers completed a metal structure for the area designated as the multipurpose room/sanctuary. A subfloor is also finished. The space is used for worship services and community outreach meetings.
In addition to the multipurpose room, the completed church facility will contain two classrooms, a kitchen and dining room and bathrooms.
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- The completed metal frame and roof for the sanctuary.
Challenges and Learning Opportunities
The church has faced numerous difficulties including multiple waves of COVID-19, inflation and heavy rain. New waves of the pandemic considerably delayed the construction during the early months of 2022.
Secondly, the cost of construction materials rose sharply. The team has worked diligently to raise local resources and cover the additional costs. The photos below show construction progress.
Workers build the metal framing for the sanctuary.
Church Activities and Community Impact
Despite the obstacles, church staff trust in God and his plan. The pastor shared a verse that is dear to him: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV). Although the construction is in progress, the presence of the church and child development center are positively impacting the community.
Child development staff held virtual meetings with children when public gatherings were prohibited. Healthcare was provided for children via telemedicine. The church also distributed food baskets to the families of children participating in the Compassion program.
In January 2022, the child development center safely resumed in-person activities with children. Staff share that it is a great experience to teach children about God and to share in their joy. Children attend the center on Sundays and participate in Bible class and activities. Tutors visit children in their homes and the church hosts special programs on holidays as a form of outreach.
With Gratitude
We look forward to bringing you updates on the impact of this church plant. Your support is making a difference in the lives of Ecuadorian children and families. Thank you for your partnership with Compassion International!