Thank you, Emmanuel Baptist Church! Your gift to plant Centro Evangelistico La Fidelidad de Dios in Santa Elena, Ecuador is providing children with a safe space where they can learn, grow, build friendships and experience God’s love in action. Over the past few months, great progress has been made on construction. In the photo above, church leaders gather outside the new sanctuary.
This report includes updates on construction and church activities, a testimony from the mother of a beneficiary and praises and prayer requests.
Construction Progress
After eight months, construction workers completed all major construction. During this time, members of the community volunteered to help. They built a fence to protect the children at the center and cleared the land surrounding the church. Some caregivers were also paid to help with construction.
Challenges and Opportunities
Coronavirus has been a great challenge in this community. When the town closed and material prices increased, construction was delayed. After evaluation by an engineer, it was determined that the soil at the construction site needed adequate padding to support the construction. Workers fortified the ground accordingly.
Church members also volunteered to help with construction. The church shares that they have learned that even in the most difficult times, God makes a way for dreams to come true.
Church Activities
Currently, 40 children and 70 adults are regularly attending church services on Saturday afternoons. Church leaders make phone calls to community members to invite them to come. The church also runs a music and dance ministry where children are mentored, build friendships and express themselves creatively. During the pandemic, church staff also held workshops where they taught children and families how to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
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- Community members worship and give thanks to God.
A Testimony From Mónica, the Mother of a Beneficiary
During the church opening ceremony, Mónica, a mother whose daughter is a beneficiary in the program, expressed her gratitude for the new church facilities. She shared her deep satisfaction in having a place where children in the community can receive care and be encouraged to achieve their dreams.
Praises and Prayer Requests
Pastor Nicanor praises God for the support the church has received. The new facility will enable the church to address the pressing needs of children and their families. Pastor Nicanor believes that the church is the most beautiful building in the community. Please join him in praying for the children to grow in faith.
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- The daughter church pastor visits the construction site.
