Greetings, Emmanuel Baptist Church! Thank you for your faithful support of church planting in Ecuador. The church you planted, Centro Evangelistico la Fidelidad de Dios, is now fully built and ready for use! Currently, over 100 children and 180 adults are coming to know the love of Christ because of your generous gift. In the photo above, registered children perform a dance at the church opening ceremony.
This report includes updates on the implementation and impact of the intervention, testimonies from the church pastor, a church leader and a registered child and photos of the implementation process.
Implementation Progress
Throughout the implementation process, the following steps were completed:
- Church staff hired construction workers in January 2021.
- Construction workers and volunteers cleared and excavated the land on the construction site.
- Construction workers laid the building foundation.
- Church staff purchased construction materials.
- Workers completed construction and cleaned the facilities.
- Church leaders held an opening ceremony in August 2021.
Church staff and construction workers faced challenges during the implementation process, including closures due to COVID-19, increased material costs and having to replace soil that was not suitable for construction. They learned that God can make a way for dreams to come true even in extreme circumstances. They also learned to work together as a team and to build healthy working relationships with local authorities.
Impact of the Intervention
This intervention has provided children, families and community members with a safe space to gather and learn about God. Currently, over 100 registered children attend child development activities in a setting that is comfortable and conducive to learning. They grow spiritually and are discipled by church staff who help them to reach their full potentials. The new facilities include a sanctuary, kitchen, pantry, dining room, bathrooms, septic tank and two classrooms.
The church is committed to sharing the Gospel with the community. Through evangelism efforts, they have reached 50 adults. Care provided during the pandemic has encouraged many families to open their doors to the church.
A Testimony From the Church Pastor
“We have been working in this community for three years, enough time to understand the most pressing needs of children in our area. We give glory to God and thank you for supporting the construction of modern and functional church facilities that will help us to serve the children and their families to the best of our abilities.”
A Testimony From Rosa, a Church Leader
“Despite the pandemic, a time of blessing and prosperity has come to our community. The new church facilities have created an opportunity for us to find a path forward. Children are learning to pray and read the Bible. At the church, they receive love and acceptance that will give them confidence because they are known, loved, valued and protected. Parents are learning Biblical principles that are helping them to transform their parenting. I thank God he has raised generous hearts. May he reward you a hundredfold.”
A Testimony From Scarlet, a Student
“Before the intervention was implemented, we didn’t have enough food, and my parents would fight all the time. I felt we were far from God. Now, my family goes to church where we listen to the Word of God. My father is learning about God, and God is changing his life. Church staff are helping my parents. I am learning that God helps children and adults. He loves us and gave us a beautiful place where we can be with him. Thank you for thinking of us.”
Thank You for Your Support
Thank you for partnering with Compassion International to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. The support you have provided will impact children for years to come. May God bless you abundantly!
