Mexico Church Plant Closeout Report

First Baptist Church Tulsa, it is a pleasure to share with you this final report from your church plant, Sal y Luz, in the community of Unión Juárez, Mexico. Thank you so much for investing in the lives of this congregation and the greater community. May the Lord continue to bless you!

Your support is changing the lives of the Unión Juárez community, as you will see below. The past year has brought tremendous hope to the region culminating with the completion of the new church building. The congregation was very involved with the construction process. The pastor, who is a civil engineer, was in charge of construction. Every aspect of the project plan was completed in accordance with the quotes, blueprints and the schedule. From start to finish, construction took 10 months. The building construction was well received by the community and the local government. This new church building has opened up new opportunities for both the congregation of Sal y Luz Church, and the entire community. The church believes God will continue to move in Unión Juárez and the gospel will continue to spread throughout the region.

Construction Review

Currently, the church serves 190 children and 30 adults. The church congregation continues to actively share the gospel throughout the community. While the project was a success, both the congregation and the building will continue to bring hope to the community in the future.

This project went through several milestones before getting to this point:

• The church formed a construction committee that created a budget, drafted blueprints and managed the purchase of supplies. The committee was economical and found the best prices available for materials.
• The pastor kept the congregation apprised of the building’s progress throughout the construction process.
• Construction consisted of laying concrete foundations, constructing walls to designate rooms, installing electricity and plumbing, hanging the doors and windows, painting both interior and exterior walls and putting the roof in place.
• The construction schedule had several setbacks due to inclement weather, but the team managed to complete the building within the planned timeframe.
• The church leaders received training to help them better serve the community. The topics of this training included discipleship and evangelization.
• Upon completion, the building was inaugurated during a special service attended by church members, parents, and members of the community.

General Objective

To provide Sal y Luz Church with an adequate facility to preach the Gospel, make new disciples and continue working on the holistic development of 190 children.

Specific Objectives

• To construct a building that complies with all safety and security regulations and includes a sanctuary/multipurpose room, a kitchen, 3 classrooms and 2 bathrooms.
• To create a place for beneficiaries to participate in program activities as well as worship the Lord and study His Word.
• To create a space for the spiritual development of families in the Unión Juárez community. Utilizing the church building to host Bible studies and other fellowship activities will help families encounter Jesus and improve their quality of life.

The Impact of Your Support

The new building is being put to use and the community is thriving! Children take classes, participate in activities, play and take part in many other aspects of holistic development at the new church building. Many of the beneficiaries have had noticeable changes within their lives as a result of the church’s commitment to them and their families. The beneficiaries are eating nutritious meals prepared with high food safety standards in the church’s kitchen. The children attend classes in classrooms designated according to their age. Every week, people from the community attend worship services and Bible study groups. Church members preach the gospel and disciple others. These are all ways this church plant is working to extend the kingdom of God.

Church members now have a safe place to study the Bible and prepare and enjoy nutritious meals. The church has made a strategic alliance with the municipal government that demonstrates their commitment to protect children. The government offered a conference to the public on child care which the church hosted in their new building.

Sal y Luz Church is grateful to God for the support of First Baptist Church Tulsa for investing in this new building and their community.

Q&A With a Church Staff Member

Giezi Levi has served this church plant for the past 2 years. He shares more about how the new building has positively impacted the church and the child development center.

How have the lives of the affected children been changed since the project’s completion?

The intervention has had a positive impact on the lives of the beneficiaries. They now have space to participate in their activities. Additionally, they now have dedicated classrooms, clean bathrooms and a more spacious and beautiful kitchen. The new sanctuary is a perfect space for the children to sing and worship God. The children are grateful to God for the beautiful new building and all that has been done to give them new hope and greater opportunities.

How has this project benefited the church or community?

The church is grateful for this intervention since their previous space was very small and not adequate for their needs. The old space did not have classrooms, bathrooms, or a kitchen. Everything was done outdoors.

From the beginning, the community was in favor of the new building project. The local government also favored the new building and has used the space to hold conferences. The project has had great support from the community.

How has this project affected your ability to minister to children?

The classrooms are large enough to accommodate the children and their projects. Parents feel safe bringing their children to the new facility for program activities.

What would you like to say to those who provided the financial support for this intervention?

The church appreciates the support for this intervention. Many children, parents and members of the community have benefited from the new building.

Q&A With a Beneficiary

Genesis is 13 years old and lives in a household with 3 people.

What was your life like before the project was implemented?

Before, I did not know many children in the area. Since construction began, many more children have started to participate in activities hosted by the church, and I have started to make new friends. I enjoy Sunday school in one of the classrooms in the church.

How has your life changed now that this project is complete?

I have grown both physically and spiritually. I feel challenged to learn more about God and put good virtues into practice. I now have a stronger feeling of the presence of God in my life. I want to thank all who have made this project possible. We are thankful to God for this great gift.

What will this change mean for your future or the future of your family?

Having this new facility has helped strengthen my spiritual life. My family has been attending the church and we are all more committed to serving God.

What lessons have you learned from this project?

I better understand the sacrifice and magnitude of this gift. I value the building and am committed to being a good steward of this resource. I will also teach younger children to take care of this place. To me, this building is a gift from God.

What would you like to say to those who provided financial support for this project?

I would like to thank everyone who made this project possible. Without your support, we would not have this beautiful building and these excellent classrooms.

First Baptist Church Tulsa, thank you for your prayers and support for the Sal y Luz Church in Unión Juárez, Mexico.