First Free Church, we’re pleased to report that construction is complete at the Christian and Missionary Alliance church in La Libertad, Peru! Your generous gift to plant this church and child development center is bringing hope to a community in desperate need.
Currently, 40 adults attend worship services and 150 children participate in the child development center, El Porvenir for Christ, (The Future for Christ). In the above photo, Pastor Frank preaches in the newly-completed sanctuary.
An Overview of Construction
- March 2022: leaders from the mother and daughter churches formed a construction committee.
- June 2022: Architect’s blueprints were finalized, materials were purchased and construction began. The project team included a master builder, skilled laborers, volunteers from the church and community, and support from the municipality.
- November 2022: Due to heavy rains, the team requested an extension until January to finish the construction.
- January 2023: Construction concluded.
Assessment, monitoring and verification was performed by the master builder and church leaders. The church held an inaugural service attended by many families in the community.
-
- The beautiful sanctuary comfortably seats large groups of children and adults.
Milestones Accomplished
The new church and child development center provides safe infrastructure for the church to share the gospel and offer a range of spiritual, educational and enrichment activities. The completed facility includes:
- One multipurpose room/sanctuary.
- Five classrooms.
- A kitchen and an office.
- Separate bathrooms for boys and girls.
Ministry Progress
Pastor Juan of the mother church sees the difference the church is making in the community. He says:
“I see the joy of the community over the new church and the Compassion Program. The church is a place to learn about Christ and his teachings, leading to better coexistence between people. People have noticed the love of our church members for children and their families.”
By implementing Compassion’s program, the church provides holistic child development classes, spreads the gospel, improves children’s health and strengthens families.
Parents benefit from Bible teaching and workshops on health, child protection, income-generation and other topics. Children are attending classes in a safe and comfortable environment and also enjoying recreational activities.
The church holds Sunday worship services, evangelistic meetings, and has an active youth ministry that meets in three small groups. The child development center hosts classes on Saturdays.
Lucila is the parent of a child participating in the Compassion center. She and her husband struggled to find work and provide for their children. Lucila explains:
“The life and future of my family and children was very uncertain, around here there is no hope of something better for my children. Thank you with all my heart for what you have done helping in the construction of the place where the children will go to learn many things about God and their health. May God continue to help you a lot and take care of you.”
A Message From Pastor Frank
Dear Friends,
We are very grateful for your generosity and for giving us the opportunity to do a better job as a church. Your support has been God’s answer to our prayers. The Lord continues to challenge and strengthen us to move forward when we see so much spiritual and material need. We know that it is his will and we want with love to prepare ourselves to continue serving in his work.
We thank God for allowing us to serve and you for helping us in this task. We thank you from the depths of our hearts and may our good God bless you abundantly and meet your needs.
Impact of Your Gift
First Free church, your generosity is changing the trajectory of a community in an area of extreme poverty. Children and families are now experiencing life-changing programs that will help them break the chains of poverty and grow into their God-given potential.
The church team asks you to continue to pray for the pastoral family, church leaders and the children and families participating in the Compassion center. Thank you for partnering with Compassion International to make such a profound difference!
