Kearney Evangelical Free Church, we are honored to present this final closeout report with details on the completion of your church plant, Centro Cristiano Dios es Amor located in Barranca Yuca, Mangangué, Bolivar, Colombia. Construction is complete and the church has opened its doors to the community. The church is currently serving 150 children and ministering to their families through Bible teaching and fellowship. Included in this report is a summary of construction progress, testimonies from church staff and the community, and photos of recent events at the church. Thank you for your commitment to releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name!
A Review of Progress
This intervention was implemented according to the established schedule, scope and budget. The following tasks and milestones were completed by the church plant team in Colombia:
- Church staff legally acquired land for the new building in December 2018.
- A technical team was hired to lead workers to construct a structurally sound building.
- Construction began on February 4, 2019 and ended on January 31, 2020.
- The new church building includes one multipurpose room, three classrooms, a separate bathroom for girls and boys, a technical operations room, a septic tank, a kitchen and pantry, a storage room, and outside the building are towers for two 3,000 liter water tanks.
- Child registration began in April 2019.
- The church inauguration ceremony was held in December 2019.
Objectives Achieved Through Your Support
The objective of building this church was to create a space to provide holistic care for 150 children, share the gospel, and reduce childhood malnutrition in the Barranca Yuca community. Specific objectives were to:
- Help beneficiaries develop good health and hygiene habits through the construction of safe kitchen and sanitation facilities.
- Build one multipurpose room and three classrooms to facilitate learning and growth.
- Create a space where church and center staff can minister to children and families through Bible lessons, conversations and discipleship.
- Encourage skills development in children and youth through sports, cultural and educational activities that provide them with the tools to support themselves in the future.
All indicators of success have been met. As soon as the quarantine is lifted, children and their parents can resume attending church services and activities.
A Testimony From Estefania, Mother of a Beneficiary in the Program
“First of all, I thank God for the opportunity to belong to this great center that my daughter attends. The center has changed her life. Since she started attending activities, she has learned about God, recognizes Jesus as her friend, she knows biblical stories and Christian songs, she learned about personal care and hygiene, and she made new friends. My daughter actively thanks God for all that He gives to us. As a family, we have participated in church services where church staff have prayed for our needs. As a parent, I have received support in pastoral counseling, attended lessons on child protection, and participated in activities that help me and my family.”
Q & A With the Pastor of Centro Cristiano Dios es Amor, Benjamín Méndez Carmona
How have the lives of beneficiaries changed since the intervention’s completion?
Each child has been ministered to through activities and prayer. The amount of community members requesting prayer for themselves or their families has visibly increased. In general, the population of Barranca Yuca has shown great interest in the church’s work. The church is a place where beneficiaries come to learn about God and grow in other areas. The church is also known as a space where children can enjoy a safe environment. Parents are putting their trust in the work that the church carries out because we have favor in the community.
How has the church plant benefited the area and your ability to minister to children?
Through this beautiful intervention, the church has been able to reach out to the community not only on a spiritual level, but also at a social level. We’ve been able to reach families through the gospel and welcome them into the church. This can be a challenge at times, but the church’s leadership is willing to persevere for the sake of Christ. This intervention has challenged me to evaluate my day-to-day commitment to ministry, to listen to the voice of God regarding excellent service, to give a biblical perspective at all times, to strengthen interpersonal relationships in order to reach families, to be sensitive to the needs of others, and to work on administrative and entrepreneurial management. All this is helping to provide better care to children and the community.
What would you like to say to those who provided the financial support for this church building?
It is a great blessing that we can be a part of your ministry. This center started as a part of God’s mission, and today you have made that a reality. We could see God’s support throughout this process. We thank God and you, who are our brothers and friends, and pray that you are motivated to continue participating in the Lord’s work.