Preston Trail Community Church, we’re pleased to report that construction is underway at Iglesia Roca Fuerte, one of the church plants you support in Nicaragua. Currently, 35 adults and 50 children are attending the church. This report contains an update on construction and church activities, along with photos.
The photo above shows a worker on the construction site.
Construction Progress
The church thanks God that they were granted a construction permit from the national authority. Shortly after getting the permit, church leaders met with a construction supervisor. Preliminary construction (tracing, leveling and excavating) began in June. Current work includes masonry and concrete work, along with placing reinforced steel frames for the sanctuary.
-
- Masonry and concrete work in the pavilion with three classrooms and a kitchen.
Challenges and Opportunities
- The paperwork process to obtain a construction permit was very challenging. Church leaders were persistent in explaining the importance of the church plant and child development center to the municipal authorities.
- The excavation work was also challenging because the soil has pyroclastic deposits and rocks, making it extremely difficult to drill beyond 85 centimeters.
- The price of construction materials continues to rise, so the church is negotiating with suppliers.
Next Steps
At the site of the sanctuary, workers will place reinforcements for the main footings, strip footing and columns, and then they will pour concrete. In the pavilion with three classrooms and a kitchen, workers will reach the crown beam and prepare to place metal roof structures.
Church Activities
The pastors of the mother and daughter churches are overseeing the construction procedures. Church members and the parents of children participating in the child development center formed excavating crews. They also set up three makeshift classrooms in an auditorium near the construction site. The church uses the temporary classrooms to maintain contact with the children participating in the Compassion program.
Gleysi is a tutor with the church’s child development center. She shares, “During classes, the children focus on Bible teaching and participate in activities with great enthusiasm. When staff visit children at home, we are greatly moved by their need for food. During class, they ask for more food at snack time. On many occasions, they only have one meal a day or they want to bring food to their parents. It is a pleasure to serve and love the children of this community.”
-
- Project staff tour the construction site.
-
- A view from the entrance to the construction site.
Praises and Prayer Requests
The church leaders are grateful for your support. They want you to know that they are declaring God’s blessings over this ministry. They look forward to sharing more testimonies to glorify God. They ask you to join them in prayer for the following requests:
- For God’s help with the construction process/schedule and that workers meet their goals each week.
- For the parents and children participating in the children’s ministry. The church is declaring that the community is a good land and receptive to the seed of the gospel.
- For the health of all those involved in the construction process and that they are protected from viruses.
With Gratitude
Staff from Iglesia Roca Fuerte want you to know that they are working to fulfill the mission and vision of the church in the community. They are persistent and believe that in due time they will reap if they do not give up. (Galatians 6:9, NIV). Thank you for your partnership!
