Greetings, Preston Trail Community Church. Thanks to your partnership, construction is well underway at Iglesia del Nazareno. The above photo shows progress on the church building (left) and the classroom and kitchen pavilion (right). This report describes construction status and recent ministry activities.
Construction Progress
Pastor Benita negotiated discounts to rent equipment and tools, such as the concrete mixer, scaffolding, drills, and steel rod cutters. The church is recruiting parents to participate in the tasks of filling, leveling and compacting the ground.
25% of the construction tasks are completed. Building progress includes the following:
- Foundations are finished for the classrooms and kitchen, as well as the church building.
- Reinforcing steel for columns and the intermediate tie beam was placed to start the formwork and concrete pouring in all buildings.
- Block walls are in progress for the sanctuary.
- Work has begun on the sanitary block.
Challenges and Learning Opportunities
The leadership team has learned much as they work with the construction supervisor. They have a firm understanding of the stages and sub-stages of the work. They periodically evaluate the construction progress to ensure best practices are followed. A few challenges have arisen including:
- A shortage of qualified stone masons (local workers prefer to cultivate cassava plants).
- The rotation of laborers has delayed some tasks.
- Certified concrete blocks are in short supply.
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- Workers reinforce the church building with rods due to the uneven terrain.
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- Construction of the church building is underway.
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- Progress in the classroom and kitchen area.
Next Steps
If there are no delays due to rain, workers aim to complete 80% of the work over the next 60 days including the tasks below:
- Installing the metal roof structure and roof cover of aluminized zinc sheet.
- Assembling fences and gates, doors, and ceramic finishes.
- Installing pipes and sanitary equipment.
- Completing electrical work (load center, electrical conductors, pipes, lights, electrical accessories, etc.).
Ministry Impact
Iglesia del Nazareno is committed to ministering to children and youth and seeing them freed from poverty in Jesus’ name. Currently, 70 adults and 200 children regularly attend the church. The church plant and Compassion center are already making a difference in the community.
Duglas is a local father who has a son participating in the child development center. His family sees the work of the church in the community and the joy of his son when he attends Bible classes and meets with his friends. The blessing that has come to his son has motivated Duglas to make changes in his life, mainly a true spiritual change. He adds that he feels motivated when he observes the construction progress. He hopes that the inauguration of the new facilities will be met with praises of joy and gratitude.
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- Local children walk home from school. Due to heavy rains, the dirt roads are in poor condition.
Praises and Prayer Requests
Preston Trail Community Church, the staff of Iglesia del Nazareno thank you for responding to the spiritual need in their community. They ask God to bless you in an extraordinary way. The church asks you to join them in prayer for the following:
- Please pray for the children participating in the center. Pray for their physical, emotional and spiritual safety.
- Pray for the families in the community. Ask God for revival and for families to worship God.
- Pray for the pastors, ask God’s coverage and support in their personal needs.
- Please pray for the leadership team.
- Pray for success in administrative and functional tasks.
We look forward to bringing you more updates on the progress of this church plant. May the Lord bless you and your ministry!
