We are exceedingly grateful to report the completion of your church plant, Foursquare Church “Pan de Vida” Villa Cielo in Cordoba, Colombia. With this final report from the staff there, we hope you are encouraged and inspired by the work of the pastor and staff. They have seen to fruition a most worthwhile dream – a place where children and their families can feel welcome, safe and, most importantly, loved by God.
Construction Review
The objective of this project was to build learning spaces in a new partner church in the Villa Cielo neighborhood, where the main problem facing children was the need for social care and protection. The mother church, Vivir Mejor, together with a work team and construction specialists, achieved the following milestones:
- The construction of the new church, which included:
- A first-floor multipurpose room, kitchen, two sanitary units with six finished bathrooms, including sinks and toilets.
- Second-floor classrooms that can each accommodate 30 children, an office and space to add a bathroom in the future.
- Preparing three classrooms, allowing the staff to serve children in separate age groups. The classrooms were plastered, painted and decorated. They have been equipped with all necessary materials to start activities according to the curriculum.
- Using the new kitchen to provide lunches to registered children, with nutritional guidance from the health adviser.
- Sending the volunteer staff of the mother church to visit homes, register 200 children, and begin activities.
- Managing economic resources and a volunteer workforce from the mother church to achieve this mission.
- Inaugurating the church and new child development center in June. The new multipurpose room was where many parents and community members first heard the gospel.
- Offering hygiene workshops and teaching handwashing in sinks built for boys and girls, giving them the opportunity to learn healthy habits.
Pastor’s Testimony of Impact
Through this program, more children attend the church because they like to be in the classrooms to share with their teachers and friends. Children have had changes in their behavior, are learning hygiene skills and have a sense of belonging.
The new building has made a significant impact on the church: Now it is much more suitable and welcoming. Before, rain would leak through many holes in the roof. The construction has brought the church and community closer together, in mutual support.
This help fills us with satisfaction, and there are not enough words to thank those who made this possible – to contribute to this great dream that today is a reality. I am touched to see their love for the work of the Lord, so from the bottom of my heart, I wish the glory of God in their lives for this great blessing.
– Eugenio Francisco Ramos Corcho,
pastor
Indicators of Success
- An average of 85 percent of children attend activities in the child development center.
- 50 percent of parents listen to the gospel of Christ in Sunday school, which takes place in the multipurpose room.
- 100 percent of registered children attend activities in three classrooms with adequate space, good ventilation and easy-to-clean materials.
- 95 percent of beneficiary children know cleanliness and handwashing are essential to prevent diseases.
- 95 percent of children are receiving better nutrition with food from the center and are strengthening friendships while they learn good eating habits.
- At least 85 percent of parents and guardians attend reflection sessions on the relevance of their role in the development of their children.
Beneficiary Q&A
Isaac David Sena Martinez, a father of a child registered at the Pan de Vida child development center and head of a household of five, answers questions about the effect the new center has made on children in the community:
What will this change mean for your future or the future of your family?
I think that through this foundation it is possible to have better academic and spiritual education for children, and if we have this type of education, there could be an excellent future for the family.
How has your life changed now that this intervention is complete?
As a father seeing these kinds of blessings in the lives of children, I now know that things can be better and safe, that the future of our children can be prosperous.
What lessons have you learned from this intervention?
One of the teachings that I have seen is how God uses people to bless a community and how through something like this, people’s souls can be rescued and given a purpose.
What would you like to say to those who provided the financial support for this intervention?
God bless you greatly so that you continue to provide this type of blessing for other children. I feel extremely grateful.