Thank you, Thrive Community Church, for your continued support and prayers for your church plant, Iglesia Cristiana Jesús el Nazareno Mompiche-Benignidad, in Ecuador. As you can see in this latest report from the field, the construction remains delayed due to circumstances outside of the church’s control, but that has not stopped the staff from ministering to children and the community.
Construction Progress
As noted in the previous report, we have built pillars, walls and metal forms. We completed the foundation, but had to stop because the municipal government has not returned the final deeds we need to continue with the construction.
Although the construction is delayed, we acquired the construction materials and are ready to start as soon as possible.
Church Activities
Currently, more than 30 adults, mostly mothers of beneficiary children, attend the church each Saturday, and 125 children attend the child development center.
We have seen 25 registered children transfer to other Compassion partner churches because of the temporary nature of employment in the community. Families migrate to other communities because most parents are day laborers. Usually the parents get temporary jobs, go to work and return. When they gain permanent, agricultural jobs, they move with their whole family and when they have finished with that job, they return, usually after eight months or more. That is one of the biggest reasons the church has had fluid attendance.
We continue with the outreach meetings for mothers on Saturdays, teaching about the Word of God. The mothers of the children are very interested because they want to learn more and are faithful in their attendance.
The pastor is working with families, and many are learning about the Gospel.
Challenges Encountered
Our greatest challenge was always the distance from other communities. We have also had strong winter storms, and the document issue has stopped the construction. Still, it is an honor to serve God and despite all the delays we continue to preach the Word of God in the Mompiche-Tres vías community.
Next Steps
We want to move forward with the construction as soon as possible, starting with walls, divisions, bathrooms, kitchen, and more, as mentioned in the previous report. Before the end of the year, the church will be completely built.
Testimony of Impact
“We like the work that the church is doing with the children, teaching them good values and the love of God.”
– Bianca, mother of a registered child
Praises and Prayer Requests
The parents have seen the effect of this church plant and they are happy. The church is working hard to empower the region. Thank you for your support and prayers for this community which needs God.
Please join us in praying for all the children and their parents, that everyone can know God. Pray for the finances of people in the community because they have limited resources.
Thank you for hearing the voice of the Lord. We are praying for you, and may God bless you always.