TrueNorth Church, construction is well underway on the church plant you support in Ecuador. Thank you for your patience as the church leaders faced multiple obstacles in beginning construction. Because of your gift, 264 children are registered with Compassion and participating in the holistic child development program. The team plans to finish construction within the next month.
This update includes photos and details of the construction progress and church activities. In the photo above, workers place metal beams above the brick walls.
Objectives
The main aim of this intervention is to provide infrastructure and classrooms for the Iglesia del Nazareno to implement Compassion’s holistic child development program, benefitting 264 children, their families and the entire community. The completed construction will include a multipurpose room, a kitchen, two classrooms, and bathrooms for girls and boys.
The objective includes impacting the community through Christian service and discipleship and releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name. The 264 beneficiaries, their parents and at least 170 members of the community are already being impacted during the construction process.
Implementation Progress
Although the church had difficulties obtaining permits, the FCP was able to advance considerably in a short period of time.
- In May 2021, construction plans were finally approved and all the licenses were granted.
- In June 2021, the land was cleared and prepped for construction.
- In July 2021, the foundation was laid and the columns were assembled.
Photos of Early Construction
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- The land was leveled before formal construction began.
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- Large stones were used in the building’s foundation.
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- Workers fills the column bases.
Challenges and Learning Opportunities
The church planned to complete construction during dry weather and the dry season was shorter than anticipated. Other challenges included raising local resources and finding voluntary laborers, although the church succeeded in overcoming all obstacles. The church learned to mobilize resources through donations and volunteer work.
Impact of Your Gift
The construction of the church buildings has mobilized members of the church and volunteers to collaborate. Church leaders share that the construction project is creating a lot of expectation among residents and they know the church will be a great blessing for the community.
The beneficiaries’ families have been part of the construction and the children are getting to know their future learning environment. The beneficiaries are currently participating in the program in their homes or at a temporary location leased by the church until construction is completed.
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- The concrete columns and floor.
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- A construction crew works to cast the top slab.
The pastor of the church shared “The building will be a great blessing for those who are part of the church and families that are being supported by the program. It will be a safe place where children and adults can grow spiritually, physically, emotionally, and educationally.”
TrueNorth Church, thank you for partnering with Compassion International to release Ecuadorian children from poverty in Jesus’ name. Your gift is already impacting hundreds of children and their families. We look forward to bringing you a final report after the construction concludes.
