Last Monday (12/15), we were perplexed when the deal fell through for the building we wanted to rent. They gave us our deposit back without even a counter offer! Though disappointed, we continued to search for a building, but to no avail. We knew then that God's plans and timing were different from our own.
We still had to make plans for the VBS in January. Since we couldn't hold it at a church building, we decided to have it in our backyard. The down side is that we wouldn't be able to invite as many children, but the positive side is that we already know almost all the children in the neighborhood. So, we proceeded to print flyers and invite people, and God kept working. The neighborhood "manager" (who is in charge of who does what here), has been very helpful in allowing us to advertise for the VBS. They are also allowing us to do a fireworks show at New Year's and then the CCC mission team will give a mini-concert right there at the clubhouse.
On Saturday, we went house to house, introducing ourselves and passing out the invitations to the fireworks show and the VBS, along with a church brochure and a little mini-loaf of homemade banana bread. We were able to reach about 25 neighbors that day, and will keep going until everyone is invited. The reception was wonderful! Of course, they all wanted to know the whole story of the North Americans who live in their neighborhood, but we tell it gladly!
Just today (Monday), Amy was speaking with one of the neighbors, the mom of an ESL student. Because this lady is a neonatal doctor at a nearby hospital, she asked if she happened to know our friend who is a pediatric surgeon, Dr. Martinez-Ferro. It turns out she was a resident under his charge many years ago. She went on and on about how much she admires him on a professional level, to the point that if one of her children had to have surgery, she would want him to do it. Amy shared with her how we are friends through church, and that seemed to give the ministry we are doing here instant credibility and that was another confirmation that God wanted us to hold this VBS in this neighborhood.
Right about the same time, the realtor for the original building we wanted called back and counter-offered the exact price we were waiting for! Praise the Lord for how He works His perfect will in His perfect way!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Update on Building Search
Special Prayer Request
We found a building to rent in the center of Pilar, not too far from where we are now. It's a house on a main avenue that can easily be converted into a church set-up. Of course, it would also need some paint and lots of soap and elbow grease!
We have enough ministry funds to pay the rent, but our church people would have to give to cover the monthly expenses (power, gas, taxes, etc.). But, that's a good thing! We have a nice little group of 25 right now (representing 7 families) and they need to be involved in all aspects of this church plant.
We presented this prospect to the group Wednesday night at our weekly Bible study. They were very enthusiastic about the idea of a bigger building and having Sunday services soon. We passed out slips of paper for them to let us know how much they could give monthly in order to help us plan for the expenses. One of the men added it up and came up with plenty and then some! We were pleasantly surprised!
James spoke with the realtor again to make sure we can make the necessary changes. He said that was fine and we will have that written in the contract. Ideally, we would like to have the keys in hand by December 15 so we can get to work and have it ready for VBS with the Clearwater Christian College mission team January 5 - 10. Please pray for the Lord to work out all the details, as only HE can!
The upfront cost is the main obstacle we have right now. As customary, we need to pay a deposit, realtor’s commission, and other fees. This adds up to $3,000. We have $1,500 in ministry funds that we can use. We will take a special offering at the Bible study. Pray with us that God will give us the exact amount we need and if God would have you to contribute to this need.
The red dot is the facility for rent. The green square in the middle is the main plaza. Our current location is 5 blocks to the west (on the other side of the plaza). We would continue to have access to bus lines and the train. Parking is available on the property or on the street.
We found a building to rent in the center of Pilar, not too far from where we are now. It's a house on a main avenue that can easily be converted into a church set-up. Of course, it would also need some paint and lots of soap and elbow grease!
We have enough ministry funds to pay the rent, but our church people would have to give to cover the monthly expenses (power, gas, taxes, etc.). But, that's a good thing! We have a nice little group of 25 right now (representing 7 families) and they need to be involved in all aspects of this church plant.
We presented this prospect to the group Wednesday night at our weekly Bible study. They were very enthusiastic about the idea of a bigger building and having Sunday services soon. We passed out slips of paper for them to let us know how much they could give monthly in order to help us plan for the expenses. One of the men added it up and came up with plenty and then some! We were pleasantly surprised!
James spoke with the realtor again to make sure we can make the necessary changes. He said that was fine and we will have that written in the contract. Ideally, we would like to have the keys in hand by December 15 so we can get to work and have it ready for VBS with the Clearwater Christian College mission team January 5 - 10. Please pray for the Lord to work out all the details, as only HE can!
The upfront cost is the main obstacle we have right now. As customary, we need to pay a deposit, realtor’s commission, and other fees. This adds up to $3,000. We have $1,500 in ministry funds that we can use. We will take a special offering at the Bible study. Pray with us that God will give us the exact amount we need and if God would have you to contribute to this need.
The red dot is the facility for rent. The green square in the middle is the main plaza. Our current location is 5 blocks to the west (on the other side of the plaza). We would continue to have access to bus lines and the train. Parking is available on the property or on the street.
Monday, December 1, 2008
December Prayer Letter
A Good Problem to Have
What could be a good problem for a church? We’re running out of space! God provided our current location at a great price in order for us to get started. Now, we’re maxed out and realize that we cannot grow unless we find something bigger to rent. Please pray for a meeting place for at least 100 people, with classroom space, in a central location, and at an affordable price. This may seem like an extraordinary request, but we know that our God “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Eph. 3:20).
Fifteen missionary families (serving in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Mexico) met together for our bi-annual Baptist World Mission South American Family Conference. We were privileged to sit under the preaching of Pastor John Stevens (a supporting pastor) from North Charleston, South Carolina. This was also a great time to renew friendships and exchange ministry ideas. Click here for pictures – Part I and Part II.
Family Matters
When Lauren went for an annual check-up with her urologist this month, he expressed concern over her frequent urinary tract infections, which are accompanied by high fevers. So, he is sending her for further testing. The first matter is to rule out urinary reflux. This is what she had surgery for in 2004, so it would be extremely rare if she had it again.
For those of you who are familiar with Lauren’s history, you know that her major issues were resolved by the time she turned four, so there is a great deal she does not remember. Now that she’s older, she understands more of what is going on, and it makes her nervous. Please pray for Lauren (emotionally and physically) and that God will be glorified in all of this.
“So then neither is he that planteth any thing,
neither he that watereth;
but God that giveth the increase.”
(1 Cor. 3:7)
What could be a good problem for a church? We’re running out of space! God provided our current location at a great price in order for us to get started. Now, we’re maxed out and realize that we cannot grow unless we find something bigger to rent. Please pray for a meeting place for at least 100 people, with classroom space, in a central location, and at an affordable price. This may seem like an extraordinary request, but we know that our God “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Eph. 3:20).
The first week of January a missions team from Clearwater Christian College will be here to hold a VBS program, as well as several concerts here in Pilar. We would love to be in a building by then in order to establish ourselves in the community. Then, the plan is to start regular Sunday church services in March.
Baptist World Mission South American Family Conference
November 17 - 21, 2008 - Mar del Plata, Argentina
November 17 - 21, 2008 - Mar del Plata, Argentina
Fifteen missionary families (serving in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Mexico) met together for our bi-annual Baptist World Mission South American Family Conference. We were privileged to sit under the preaching of Pastor John Stevens (a supporting pastor) from North Charleston, South Carolina. This was also a great time to renew friendships and exchange ministry ideas. Click here for pictures – Part I and Part II.
Family Matters
When Lauren went for an annual check-up with her urologist this month, he expressed concern over her frequent urinary tract infections, which are accompanied by high fevers. So, he is sending her for further testing. The first matter is to rule out urinary reflux. This is what she had surgery for in 2004, so it would be extremely rare if she had it again.
For those of you who are familiar with Lauren’s history, you know that her major issues were resolved by the time she turned four, so there is a great deal she does not remember. Now that she’s older, she understands more of what is going on, and it makes her nervous. Please pray for Lauren (emotionally and physically) and that God will be glorified in all of this.
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