Life; an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

Church plant in Montenegro

Have you ever been involved in a church plant? Where does the money come from? If you are being sent out by a denomination, there may be some funds available, but that is not always the case. We are working alongside a new church plant in a very poor suburb of San Juan de Lurigancho, called Montenegro. The pastor and his wife have prayed specifically for God’s will in their lives and know that when they relocated here from the jungle, it was in obedience to God’s leading. They began their ministry in our home church, but soon felt led to move out and to reach an area that was not being contacted by the Christian Missionary Alliance Church.

In February they began meeting in a home with just a few people. The desire to ‘go public’ was possible in May when they moved into the community center in Montenegro. At present the building (no roof, large cement plaza, bathrooms, storage closet) is way too large for their group, but it is in the perfect spot, with room for growth. They have 2 dozen new chairs, a sound system, one another and a focus from the Lord. The church is located one block from the main avenue which all the bus lines travel, one block from the primary and secondary school, one block from the Mercado (outdoor market) and across the street from their front door is a park!

There are so many start-up expenses incurred such as rent, utilities, transportation, signage and seating to begin with. The pastor teaches at the Christian Missionary Alliance Seminary and he and his wife have no other income and live by faith. There are the other luxuries we are all used to having in our churches such as multi media, a band (or some musical instruments) materials for teaching children and youth. Many church plants are very small in numbers, that’s why they are a church plant! There are just a few believers who have joined together to begin a new church in a specified area. So, naturally, the tithes and offerings are slim. It is no surprise that the people to do the work are few in numbers. But the other thing that stands out to us as we talk with the pastor and his wife, is the excitement, the vision and the hope and peace that they have and are sharing with those who partner with them on this journey.

Although the American TEAMs which ministered in San Juan de Lurigancho this summer were unable to visit this new church or their church neighborhood, their generosity and that of their friends and families from the states still ministered in a practical way beyond their comprehension. We called Pastor Alfredo and his wife Yvonne and asked them if they could come by our apartment as we had some things that might be helpful in their ministry. It was a wonderful afternoon as we gave them the gifts from the Americans. It was like Christmas in July!

Your donations included coloring sheets, paper, and crayons for their children’s ministry program. These they have had to do without as there is no money available to purchase them for the children. They were given a few games and toys for them to use as either prizes, gifts, or with the children in their church. The silly band bracelets, Frisbee, bat & ball and glow sticks all brought smiles and excitement to their faces. They were very happy to receive a supply of tracts (the comic strip type which are very attractive to the general public) some copies of the Gospel of John to give away, and 6 New Testaments for people who start to attend their church services. The salvation bracelets and a few cards with an explanation of the colors on it got them talking in Spanish so quickly that we couldn’t even follow the conversation, but we knew they had great plans on how they would use them and share the gospel. We, personally, had received a few Spanish copies of books by John Piper that we offered the pastor and his eyes became like saucers as he read the titles and expressed his appreciation.

The next donation was a real surprise – and a practical one as well. They took everything home in a suitcase and we said they could keep it. In fact, we had 3 more suitcases and they took them as well with many thanks, much appreciation, hugs and kisses for us to share with the Americans! Suitcases and boxes are difficult to come by and they use them to store items to keep them clean as the dust and dirt of the area finds its way into buildings without any problem as buildings are not built tight here as we know them in America. Before every service in any church we have ever attended, there are volunteers who are dusting off the seats before those attending the service sit down. Dust is a big problem in this area.

We spent time in prayer together, thanking God for these gifts and for the greatest of all, His Son, Jesus. We prayed for the opportunities the little church family would have to use these donations. We prayed for the Pastor and his wife and the Americans. And lastly, Don and I again thanked the Lord for using us as conduits, bringing the needs and resources together to glorify God.