Slowly but surely the construction of the new church building is going forward. Last week truckloads of earth were dumped on the building site, and this week the earth was leveled and work has begun on some of the pieces of the new building.
MINISTRY NEWS FROM SAN PEDRO, COAHUILA, MEXICO
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Construction News
Slowly but surely the construction of the new church building is going forward. Last week truckloads of earth were dumped on the building site, and this week the earth was leveled and work has begun on some of the pieces of the new building.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Construction
Or rather, destruction....this weekend we finally started to tear down the old church building in preparation for the construction of the new building. Early Saturday morning a group of men (and some women) from the congregation gathered to salvage bits and pieces from the old building (doors, windows, fans, air conditioning units, etc.) and then break down the roof.
The roof came down easily - some might say too easily - and as we watched it come down, we all thought about how much time we had spent underneath it, how much (probably undeserved) trust we had put in its stability...
The roof came down easily - some might say too easily - and as we watched it come down, we all thought about how much time we had spent underneath it, how much (probably undeserved) trust we had put in its stability...
Monday, May 17, 2010
Soccer and Construction
Well, it's past time for an update....here's what's been happening in San Pedro.
As you know, our soccer teams both made it to the playoffs and were advancing well. The professional team was eliminated two weeks ago, and it was a shock to all of us, having gone undefeated in the entire regular season. We are waiting to see how God will use this situation for his glory, and we trust him to be in control of the team as it rebuilds in anticipation for the upcoming season. Yesterday the promotional team played in their group's playoff final and it was a loooooooooong game - regular time ended tied 2-2, then 30 minutes of extra time ended scoreless, and so it came down to penalty shots, the same situation in which the professional team found itself two weeks previously. Unfortunately, the result was the same, and El Calor Promotional finished in second place, still a great achievement for a team that is barely a year old. Through the El Calor ministry this year, over 60 people, both players and family members, came to know the Lord, and we are glad that the teams continue to have such a widespread impact and reach in this country.
The other piece of news is that we finally have all the architectural and engineering plans in place for the new church building, and hopefully within the next two weeks we will begin demolition of the existing building in preparation for the construction. Please pray for this work as it progresses. I will be posting pictures as they become available so that you can see the work itself.
As you know, our soccer teams both made it to the playoffs and were advancing well. The professional team was eliminated two weeks ago, and it was a shock to all of us, having gone undefeated in the entire regular season. We are waiting to see how God will use this situation for his glory, and we trust him to be in control of the team as it rebuilds in anticipation for the upcoming season. Yesterday the promotional team played in their group's playoff final and it was a loooooooooong game - regular time ended tied 2-2, then 30 minutes of extra time ended scoreless, and so it came down to penalty shots, the same situation in which the professional team found itself two weeks previously. Unfortunately, the result was the same, and El Calor Promotional finished in second place, still a great achievement for a team that is barely a year old. Through the El Calor ministry this year, over 60 people, both players and family members, came to know the Lord, and we are glad that the teams continue to have such a widespread impact and reach in this country.
The other piece of news is that we finally have all the architectural and engineering plans in place for the new church building, and hopefully within the next two weeks we will begin demolition of the existing building in preparation for the construction. Please pray for this work as it progresses. I will be posting pictures as they become available so that you can see the work itself.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Clarification re. El Calor
I have had some questions about yesterday's post, specifically about how the El Calor organization works and why there is a debt. All professional soccer in Mexico, from 3rd division (similar to Junior B or Junior A in the US and Canada) up to 1st division (like MLS, NBA, NFL, NHL), is regulated and run by the Mexican Soccer Federation. The Federation oversees each division and organizes the groups of teams, their schedules, and sets participation fees. Every player and team staff member (coaches, assistants, doctors, etc.) has to be registered with the Federation.
Some people who aren't familiar with the organization might hear the word "professional" and think of the equivalent in the US and Canada, where even children's sports have high-quality fields, equipment, transportation, and even municipal support. However, here the teams are paid for by the owners, which sometimes are corporations, and sometimes, as in the case of El Calor, are individuals. Teams do benefit from some corporate sponsorship, but the majority of the expenses - from registration to uniforms to travel to game fees - is the responsibility of the owners. Given that El Calor is only a part of the ministry that takes place here in San Pedro, and given that it is a growing ministry, these expenses have increased steadily.
God is faithful and has provided funds where none seemed to be available - we have never had to cancel a trip or postpone a game for lack of money, but sometimes we have not been able to pay all the expenses associated with the soccer ministry. Thankfully, the Federation has been understanding and has extended payment deadlines, but we don't want to have an outstanding debt.
I hope this clarifies the situation and gives you all a better understanding of the scope of the ministry and the process the teams go through each season. El Calor provides opportunities for many young people who come from very poor economic circumstances. Many live away from home while they play here and are supported by Stephen, Marcela, and the church.
As I mentioned in yesterday's post, please pray for the El Calor ministry - the teams as they play and travel, and everything that must fall into place in order for the ministry to function. If you feel led to give towards this need, you can give through PayPal or through the San Antonio address given below in yesterday's post.
Some people who aren't familiar with the organization might hear the word "professional" and think of the equivalent in the US and Canada, where even children's sports have high-quality fields, equipment, transportation, and even municipal support. However, here the teams are paid for by the owners, which sometimes are corporations, and sometimes, as in the case of El Calor, are individuals. Teams do benefit from some corporate sponsorship, but the majority of the expenses - from registration to uniforms to travel to game fees - is the responsibility of the owners. Given that El Calor is only a part of the ministry that takes place here in San Pedro, and given that it is a growing ministry, these expenses have increased steadily.
God is faithful and has provided funds where none seemed to be available - we have never had to cancel a trip or postpone a game for lack of money, but sometimes we have not been able to pay all the expenses associated with the soccer ministry. Thankfully, the Federation has been understanding and has extended payment deadlines, but we don't want to have an outstanding debt.
I hope this clarifies the situation and gives you all a better understanding of the scope of the ministry and the process the teams go through each season. El Calor provides opportunities for many young people who come from very poor economic circumstances. Many live away from home while they play here and are supported by Stephen, Marcela, and the church.
As I mentioned in yesterday's post, please pray for the El Calor ministry - the teams as they play and travel, and everything that must fall into place in order for the ministry to function. If you feel led to give towards this need, you can give through PayPal or through the San Antonio address given below in yesterday's post.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Playoffs: Round 1
Last week was the start of playoffs for all of our El Calor teams. On Wednesday the professional team traveled to Chihuahua and won 8-1. On the return leg here in San Pedro on Saturday, they won 4-0 and are on to the next round. Tomorrow they will travel to the state of Sonora, about a 14h journey, for the first game of the second round.
The promotional team played on Saturday in San Luis Potosi and tied 2-2. Their return game will be here in San Pedro on Saturday.
The 4th division team played two games last week, losing the first 2-0 and winning the second 2-1. With a global score of 3-2 against them, unfortunately they are out of the playoffs.
Please be in prayer for the teams as they travel and play throughout April and May. Each week the trips get longer and more difficult. The promotional team experienced problems with the bus going both to and from San Luis, though they did arrive safely. We also have a financial need of 70,000 pesos (about $6000 USD) for expenses incurred during the season. This debt was going to prevent us from participating in the playoffs, but with God's help we were able to negotiate a temporary agreement with the soccer federation. Please pray that God will provide the funds to cover this debt. If you would like to send an offering to help, you can send it through PayPal (account on this page) or through the following address:
Seedtime and Harvest Ministries
8635 Callaghan Rd
San Antonio, TX 78230
Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
The promotional team played on Saturday in San Luis Potosi and tied 2-2. Their return game will be here in San Pedro on Saturday.
The 4th division team played two games last week, losing the first 2-0 and winning the second 2-1. With a global score of 3-2 against them, unfortunately they are out of the playoffs.
Please be in prayer for the teams as they travel and play throughout April and May. Each week the trips get longer and more difficult. The promotional team experienced problems with the bus going both to and from San Luis, though they did arrive safely. We also have a financial need of 70,000 pesos (about $6000 USD) for expenses incurred during the season. This debt was going to prevent us from participating in the playoffs, but with God's help we were able to negotiate a temporary agreement with the soccer federation. Please pray that God will provide the funds to cover this debt. If you would like to send an offering to help, you can send it through PayPal (account on this page) or through the following address:
Seedtime and Harvest Ministries
8635 Callaghan Rd
San Antonio, TX 78230
Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Youth Camp 2010 Services
A full church, some actions songs, and a conga line (well, a Christian conga line!). We enjoyed excellent speakers for the 3 nighttime camp services, and we ended each session with an extended praise and worship session.
Youth Camp 2010 Teams and Sports
One of the final competitions, the team pyramid.
Water balloons + 90F = a winning combination.
After-lunch volleyball.
Small-court soccer, boys and girls competitions.
Youth Camp 2010 Activities
Setting up a large tent on the grounds - harder than you'd think!
Day 1 speedwalking race - extra points for style!
Waiting for food!
The camp convenience store, which, as you can tell by the scarcity of actual food, was a big hit.
Youth Camp 2010 Morning Rally
Last week was Youth Camp here in San Pedro, and I think some of us are still recovering! More than 100 young people participated over the 3 1/2 days of activities and services. Above are some pictures from the daily 7:30am obstacle course. As always, I was glad that I only had to watch it!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Baptisms
This past Sunday we held a baptism service and 3 young people were baptized.
We have torn down our baptism tank, so we have been making do with a kiddie pool, but the congregation keeps growing and we thank God for that!
El Calor 3rd and 4th division teams traveled to Chihuahua, Chihuahua last weekend. The 4th division lost, unfortunately, but despite not having their top scorer, a strong wind making it difficult to play, and some questionable refereeing, the 3rd division team managed a 2-1 victory. The 3rd division promotional team played locally and won 8-0. Our 3rd division coach thanks all of you for your prayers and asks that you keep praying for the team. Last week we saw the result of prayer, as the team won in the face of heavy opposition. We thank God for his faithfulness, and you for your prayers!
This week we play locally, on Saturday afternoon at 2pm local time.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Cornerstone of New Church Building
Tonight the cornerstone of our new church building was placed. The hole was dug last week and tonight instead of our weekly cell groups, we gathered to pray over the site and place the first concrete. We had a short song service and then our assistant pastor and youth pastor mixed the cement.
The first load of cement was poured in by Pastor Walt Hollis, who came down especially for this night. After the cement was poured, everyone who came to the service threw a stone into the hole, symbolizing that we are part of this church family and form the foundation of the church to come.
Finally we closed in prayer for the new building, the church leadership, and the continuing ministry of the church. The new building will have room for about 750 people and will serve as a sanctuary, gymnasium, and fellowship hall. I'll be posting more pictures as the construction moves forward.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)