One of Pueblas new growing churches has found prime commercial land between 11 Sur, and Via Atlixcayotl, where it plans to build new facilities including a worship hall that will more than triple capacity to 300.
Puebla, Mexico (PRWEB) March 10, 2005 -- One of Pueblas new growing churches has found prime commercial land between 11 Sur, and Via Atlixcayotl, where it plans to build new facilities including a worship hall that will more than triple capacity to 300.
To help cover the $300,000 (USD)needed to buy a Hacienda ranch style property and another $50,000 for improvements to the property, Iglesia Cristiana Bautista de Puebla (Puebla Christian Baptist Church) plans to launch a $350,000 fundraising drive starting March 10th, says Pastor Arturo Munoz.
Mission church supporters, including Temecula Valley Baptist Churchs Pastor Salvador Carrillo and Getsemani Baptist Churchs Pastor Noe Rivas, commented during their February visit to Puebla, Mexico that the land and hacienda were in an ideal location for the expansion of Iglesia Cristiana Bautista.
With a down payment of $100,000 the current owner will allow the church to operate on the land on a lease basis until the remaining $200,000 can be paid.
The Hacienda was originally built in the early 1900s and has been vacant since 1970. A new six-lane avenue was just opened that runs right in front of the Hacienda providing even easier access for church members that come in cars or on the public transportation system. A huge supermarket is located in the next block and a typical Mexican Mercado, the Mercado Independencia is located across the street.
The good news for us is that we will only need to do minor improvements to the property to begin meeting in the Hacienda, Munoz says. Iglesia Cristiana Bautista began in June of 2001 when Missionary Pastor Arturo Munoz came to the city to begin the church. After a year struggling in a less than ideal location, Munoz moved the church closer to the main part of town and had a new Grand Opening" in July of 2002. Since then the church has been growing with church members inviting friends and family members to attend. The church also has a strong soulwinning program, home Bible studies and youth meetings for the teenagers each month.
The additional Hacienda land will allow the church to build a new worship center seating 300, which is needed for special events and family conferences. The current worship center is housed in a converted apartment. It has seating for 80.
Because of limited rooms, ICB crowds all the children from age 3-10 in one room, and the babies and toddlers in another. Children 11 and up do not have their own classroom and attend services with the adults, says Munoz. Once the new worship center is built, the existing building will be renovated for youth meeting rooms, a larger fellowship hall and other rooms. Plans for a new school and Bible Institute are also in the making.
But construction work is not expected to begin for another few years, with the timing dependent on the fundraising. God will work it all out, Munoz says. We're doing our part, and we'll see how the Lord brings funds in. The church's campus has about 700 square feet of space now.
Over 5,000 new homes have been built in an area south of the Hacienda. The neighborhood is part of a government development designed to make housing affordable for young working families. More than 3,000 new homes are scheduled to be built within the next couple years. We have found some land strategically located." Munoz adds.
In addition to the new construction projects, ICB - which owns the Web address – www.reachingpuebla.com and www.iglesiacristianabautista.com - has plans to actively grow the church by daily soul-winning and visitation programs. A woman in the church, who will be retiring shortly, plans to give $20,000 toward the buying of the land. Another young married couple plan to live on the church property and give of their time to keep up the grounds. ICBs senior pastor, Arturo Munoz, can be reached at pastor@reachingpuebla.com.
###
|
