May 5, 2021 Building Up God’s Church

For many believers around the world, church is a second home, a hub for important events. Weddings, funerals, child dedications, anniversaries, baptisms, community events—basically any significant life-event happens at church. And while this past year, it has been difficult for churches to meet, the church in San Felipe, Guatemala, has been holding on to hope. Since the summer of 2018, the San Felipe church had been in desperate need of repair.

In light of volcanic activity that year, the church needed a more solid and durable building. Their previous church was damaged by the earthquakes and activity from Volcán de Fuego. The church was only about 80 members—but they were determined! They were willing to provide all the labor, they just needed the materials.

With support from QHM, the San Felipe church got to work! The initial church structure was completed in 2019 and in 2020 the roof went on. The members were so thankful to have a solid, stable church made from cement and steel framing. However, the church was essentially just a shell, lacking windows, bathrooms and flooring. Their membership has grown over the past few years and these finishing touches are so needed!

Thanks to donors’ faithful support and fundraising efforts, QHM was able to help provide the funds needed to finish this church. These funds will allow the flooring, bathrooms, windows, as well as pews to be put in place. Our brothers and sisters of San Felipe are so thankful! They are praising God that His promise for completion is true—literally and spiritually!

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

While it may seem like there are many “incomplete” or “unfinished” parts of our lives, God is still working. He is refining our characters to make us more like Jesus. He is strengthening our faith and trust in Him and His Word. Jesus said, “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preachedin all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14. Jesus is the Word of God made flesh; His word will be fulfilled.

And as we step out in faith to keep sharing the gospel, God Himself will bless and give the increase. “I [Paul] planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-7.

God is the one who builds us up—He is our Creator and re-creator. His gospel commission will be accomplished, and it’s so exciting that He wants us to be a part of this great work! Will you keep the San Felipe church and many other small congregations like theirs in your prayers?

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

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