Hello everyone,
"If we are faithless, He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself."
-2 Timothy 2:13
This weekend, I had the opportunity to preach at our church and this verse had a huge impact on me while I was studying. No matter how I feel. No matter what is going on. Even if I'm doubting and struggling. Even if I feel like I could or should be doing more. God is always faithful. It's the reminder I needed as I've been praying through some surprisingly tough times with CC Roca Norte and the construction project.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised as it seems that tough times often follow great victories. If you've been following us the last several months, you know that the church has been in the process of construction of their new church building on the north side of Chihuahua. We prayed for God's provision for down-payment on the land and for the building cost, and He provided! I was able to go down with a few people in June to help lay the foundation and we saw God moving and providing during that time. There were lots of stories of how it seemed obvious God was leading and guiding the whole process--some of which I was able to share in updates and some of which didn't make it into the updates. If you check out the website HERE, you'll find updates back to the beginning of the year talking about what God has done.
As we prayed, God provided the large amounts of money we needed to move forward with the process for the land and the construction (over $40,000 USD)! It was exciting! However, I'll just be brutally honest about where things are now. As the initial excitement faded and the small construction costs here and there have added up, the result has been that the construction is nearly done but the funds and incoming support have dried up. On top of final construction needs, there are monthly expenses for the land and operation of the church. The ongoing monthly donations Roca Norte Missions receives amount to about one-fifth of what's needed for the monthly budget. With more donations arriving over the last six months to assist with construction, Pastor Jose and the church were able to meet the monthly budget. However, as those donations have dwindled, they are now struggling with paying the monthly bill for the land ($30,000 pesos / $1,700 USD). They are currently two months behind on payments and very concerned for things moving forward.
As Pastor Jose shared all of this with me over the phone, I was struggling personally because I can't save them and fix their problems--as much as I'd love to. I'm not called to be their Savior. In the midst of those struggles and discouragement, it was then that I read 2 Timothy 2:13 and the Lord reminded me that He's always faithful. He will take care of it. I don't know how, but I believe He will do it. I share all of this with you to ask first and foremost that you help us pray. We believe God started this great work and that He will bring it to completion. We believe many will hear the Word of God in that building and throughout that neighborhood and come to a saving faith in Jesus. We believe God will be glorified through CC Roca Norte. Monthly support of an extra $1,700 is nothing for the Lord. So please pray with us. The land will be paid off in two and half years, so we're praying for God's provision during that time. Secondly, if God lays it on your heart to support this work and help establish CC Roca Norte in this new community as a hub for the Gospel, we would be blessed to have you come alongside the work. We can't do it alone.
Thank you for the prayer and for walking with us in this. May God be glorified.
-Tim
Eph. 3:20-21
Praise Reports
- Pastor Jose and his wife Keyla are expecting their third child--a girl! She is due in the middle of November. The Romero family is very excited to welcome their first girl into the family.
- God provided a new home for the Romero family to live in--a house on a ranch not far from the new church building!
- The construction of the new CC Roca Norte building is just about done and they are planning on having their Inauguration Service next weekend!
Prayer Requests
- For continued wisdom, guidance and provision for the construction project so that CC Roca Norte can finally have a long-term church building. God has been blessing with His provision and they are almost done with the construction, but there are still some things left.
- For provision for their monthly bills of over $1,700/month.
- For peace, rest and wisdom for Pastor Jose personally as he leads the church during this time of transition and this great step of faith--while also dealing with the stress of it all.
- For the finalization of the Mexican AC process for the church (Mexican version of a 501c3).
- For the second generation of the CC Roca Norte Church Planting school, that God would train and prepare the students and that church planters would be raised up and sent throughout Mexico.
- That God would continue to guide and provide so that CCRN can continue helping the ministry in Creel with the construction of their church building.
- For the different services and studies throughout the week at CC Roca Norte including home groups, men’s and women’s meetings and more. That God would use each one for His glory.
