It’s been a while since I updated you about Alianza en Marcha, the replanting of the former Central City Baptist Church. Launching last July after a season of preparation and preliminary ministry, this new congregation in Beaumont faced a major set-back when a fire consumed their facility. Since then, church planter Jose Gutierrez and his wife, Nohemi, have worked faithfully to continue ministry as they moved from one to another temporary worship sites. Still, the congregation continues to elevate Christ through pastoral ministry to the community, evangelism, and disciple making. In May they celebrated the new church’s first baptisms.
As the church concentrated on ministry, partners led by GTBN worked to secure plans and a contractor for rebuilding the facility. Now, after a frustrating six-months negotiating with city leaders regarding their requirements and permits, the church finally has the clearance to build. As of June 22, the deposit has been paid and contracts signed to construct the new home for Alianza En Marcha, returning this fellowship to the community they have prayed so long for.
Many of you have followed the story since summer of 2020, when the Central City Church asked for help due to significant decline through the recent pandemic. Since then there’s been one challenge after another. Still, the Lord’s faithfully provided a church planter with a vision for the community, partners to sustain the work through the start-up, and frequent reminders that what looks like chaos from our perspective remains tightly in His control.
As I ponder God’s faithfulness through this process, I can’t help but think how we so often seek “instant results.” We crave fast solutions requiring minimal effort. But the fruit the Lord calls us to bear doesn’t spontaneously emerge. It grows after careful seasons of cultivation, planting, watering and care. It is through patient faithfulness over time that we are able to celebrate the fruitfulness we seek. Scripture says so (Gal. 6:9).
Please continue your prayers for Pastor Gutierrez and Iglesia Bautista Alianza En Marcha. Thank you for your partnership, especially Westgate Memorial, Rosedale, Calvary and FBC Vidor. And may we see even more fruit for the Lord as we continue serving Him together.
Bro. Jim