Buenos Aires Prays to Buy Land!
"to equip his people for works of service, so that the
Dear friends and family,
In 1997 we led our first mission trip to the Dominican Republic. In 2007 we moved to the same location to be missionaries. We have worked in many communities and church plants since then. One of these is Iglesia Cristiana Nuevo Amanecer, or New Dawn Christian Church, in Buenos Aires, Dominican Republic.
The Story:
Rhadamez and Maria Santos were among the first believers in Buenos Aires. Under the direction of Don Chucho and Antonia, they founded the local church. Teams helped in various ways. For many years the church thrived. Today Don Chucho and Antonia are with the Lord. Unfortunately, during a period when the church was struggling, the property was sold and the church closed.
Since then, Rhadamez and Maria have fervently prayed for the church to be reborn. Buenos Aires needs a local church that serves and reaches its community. We met regularly with them to pray, initiate a home Bible study, and develop ministry skills.
In 2019, Justin and Jeimmy Smith came to serve with us. We asked them to work with Rhadamez and Maria to restart the church in Buenos Aires. Most members from the original church had moved out of the area. It was a hard ministry and the CoVid pandemic didn’t make things any easier. God was faithful and a small group was formed. New believers were added. After renting a vacant lot and building a temporary structure, Sunday services began.
At each stage, the question of renting or buying was asked. This is never an easy question to answer. We felt that we could buy when there was a group of mature believers committed to grow the church so that it is fully establish. We are very excited to say that we have this today. We believe God is rebuilding His church in Buenos Aires. It is a “New Dawn” as the church is named.
If you are following us, you know that Justin and Jeimmy left to serve in Colombia. We are very thankful for their work during their time here. Their leaving motivated other believers to fill the gap and commit to growing the church. Specifically, the La Vid church chose to support the establishment of New Dawn Church. On April 14, the pastors confirmed their commitment and affirmed the decision to purchase the land. Pictures of the church and the property can be seen by clicking the link.
Today the Buenos Aires church:
- Worships together every Sunday. (Previously it met 2-3 times per month)
- Continues weekly prayer meeting and a women’s Bible study.
- Collects an offering that goes to improve the property and pay electricity.
- Teach on membership, the Lord’s Supper and Baptism.
- Have outreaches this summer, aimed at engaging young adults.
The lot is 0.26 acres based on a legal survey we did. It is not a perfect rectangle but is roughly 65 ft wide and 177.6 ft deep. While level at the entrance, the land slopes down away from the main road. The plan is to use the first third for outreach activities, the second for a main church building, and the third for a pastor’s house or classrooms. While renting we cannot make further permanent changes on the land. (Property Plan)
In December, we asked Ramon what it would cost to buy the lot. He gave us a very good price (until the end of 2024): US $39,500. It is well under the land’s value. In fact, we know that Ramon received a much higher offer. (Land prices have been rising exponentially in our area since 2020.) The price includes the cost of the lot and other associated expenses.
Will you partner with the Buenos Aires church by helping it to buy property?
$39,500 may seem like a big ask. With God’s great support, it is possible! We have been blessed with many faithful supporters. Your support is helping small church plants become established. Buying land will give this church a permanent “earthly” home, a place to minister, in a community that needs a good church. Please consider helping to purchase this land.
What about the local church? What are they doing? Through tithes and offerings some of the monthly rent has been paid and they are working to enclose the property (a part of buying land). Last fall a fence was built along the road. In April, a sliding gate was added. To raise money, some are selling items and giving the proceeds to the church.
Please pray and consider how God can use you to establish His church in Buenos Aires. Buying the land gives the church the right to modify it for future ministry. The temporary structure will be used for services until we outgrow it. Thank you for your support to Iglesia Cristiana Nuevo Amanecer (New Dawn Christian Church) in Buenos, Aires, DR.
More questions? Click here for more details!
Gifts may be directed to:
If you wish to give to this project, please let us know of your gift (rmackey@mesaglobal.co).
To give online - click here - Dominican Development Fund (63755) and write in the comment area “BA Property”
To give by check – Write your check to United World Mission. Put “Account 63755” in the memo line and send it to:
United World Mission
PO Box 602002
Charlotte, NC 28260-2002
To see the progress toward reaching our goal - Click here for a fun way to see our progress!
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In other news...United World Mission name change is coming SOON: Yes, you read that right. The "reveal" is coming very soon. The new name will bring changes (things like our email and who checks are written too) but you can be assured that the 'old' methods will still work for quite a while during a time of transition. UWM is planning to roll out the new name with minimal disruption to donors and partners.
Thank you so much for your partnership through the years.
Rick and Becky Mackey
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