A Little History…
In January 2008, Brad Cowger from Colorado brought a team to construct the first pavilion for The Cercadillo Project. Shortly thereafter a much-needed second pavilion was built by a team from New Hampshire to provide space for our growing ministry. Through the years a total of four wooden pavilions with tin roofs were added to our leased land by teams from Pennsylvania and Virginia. A team from Missouri made a little basketball court in the center of the pavilions. These pavilions have served us well but are now termite ridden and the crumbling cement floors are a tripping hazard. The bigger issue is that the lease terminates in August 2025 and is nonrenewable.
In Fall 2021, God miraculously provided the funds to buy a little over two acres of virgin land with a clear title. Did you catch the two miracles in the previous sentence? 1. I had been looking for land since 2007 and this was the first with a clear title. 2. At just the right time God provided the funds to buy the land!
The ministry began in Cercadillo but has now expanded to the neighboring community of Vietnan. Our land is located between these two communities. Aren’t we glad we serve a God who can see the future?
My plans WERE…
I thought that by this fall we would be launching a capital campaign. I thought we would have a well-developed site plan with 3D renderings and a detailed proposed budget outlining various construction stages for our school building. However, that has not been finished due to the surprise death of the engineer/project manager.
A new direction…
As I was praying and contemplating what we could possibly do, Brad Cowger (from 2008) called to ask about bringing a team in the spring to “help meet any need we might have.” As we talked, the suggestions of other advisors were confirmed. It was time to think about a different type of building.
We are now planning a large multi-purpose pavilion (40 ft X 72 ft) with cement poles, an Aluzinc roof and a cement floor. The roof will be high enough to allow for basketball and volleyball, thus meeting one of the requirements for a DR school. In the future the building can serve as the school cafeteria as well. In the meantime, it will be used for our ongoing activities: Kids’ Club, tutoring, summer camps, various community Bible studies and meetings, and the expansion of our current ministries to include church services, employment opportunities, ESL classes, sports outreach, etc.
How can you get involved?
- Join us in praying specifically for this first development on our land.
- Give to help us reach the goal of $58,000. We already have $35,000! Only $23,000 to go! Donate here.
- Bring a group this spring to help with the construction. There are still a couple of weeks open.
How thankful I am for all of you who continue to journey with us! May God richly bless you for your partnership.
-Ina
