In 18 days members of the Church of the Nazarene in Senahú, Alta Verapáz, Guatemala, rebuilt the Sunday School classrooms where an average of 200 people gather to learn more about God in their native language Q’eqchi’ and in Spanish.
The facilities were in bad shape. The electrical system, roof, doors, and columns had deteriorated with time due to having been built over 30 years ago with limited resources.
Four years ago, having seen the progressive deterioration of the facilities, church leaders began saving to be able to rebuild the classrooms. Work began in March 2022 with a group of 50 volunteers, enthusiastic members of the congregation. “In 18 days we saw a dream fulfilled, now we can be in a place that has a comfortable and fresh atmosphere, with green areas, that is more modern, with new, safe walls, roof and electrical system, where we can attend to whoever wants to be a disciple of Jesus,” said the church pastor, Alex Milán Requena.
On April 3rd the new classrooms were inaugurated with a festive air, accompanied by the marimba group “Dulces Melodías” (Sweet Melodies). Pastor Milián cut the symbolic inaugural tape and the district superintendent, Rev. Ignacio Quej Isem, said a prayer of dedication to the Lord.
Teaching in the classrooms is done is Spanish for children (preschool and elementary), youth, adults, and older adults. There is also one in Q’eqchi’ for women and another for men.
Pastor Milán said that it was a great blessing to see God’s provision during this time through local church members and other congregations, as well as through people not from the church who provided materials, lunches, and snacks for volunteers.
“We are grateful to God for provision, for our leaders, especially our pastor for good administration of resources and the savings we were able to have even during the church closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Alberto Coc, member of the church.
Nélida Requena also said, “It is a blessing to have fresher and more comfortable classrooms, it motivates one to come to Sunday School. We did it under different conditions, but now we feel like it should be for more than just one hour.”
Source: Alex Milián Requena, pastor of the Church of the Nazarene in Senahú, Alta Verapáz, Guatemala.
