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adding more. We started a Bible Club for children
every Saturday, Bible Study on Wednesday, and
services on Sunday.

When starting a church, a pastor prays that the
people in his church will begin to see God work.

Each week we prayed for a need for the church.

One was for chairs. At first we did not have chairs
so we rented them. Each week we prayed, then
God answered. It was amazing to see their child-
like faith rejoice when we announced that God
provided to buy chairs for the church.

There were many times when we became
discouraged with different attacks from Satan, but
God reminded us that we were in the right place
and that kept our eyes on Him. Through some
of those trials, God allowed us to become closer
to the people on the Peninsula. They watched us
go through something very difficult and come
out the other side stronger. Only God can do
that. At first, we were the “new missionaries.”
We heard from several people that missionaries
would come and go. None would stay. Life outside
of the capital is quite different and can be hard.

At times, we do not have electricity or water for
several days. The closest store to buy groceries
is 40 minutes away, and they do not always have
what we need. These struggles of day-to-day life
are our open door to connecting with the people.

Making those connections is vital when the
people see we understand their lives. That makes
all the difference when planting a new church!
Above all, the greatest blessing in starting a
church is seeing children, teens, and adults go
from an old life to a new life. We get to observe
how they allow themselves to be changed by the
power of the Gospel. W
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