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Spanish Church celebrates new church building
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Roberto Velasquez Pastor, Newcastle Spanish Church
With boundless joy and gratitude, the Newcastle Spanish Church gathered on March 25 to dedicate their newly acquired worship space. The momentous occasion was attended by administrators from the NNSW conference, pastors, pioneers of the Hispanic work in Newcastle, friends, and members from other Spanish churches, creating a spirit of unity and celebration.
For over three decades, the Newcastle Spanish Church had been without a dedicated place of worship. Initially, they met at the Elermore Vale School and later had the privilege of using the chapel provided by the Conference for many years. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, gatherings transitioned to virtual platforms like Zoom. However, upon the conclusion of the pandemic, they were faced with the news that the Conference offices would be leased, needing a search for a new meeting place.
Driven by fervent prayers, the church rented a Baptist church in Boolaroo, all the while beseeching God to provide a building of their own. The answer to their prayers came when Ana Boggiano, a dedicated member, discovered a church for sale in Teralba. Inspired by this providential opportunity, the church started a Pro-Temple plan, where members committed to systematic contributions for this purpose.
Despite meeting obstacles along the way, including another buyer unexpectedly acquiring the church initially identified in Teralba, the church continued to honor their commitment to the Pro-Temple offering. They persisted in fervent prayers, gathering every Thursday at 6am via Zoom, humbly seeking God's guidance and provision for a suitable temple.
Miraculously, three months later, the same church in Teralba reappeared on the market. The Conference administrators and executive committee rallied behind the congregation, supporting their dream and ensuring its realisation. With immense joy, the Newcastle Spanish Church now finds themselves in their own church building, a tangible testament to God's faithfulness.
