Posted: 4/16/04
Youth group's pledge to raise money
inspires congregation to give more
By John Hall
Texas Baptist Communications
LA BLANCA–A church youth group's pledge to help buy property for church expansion inspired the rest of the congregation to give.
Iglesia Bautista La Blanca's youth group pledged $200 toward buying three-quarters of an acre where the congregation can build a gym and new sanctuary. The young people hope to garner the funds through car washes and other efforts.
“We want to help out in raising money for this piece of land because we are going to use it,” said Yudith Cavazos, the pastor's daughter. “We're glad we can help raise that money.”
The young people's promise inspired the congregation to pledge $2,000 for the land. Members gave $1,350 in the first couple weeks since the fund-raising effort began.
The sacrificial giving is the latest sign of spiritual revival at the church, said Pastor Jose Cavazos. Attendance is on the rise. Recently, 77 people came to worship in the sanctuary that seats 70. Youth recently started coming to the church.
The 74-year-old church is reaching many people in the colonia, west of Edinburg, by meeting needs. The congregation provides clothes and food to the community, where some adults make less than $6,000 a year. The church also throws block parties for the town.
“It's exciting that the church has been revived. The youth have a vision for reaching people,” said Jorge Zapata, border ministries coordinator for Buckner Baptist Benevolences.
The land and subsequent building project are the next steps in expanding the church's ministry, the pastor said.
“What we want is the name of God to continue to be known in this area,” Cavazos said.
We seek to connect God’s story and God’s people around the world. To learn more about God’s story, click here.
Send comments and feedback to Eric Black, our editor. For comments to be published, please specify “letter to the editor.” Maximum length for publication is 300 words.