Indiana—The Elkhart Hispanic congregation met for nearly three years in a rented church building. For many, many months they prayed for, saved for, and searched for a church to buy for their growing membership.

At last, in February 2004, a church was placed on the market just four blocks from where they were renting. The location was wonderful! However, at the $165,000 asking price, the 140-seat sanctuary was beyond the financial reach of the congregation.

Moving forward in faith, Luis Beltre Sr., their pastor, asked Orlando Vazquez, Indiana Conference Hispanic ministries coordinator, and Gary Case, Indiana Conference association secretary, to come assess the property. The three met with the property owner on a cold March morning. Each was impressed with the facility; it would certainly meet the needs. But the price—how could they afford it?

Standing on the walkway outside, the four men reviewed the benefits of the church property. Case addressed the owner, “Now, what do you need for this property?” With just a moment’s pause, the owner replied, “One hundred thousand dollars.” The three men could hardly contain themselves, but replied to the owner,"We'll have to talk it over."

After exchanging cell phone numbers, the pastors went to a restaurant to pray and have lunch. The three were convicted they should make an offer on the property immediately. While Vazquez and Beltre stood in the parking lot praying, Case called the owner and told him, “We have been discussing and praying about this matter and want to make an offer. Would you take $95,000, cash?" With just a little pause, the owner responded, “Yes, that is a reasonable price.”

Now the real work began. To meet Conference guidelines, fifty percent of the purchase price had to be in-hand to purchase the property. There was just over $20,000 in the building fund. With the help of the Lake Union Conference, friends of the church, and the sacrificial giving of church members, the money came in and the church was purchased! The Elkhart Hispanic members praise God for leading and providing. They know from experience that sometimes God provides by cutting the cost instead of increasing income.

Gary Case, Indiana Conference association secretary