SL2C: Two More City Updates
Church of God World Missions leaders have been releasing progress reports for the Send the Light to the Cities (SL2C) Project, an initiative to reach 10 major cities around the world with the people and resources God gives.
Two of the ten cities are Amsterdam, Netherlands and Lomé, Togo.
Although Amsterdam, as an SL2C designate, has experienced obstacles which did not allow it to move forward quickly, every effort is strategically directed. Not having a strong presence initially in the Netherlands has hindered as there are only five total congregations. However, a new church plant was recently begun in the city. Purchasing or leasing a building is not easy, because of extremely high real estate costs. The search continues to acquire property in the city.
Special attention is being given to finding a building that can eventually serve as a self-supporting and self-sustaining property—by subleasing to other tenants so lease expenses can be shared, or possibly even eliminated. The goal is to survive without outside assistance no later than three years after the project begins, but, ideally, even sooner.
Innovative and creative approaches to church planting must be found … a seeker friendly environment is more likely to attract interest, with a building having the capacity of accommodating 200 to 500 people.
John and Shakila Olsen are pastoring a daughter church under Senior Pastor Bishop John Lataster, who is also the World Missions representative in the Netherlands. These individuals affirm they are ready to Send the Light as soon as funding is released. In the meantime, the School of Discipleship is scheduled to begin January 2018.
Stephen Darnell is the field director, who is overseeing the project.
The designated Project Number for Amsterdam is 102-9435-001
Lomé, Togo is another designated city of the Send Light to the Cities project.
With a metro population of 1,570,283, Lomé is the largest city in Togo, as well as is her capital. Some of the problems experienced by the city involve garbage collection, and the unhealthy urban living conditions. Lomé has undergone massive growth due to an oil refinery within her borders.
Because tourism is growing, Lomé has great potential for establishing a training center for spreading the Gospel. The city itself is a typical African city that acknowledges many styles, influences, and traditions.
The property Church of God World Missions desires to obtain is still available; however, because funds are not yet raised, a down payment cannot be made.
International Director Dr. David M. Griffis and Assistant Director Dr. M. Thomas Propes, along with Field Director Peter Thomas and the African leadership, are praying for the Lord to keep the property for the purpose of the Send Light to the Cities vision.
The Project Number for Lomé is 102-9435-005.
(Source: Church of God World Missions)
