Through the Cielo Azul Fund, we provide financial support for the long range vision for building a Community Center at Iglesia Bautista Shekina, as well as for a variety of current outreach and development projects that Shekina provides to their neighborhood and the wider community with a special emphasis on children and youth. Since 2003, Iglesia Bautista Shekina, where Ruth serves as pastor, has grown in size and vision, from a small group of worshipers in a rented store front, to a vital community of adults, youth, and children who have purchased land, built a church, and then added a large parcel to the church property with a vision for a community center to serve all of their neighborhood. Already, they have begun to offer programs on that new property.HOW YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CIELO AZUL FUND CAN HELP
Shekina Community Center Construction:
- $285,000 projected total costs for the entire project
- $90 for one square meter of the basketball court
- $350 for one square meter of the two story community center
Shekina's outreach programs for children and families:
- $100 per month supports working with new children who are coming to church each Sunday
- $100 per month provides youth-led outreach to children in the public schools "playing to teach values"
- $25 per week for weekly visits to a men's shelter and support for their basic needs
- $25 per basket for a basic basket of food for families in crisis.
Youth leadership development at Shekina:
- $100 per session for 4 annual youth trainings on issues of Social Reality, Biblical Theology, Gender and Leadership
- $300 per trip for ecumenical visits to other churches to learn about other models of community work and leadership to inspire and challenge Shekina youth
Leadership support expenses:
- $500 per month ($6000 annual) administrative / pastoral stipend for Ruth Rodriguez de Orantes, plus a $2000 per year education stipend for Victor Hugo Orantes
