North Texas Area church receives first Holy Places grant

Iglesia Mision La Roca

Sometimes it just takes that extra boost to get to the finish line. Iglesia Mision La Roca in Dallas, Texas, recently received that boost when Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) awarded the congregation our very first Holy Places grant, which is a grant for the acquisition of an initial long-term Holy Place. Mision La Roca will use the grant to help reduce debt on a DCEF loan for the construction of their new sanctuary and fellowship and administrative areas, thus improving cash flow to be used for their active ministries.

The church was awarded the grant based on their strong commitment to stewardship and partnership, active children’s ministry, and their dedication to those in need in their at-risk South Dallas neighborhood, where they feel called to serve as the primary Hispanic church in the area.

“…this is a worthy congregation to receive assistance in the site acquisition and construction of their first unit.” He adds, “I have personally witnessed the sacrificial labor of the minister and members of the church in building their new home.”

“Thanks so very much, Sister Rosario! We are so happy we were approved!  May the Lord continue to bless you!”

• Undeveloped land on which the new congregation plans to construct a building;
• A site that is already developed;
• A Holy Place that a congregation is leasing or sharing on a long-term basis.

Iglesia Mision La Roca Update

At the 2019 General Assembly, Iglesia Mision La Roca was one of the recipients of Disciples Church Extension Fund’s INNOVA Award, which recognizes the innovative use of Holy Place for mission and ministry.

La Roca’s members have volunteered with nearby schools and with the Neighborhood Watch Association. This commitment has continued, despite the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its Bible study groups (Casas de Paz) continue to meet on Zoom, and recently the church partnered with Catholic Charities to provide 200 drive-in meals.

“It has been a blessing to work with Iglesia Cristiana La Roca,” shares Rosario Ibarra, the Building and Capital Services Advisor who partnered with them. “It’s a dynamic and vibrant congregation that works hard to reach out to the community.”