Saliba Update January 2026

Jonathan & Anna Saliba
6 days ago
2 min read

Salvations

We finished the year with three active Bible studies. God has been at work in remarkable ways, and we’ve seen several people come to faith.

In the Sunday Bible study, Nelly and Luis have trusted Jesus as their Savior. In the Thursday study, Johanna was saved. Also, Andrea was saved at church on a Sunday morning. There were also 11 kids that we know of saved through the soccer school in 2026 (likely several more).

We are praying for others who have been attending church and Bible studies to believe in Jesus as well.

Stable Attendance

Even with some people leaving the church in 2025, God was gracious. Several people have been saved and we’ve suddenly had so many people visiting the church and seeking sound doctrine. That’s not normal here, so we know it’s a work God is doing in those people’s hearts. We’re grateful that He is entrusting them to our church.

Attendance has stayed stable despite the transition at the church. A lot of people who previously weren’t involved are becoming more faithful in many different ways.

Needing Volunteers

We do have a big need for volunteers—especially for children’s ministry and music. Those are the areas where we’ve always been most careful about who can serve. We’re hoping to do another kids’ month soon, which is like a VBS program over the course of a month. We need more volunteers if we’re going to pull it off.

Christmas Banquet

We ended the year with a well-attended Christmas banquet. Several children shared songs they prepared with the church, and we were very happy to be able to give out special gift bags to recognize the faithful service of our volunteers.

Christmas Gifts

A lot of you sent special gifts or offerings for Christmas. Thank you all so much for giving extra. This year especially that was a big help. Our work funds were low after we had to leave Colombia, hire lawyers, and pay for visas last year, and now we’re better prepared for ministry in 2026.

2026 Plans

We began the new year at church with a 3-year Bible reading plan that we’re all reading together. We were inspired by one of our supporting churches in Bolivar, MO.

Other plans we have for the year are:

New members class
Baptisms
New Evangelism Team
New Bible studies, restarting old Bible studies
Online Bible Academy (Basic Doctrine)
Church camps
Missions conference in the fall

Above all else, the plan for 2026 is to ground the church doctrinally, cultivate unity, and do evangelism together.

Building Needs

We are praying about moving the church back to the neighborhood where we first started, but there is almost nothing for rent and prices are high.

If you’ve been following us for a little while, you already know what we’re thinking. We need to stop renting, buy land, and build a building for the church.

There are 3 consecutive lots on a major road we would love to buy and build on over the next few years, but each one costs $250,000. We need your help raising these funds. Our next update will talk more about this…