Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Building Project – Tata

2015 should be an exciting year at our church in Tata. As I have mentioned in previous letters, we have plans to build a new auditorium, and our goal is to complete the auditorium this year. I would like to use this month’s prayer letter to give you a bit more information about our plans.

Why do we need a new auditorium?

This year our church in Tata will celebrate its 15th anniversary. We have experienced many  blessings over the past 15 years. Our church was started with just two families, but now has more than 40 members. When we add in both the children of our members and also those who are not yet members, the number of regular attendees doubles to about 80. It has been 10 years now since our church took ownership of our current property. It was an old house donated by an elderly church member, who has since passed away. With the removal of a dividing wall, we were able to make a small auditorium of about 400 square feet. We currently crowd about 65 chairs into this auditorium. During the early years of the church, this auditorium was adequate, but we are now filled to overflowing on a weekly basis. On special days, it is often impossible to get everyone into the auditorium and seated unless we send the children out for their classes. A new auditorium is needed, not only to make room for our current attendance, but also to make room for further growth.

So what is the plan?
Our plan is to build a brand new 900 square foot auditorium on the back part of our current property. The new auditorium would be more than double the size of our current auditorium, with a seating capacity of at least 100. This auditorium would not only meet our current needs, but also provide some room for growth.

How much will it cost?

The estimated cost of the new auditorium is $50,000-$60,000. This budget would cover not only the construction itself but also the chairs and PA system as well. We plan to do most of the finishing work ourselves which should help to keep the expenses down.


How much is the church able to cover?

Our church members have committed about $20,000 to the project. We have about $10,000 on hand, and the rest is promised to be donated by the end of May. In other words, the church in Tata would be covering 30-40% of total expenditures.

Where will the rest of the money come from?

We are seeking support from churches and individuals both in Hungary and the US. We need to raise an additional $30,000-$40,000 to cover the remaining expenses. Perhaps the Lord would lead you or your church to make a special donation toward this project.

How about timing? When will the funds be needed?

We are hoping to have all the building permits in order by May of this year. It is our goal to have the building done and ready for use before next winter. We have asked our people to fufill their commitments by May 31st, so we can then begin to build.

How can I make a donation?

For US donors it would be best to make donations through our mission board: Global Faith Mission Agency. All donations should be designated: „Marc Patton – building project.” Donations can be made by sending a check to Global Faith Mission Agency, P.O. Box 3326, Chattanooga, TN 37404. You can also make credit card donations on line through www.globalfaithmission.org.

How can I get more information?

You can feel free to contact me by email. You can also call me on my cell phone number which is 36-20-886-3261. When calling, please remember that we are 6 hours ahead of the US Eastern time zone.

Thanks again for your faithful prayers and support of our ministry!

                                                                        Serving for His Glory,
                                                                       
                                                                        Marc, Charin, Nancy, Ben, Esther and Hannah Patton