What a remarkable year it has been! We are incredibly blessed to witness the work of God around the world through our partnership with you in building Hope. The videos below serve as a testament to the transformative work of God in Poland through one of our global projects.
POLAND
Why Poland and why 700 cities?
Pastor Filip Sobotka’s Story!
THANK YOU for helping us and Builders International finish building projects that are changing lives worldwide. Your support has been instrumental in bringing hope and change to countless communities in need. Each brick laid and each structure built is a testament to the compassion and generosity of our supporters.
As we approach this holiday season, we reflect on the incredible impact made possible through our joint efforts. It is encouraging to know that your contributions are not just building physical structures but also creating spaces where families can thrive, children can learn, and people are being introduce to Christ.
Our prayer is that your Christmas is blessed and full of the hope and joy Christ brings. THANK YOU once again for being a vital part of this journey.
During my recent trip to Guatemala, I had the privilege of connecting with missionaries David and Debbie Amsler and visiting several new construction sites to determine how Builders International could contribute. One location that particularly captivated me was located in the indigenous village of San Juan La Laguna, nestled on the shores of the volcanic Lake Atitlan.
Waiting on the dock for us we were greeted by Pastors Juan and Diana Bocel, who are products of the Amsler ministry. They answered God’s call to make a difference in this village so deeply affected by alcohol, drugs, and steeped in religious/paganism. In this environment, human abuses are widespread. They began their ministry by reaching children. Later, as they grew and were able, they purchased a property where the first level of the “Doorway to Heaven” church was built. This is the first AG church established in this community, the only ministry that reaches children and a place where people can receive licensed counseling. It’s an amazing place God is using to transform people’s lives.
The facility is used as a clinic, after-school program, counseling center, feeding center, and church on a weekly basis.
For some time now, this church has been at capacity and is ready to begin the construction of the second floor, which will serve as the sanctuary. Pastor Juan and Diana are visionary leaders, and God has positioned this church to reach beyond its current boundaries. With a little assistance, their already effective ministry can expand and make a greater impact. Thank you for making this possible without you we could not help this great ministry go forward.
If you are interested in helping with this project, please feel free to contact me for information to give or bring a team. Your prayers for the completion of phase II of the Doorway To Heaven Church are greatly appreciated.
Questions? John Sims 417.207.5753
Victory for the Antigua New Life Youth Center
Six years ago we went forward on this project with anticipation of God’s intervention. Missionaries Billy and Havila Roman are pioneering the first AG Ministry on the island and have dedicated their lives to reaching the youth of Antigua. Now as we pour concrete for the long-awaited new Antigua New Life-Youth Center, we are filled with overwhelming excitement. A brand-new 50×100 ft. steel building is awaiting on site in shipping containers. Once assembled this building represents the next step towards bringing hope to the youth and people of this island. This project is now open to teams eager to join us in constructing a desperately needed facility for this remarkable ministry. We are grateful for your support, which enables us to make a positive impact and bring freedom where hopelessness holds people captive.
Twenty years ago, as I stood on a piece of property in Nicaragua, I wondered what God would do with it and how I might play a role. Today, with the partnership of the National Church, Missionary Daniel Klaehn, donors from the States, Builders International, and Priority One, we are thrilled to celebrate the completion of Phase One of the Central Bible Institute.
In the ribbon-cutting picture there are countless stories of people who prayed, worked, and sacrificed for many years so that this beautiful facility could stand here today, ready to equip future leaders.
This institute will serve as a central hub for learning, training, and inspiring a vision for the future of the gospel in Nicaragua. And now, it’s harvest time.
Deborah and I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for making CBI a reality through your generous giving. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating this significant moment!
Meet Jairo
Jairo Lopez stood at a crossroads in his life. His heart weighed heavy, still raw from the loss of his father in a tragic accident. The future felt bleak, his direction unclear. But then, a gentle nudge came from an unexpected place…
Missionary Daniel Klein invited Jairo to join the Central Bible Institute in Managua, Nicaragua, as a full-time student. At first, Jairo hesitated, unsure if this path was for him. Little did he know, it was the beginning of a journey that would change his life—and countless others—in ways he could have never imagined.
As he immersed himself in study and fellowship, the wound in Jairo’s heart began to heal. In a community built on faith, he found a renewed sense of purpose, and gradually, he recognized a calling he hadn’t seen before. What had started as a personal journey became something greater. From student to instructor, Jairo’s passion for helping others grew, leading him to serve not just as a teacher but as a guide for those who, like him, were searching for hope.
Years later, Jairo’s hard work, commitment, and wisdom earned him the role of director of the Bible School. He embraced his responsibilities with humility and a steadfast motto: “towel first, crown later.” It was a phrase that embodied the essence of his mission—servant leadership. He wanted every student to understand that the heart of a true leader is defined not by authority or recognition but by a willingness to serve others.
The Bible school faced a journey of its own. For years, it was operated without a permanent location, which limited its growth. However, hope arrived through partnerships with several organizations, including Builders International and Priority One, which saw the potential of Central Bible Institute and stepped in to help with construction funds and teams. Within a year, the new facility began to take shape, transforming the school from a place of makeshift gatherings to a thriving center of learning and ministry.
Now, as Jairo walks through the hallways of the new facility, he sees lives transforming, futures taking shape, and leaders in the making. With each new class, he feels a quiet sense of gratitude, knowing his journey—the pain, the healing, the purpose—has created a ripple effect of faith that will spread far beyond Nicaragua.
In his heart, Jairo believes that Central Bible Institute will continue to grow, shaping leaders who will serve God with humility and strength, carrying the light of hope to places yet unreached. And he knows, without a doubt, that this is only the beginning.
It is not everyday that one gets the opportunity to see the impact a building can have in a community.
Just recently, we had the privilege and honor of representing Builders International at the ribbon-cutting for the new Christian Ministry for the Deaf facility. It was amazing to witness the effects this school is having on families in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Not only are children having an opportunity for education, but families are being restored.
Along with Mayor Roberto Contreras, Pastor and Director Marcos David Jordon, Missionary Zach Rix, board members, and many others who have helped make this possible, we cut that ribbon!
Abuse is prevalent among children with disabilities in Honduras. This will be the only school for the deaf in San Pedro Sula, giving deaf students in this area a rare opportunity for an education, a successful future, and to hear the gospel.
In a city with more than 956,000 people, this ministry center has dual purpose. It is the only school teaching and ministering to children with hearing impairments. This new facility is also being used as a church on Sundays to reach hearing impaired adults and children! The school has a weekly feeding program which reaches many children needing help and opens the door to a future with hope.
One day, an 18 year old boy came to the feeding program at the school. Hungry and rejected, he was misunderstood by many who believed he had a mental disorder. At the school they tested him and discovered he did not have a disorder, but was instead deaf. In one year he learned to read and write, and was introduced to the love Christ has for him.
The School!
The Christian Ministry for the Deaf is a 8,600 square foot, two-story facility. It will include 8 classrooms, a prayer room, a conference room, an office, a kitchen, and an open-air courtyard that will serve as a school gym and meeting space for the local AG Church for the Deaf. The school currently serves 100 students. Many of these students come from vulnerable neighborhoods throughout San Pedro Sula.
Thank you to everyone who has given and prayed to make this happen!
In the midst of war, sickness, and the many troubles that exist in our world today, HOPE is not lost!
It’s been amazing to work with God’s people and projects moving forward. Yes, we are on track!!
Funds have been raised and teams are going to help complete the Marriage and Family Counseling Center in El Salvador! Watch the rafters go up >>> https://vimeo.com/705440977
The purchase of property for the new Antigua Youth Ministry Center, on the island of Antigua, is on the verge of completion!! Building will begin this year, with the goal of reaching the island’s large population of young adults.
Teams are headed to the Bahamas, Panama, Honduras, as countries are opening up.
One project that is especially exciting to me, and an honor to be a part of, is Hope for Uruguay 100. In November of 2020, Builders International partnered with the missionary and national church with a goal to build 100 churches. Pastors, congregations, and dedicated construction workers have steadily continued to build during the last two years. This week church #16 in Nuevo Paysandu, Uruguay is being dedicated!!
New Projects Coming!!
Costs Rica – Excitement is growing for the future project in Costa Rica. The site visit team made another stop today to look at an additional residential training campus. It’s been a great trip with this team that loves Jesus, loves missionaries, and coffee too.
Poland Refugee Housing – This is the building located in Katowice, Poland that will serve 200 Ukrainian refugees. It will be a place where many will find safety, security, and their most basic needs met.
Our AGWM missionary partners are working with Polish nationals to turn an empty office building into short-term housing for Ukrainian refugees to provide a warm and safe environment to live in as they escape war, then prepare to depart to other countries throughout Europe.
While at the refugee center, Ukrainians will be loved and ministered to by missionaries and other Christians. This center will also help reduce the amount of human trafficking that is sadly happening during this crisis.
At Builders International, we are beginning to schedule teams now. Teams will fly into Krakow, Poland, and spend 8 or 9 days working at the refugee center.
Since January 2022, we have launched several new projects in the countries of: Egypt, Sri Lanka, Albania, and Bihar India. Please pray with us for these people, places, and projects around the World. Despite persecution and resistance, the gospel is still reaching the world and bringing HOPE!
johnanddeborahsims.com 