“Let us rise up and build.”

What powerful words we find in Nehemiah chapter 2. In a time when the walls—symbols of protection and security—of Jerusalem had fallen, a generation of men and women rose up who, together with Nehemiah, set themselves to rebuild and restore what had been broken. In the days of Nehemiah, a people arose who chose not to conform to or settle into destruction. They did not allow challenges to erase their faith. Rather, in the midst of what seemed like a situation capable of suffocating and extinguishing faith, they stood firm, trusting that God was with them in that new season. And knowing this, they rose up and built.

What encouraging words for a church starting a new year, a new season, a time of new beginnings, opportunities, dreams, and expectations in God. This is what the Lord is calling us to, and I know that for this purpose He has brought me to this place: to serve you, love you, and together advance the vision of restoration that God has for this congregation, this community, and for each of us and our families. My name is Abdel Rodriguez, and by the grace of God I have been sent to pastor this place and each one of you. This is an honor I do not take lightly. I know that God has connected me to this place and to each of you with purpose, and I know that God is preparing us to see extraordinary things this year.

Together with leaders and laity of this church, I have dared to dream about what God can do with us, through us, and among us. We have dreamed and cast vision for this new year, holding fast to God’s promise through the prophet Joel: “Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions” (Joel 2:28).

We dream and pray that this place will continue to expand, and that many will come here to give their lives to Christ, understanding that He alone brings salvation and true satisfaction to our souls. We dream that many will continue to be nourished and embraced through our ministries—not only that physical needs would be met, but that souls would be wrapped in the grace of God, and spirits would be strengthened and fed by His love and mercy. We dream of expanding our ministries, and of a reach so great that, just as the waters cover the sea, Fort Myers would be covered by the glory of God.

Today my prayer is that we would all unite around these dreams and longings, and that together we would establish the Kingdom of God. May we all place at the Lord’s service our strength, minds, hands, and resources, so that through them God may do things that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no heart has imagined.

If, as you read these words, you ask yourself, “What can I do to help?” I would like to share a few things for you to consider as we rise up and rebuild together in our church.

1. Support us with your prayers.

   Prayer is the most productive thing we can do as a church and as individuals. Prayer activates the resources of heaven and has the power to go beyond what our words, connections, or resources ever could. As long as there is breath in you, do not grow weary of praying, do not grow weary of interceding, do not grow weary of seeking God’s answers. May this be a year in which prayer defines your life. May this be a year in which we become a people who cry out day and night in the presence of God. Prayer is not a waste of time; prayer assures us that, in due time, if we do not give up, we will reap a great harvest.

2. Support us with your time and your talents.

   “What do you have in your hand?” God asked Moses—an eighty-year-old man with a speech impediment, who did not seem to be the most suitable person to fulfill God’s assignment. What do you have in your hand today that you can place at God’s service for the edification and expansion of the Kingdom? Time? Gifts? Talents? God can use all of this to do extraordinary things and to impact generations. Do not let doubt invade your heart. Do not let your prejudices stop you from serving God. May this be a year of surrender, where together we put our hands to the work, and in doing so we will see the glory of God.

3. Activating your generosity.

   The church is the result of Christ’s work on the cross, and each of us is a steward of it. God has blessed this place in such a way that the buildings of our food bank have become too small. Our dream for this year is to purchase and establish a prefabricated building from which we can operate our food bank. This will give us the opportunity to help our neighbors more effectively, and also to invest in our existing buildings and restore them for the establishment of new activities and as a legacy for future generations. Many work teams are being formed and are planning sales exclusively for this new building. The amount to be raised is $75,000. Please, as you hear about sales and fundraising opportunities, participate so that together we can achieve this great goal. May 2026 be a year in which we give generously by grace, from what we have received by grace.

The year has just begun, and the vision is powerful. I pray that these words will ignite in each of us energy, strength, and courage so that, together, like the people in Nehemiah’s time, we may say: “Let us rise up and build.”

Let us rise up and begin the good work, for God is with the one who does it well!

Pastor Abdel J. Rodriguez