July 16th, 2026
by Khyra Olson
by Khyra Olson
Fifteen years ago, Edgewood had the privilege of helping launch a Spanish-speaking ministry that would eventually become Iglesia Bautista Esperanza (IBE). What began as a small ministry has grown into a thriving church family committed to reaching the Spanish-speaking community with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Like any shared ministry, there were seasons of growth, learning, and a few bumps in the road. Having two active congregations sharing one building required flexibility, patience, and a willingness to work together. Through it all, God remained faithful, and both churches were strengthened by the experience.
Two years ago, the leadership of IBE sensed that God was leading them into a new season. Together, they made the decision to become an independent church. While that meant a change in our relationship, it also represented exactly what we had hoped for from the very beginning—to see a healthy church equipped to stand on its own and continue making disciples.
God has continued to open doors.
Just six months ago, through a partnership with Converge Northwest, IBE was able to purchase the former Haller Lake Baptist Church building. Since then, their members have been pouring countless volunteer hours into remodeling and preparing the facility for ministry. It has been inspiring to watch their church family work together with such dedication and excitement as they transform the building into a place where people will hear the good news of Christ for years to come.
As they make this transition, Edgewood has been grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting them. Thanks to the generosity of our church family, and through a combination of two months of rent relief and a cash gift, we were able to bless them with more than $11,000 to help them during this exciting season of transition.
Your faithful giving is making a tangible difference. It is helping another gospel-centered church become firmly established and better equipped to reach its community.
Thank you for investing in God’s kingdom. The story of IBE is a reminder that church planting is about more than starting a ministry—it is about seeing healthy, independent churches grow, flourish, and multiply.
Please continue praying for Pastor Julio, the leadership team, and the entire IBE congregation as they complete the renovations, settle into their new facility, and continue sharing the hope of Jesus with their community.
We praise God for what He has done over the past fifteen years, and we look forward to seeing all that He will do in the years ahead.
Like any shared ministry, there were seasons of growth, learning, and a few bumps in the road. Having two active congregations sharing one building required flexibility, patience, and a willingness to work together. Through it all, God remained faithful, and both churches were strengthened by the experience.
Two years ago, the leadership of IBE sensed that God was leading them into a new season. Together, they made the decision to become an independent church. While that meant a change in our relationship, it also represented exactly what we had hoped for from the very beginning—to see a healthy church equipped to stand on its own and continue making disciples.
God has continued to open doors.
Just six months ago, through a partnership with Converge Northwest, IBE was able to purchase the former Haller Lake Baptist Church building. Since then, their members have been pouring countless volunteer hours into remodeling and preparing the facility for ministry. It has been inspiring to watch their church family work together with such dedication and excitement as they transform the building into a place where people will hear the good news of Christ for years to come.
As they make this transition, Edgewood has been grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting them. Thanks to the generosity of our church family, and through a combination of two months of rent relief and a cash gift, we were able to bless them with more than $11,000 to help them during this exciting season of transition.
Your faithful giving is making a tangible difference. It is helping another gospel-centered church become firmly established and better equipped to reach its community.
Thank you for investing in God’s kingdom. The story of IBE is a reminder that church planting is about more than starting a ministry—it is about seeing healthy, independent churches grow, flourish, and multiply.
Please continue praying for Pastor Julio, the leadership team, and the entire IBE congregation as they complete the renovations, settle into their new facility, and continue sharing the hope of Jesus with their community.
We praise God for what He has done over the past fifteen years, and we look forward to seeing all that He will do in the years ahead.
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