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The church building, located on a 1.25-acre parcel in downtown San Jose, was deemed a historical landmark, and there were limits on renovations that could be done to the facility. It was right in the middle of significant re-development projects and parking became a problem.
"The main reason for relocating was that our church was not really a downtown church," Pastor Frank said. "We were looking for something more suburban."
After years of discussions and planning with Jerry Harris from the California Baptist Foundation and Strongtower Financial, God opened the doors for Primera Iglesia to make their move.
"God used the Foundation and Strongtower to put together a part of the vision for our church," Pastor Frank said. "I'm thankful that God used them in my life and in the life of the church."
After looking at many facilities in the area, they found a commercial building that had been converted into a church facility. In order to make the move, Primera Iglesia had to sell their existing building, obtain financing and conduct a capital stewardship campaign.
With the help of Strongtower, the facility sold for $1 million over the initial asking price and special arrangements were made to help accommodate Primera Iglesia. Then, the buyers purchased the church's new facility, which included leased office space, and held the facility for Primera Iglesia. This allowed escrow to close on both properties at the same time and provided the church with a place to go.
"We really felt God's hand was on this because the new building was so large and we were able to lease out the two offices to pay for our mortgage," Pastor Frank said. "There are a lot of churches that need new buildings and they get discouraged. I want them to see that their vision can become a reality. Nothing is impossible for God — even in California."
Primera Iglesia is now located in a park-like suburban area. Parking space has more than doubled and there is room for the church to grow. Through evangelism, discipleship, a new martial arts ministry and other forms of outreach, Primera Iglesia is working to fill their new sanctuary.
"I am really happy with what God is doing in our church," Pastor Frank said. "Our congregation is realizing that church is about more than coming on Sunday — it is about the Lord and building His Kingdom."
Visit www.primerabaptist.org to find out more about what God is doing at Primera Iglesia.
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