Many churches on foreign mission fields face significant financial limitations that hinder their ability to purchase land, rent facilities, or construct a permanent place of worship. In numerous cases, congregations simply do not have the resources required to build a safe and suitable space where believers can gather freely to worship the Lord. As a result, many are forced to rely on rented facilities, often at a high cost. These ongoing rental expenses consume limited funds that could otherwise be saved toward acquiring land and beginning construction of a permanent church building. This cycle leaves congregations without stability, restricts growth, and delays the establishment of a lasting spiritual home for the community.

In many nations around the world, Christianity is not officially outlawed, yet believers still endure severe persecution from government authorities, surrounding communities, and even their own families. In these environments, securing a public space for worship is often extremely difficult or impossible. As a result, Christians are frequently forced to gather quietly in homes, constantly aware of the risk of harassment, arrest, or worse. Limited space prevents entire congregations from meeting together, restricting fellowship, discipleship, and mutual encouragement—elements essential to a healthy and growing church. Compounding these challenges is widespread poverty; many churches simply lack the financial resources needed to rent or purchase land for worship. TEL International is committed not only to planting Bible-believing churches, but also to strengthening them for long-term sustainability. By helping provide the funds necessary to acquire land, we empower local congregations to build places of worship that are safe, appropriate, and responsive to their unique needs, enabling believers to gather openly, grow in faith, and stand firm in the face of adversity.