Pressing Forward Through Challenges by Faith

Every report on Bethel’s building project is a testimony of God’s work among us. Although the path has been filled with challenges, we can clearly see how we have relied on God and learned His will through the process.

We officially launched the building project in 2023, focused on design throughout 2024, and by early November 2025 completed all construction drawings and submitted the permit application. The project is behind schedule. We originally hoped to demolish the old building in early September after Labor Day, but based on past experience, the city’s permit process takes about three months. If approval comes in January, demolition will begin in February, followed by construction—right as the Bay Area enters the rainy season. This will slow progress and increase moisture-control needs.

What caused the delay? Mainly three reasons. First, the city’s review process has been slow. Although we received the planning permit in June, the fire and public works departments did not provide comments until late August. Second, as design details unfolded, we spent significant time studying and adjusting plans to reduce cost. Third, the new geotechnical report differed from the earlier one, requiring additional analysis and testing to ensure the accuracy of foundation design.

How do we face these delays? Though coworkers have been working diligently, we know this is ultimately a spiritual work—God building in our midst. We are not waiting helplessly; instead, we are using this period to practice spiritual lessons such as prayer, giving, unity, and serving. We learn to fix our eyes on God, trusting His perfect timing and arrangement. Another challenge is rising costs. Our contractor provides three estimates through the design process. The first estimate, based on initial concepts, was $ 22M with large uncertainty. We simplified the design and reduced it to $17M. The second, based on more detailed drawings, came back at $21M with 50% accuracy. We are still negotiating, hoping to lower it to at least $19M. A final estimate with 90% accuracy will come at the last stage of design.

The increase is not mainly due to material price changes, but because detailed design requires adding elements that were not included in the initial estimate. The city also requires stricter building codes, such as higher standards for fireproofing and wastewater treatment. Finally, inconsistencies in the geotechnical reports increase the complexity of foundation design and construction.

How do we handle rising costs? First, we carefully examine each design detail, making thoughtful trade-offs to save money without sacrificing the building’s essential functions. For example, the originally planned marble exterior walls were replaced with standard gypsum board. Our goal is not to display human glory through outward splendor, but to use the building to serve people and glorify God. We are also saving on materials—for instance, God provided a brother who helped us purchase the stage’s LED wall at one-third of the consultant’s price. Additionally, we are actively negotiating with the city to apply only the codes appropriate for our facility. Beyond these efforts, we follow a spiritual principle regarding financial need: Christians give according to need, trusting that God will supply every expense made with a reverent and honest heart.

Above all, we must remain steadfast in prayer. Though we face delays and rising costs, we believe God is using them to train our faith and enlarge our capacity in prayer. Spiritual battles are not decided by earthly efforts. When Moses raised his hands, Israel prevailed; when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. Prayer on the mountain determined victory on the field. Each challenge becomes an opportunity to break through in prayer.

Judges 3:1–2 says God left certain nations “to test Israel… so the generations might learn warfare.” The first building project of the Silicon Valley Christian Assembly is our spiritual heritage and a blessing to many churches, yet most of us did not experience that earlier battle. The challenges then were opposition from neighbors, city officials, the seller, and financial shortage. Today the challenge is different: the “giant” is not external resistance or even cost increase—it is ourselves. Are we willing to submit to God’s will and participate in His work? God is doing something new among us. Through the building of an outward house, He is building His dwelling place within us.

Spiritual growth never comes without challenge. Without challenge, faith does not grow. Many want to observe God’s work, but God invites us to enter into His blessing. At the appointed time, God will accomplish His work beyond what we ask or think. Brothers and sisters, let us move forward together, wholeheartedly following Him, so that none are left behind— receiving blessing and becoming a blessing.

——Adapted from Brother Jiao’s report in SVCA LDC 2025