It is our mission in the Rio Texas Conference to reach into our mission field to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. It is important to remember, as we reach out into the community, that we often need the help and support of the community. The work we do, we do in missional partnership with these communities.

Windsong United Methodist Church has found help and advocacy from a member of their community as they try to move ahead with creating a new space to reach new people.

Windsong inherited the unfinished building in 2008 after Rector Memorial Methodist Church closed down its operations. They recently realized that they may have to restart the project from scratch because of strict FEMA guidelines and the ability to build on the site of a 100-year floodplain. The cost for updating the building’s engineering groundwork would cost the church another $60,000.

Fortunately, a member of the community has stepped in to help. Civil Engineering Consultant Donald Oroian, who is currently running for the San Antonio River Authority Board, will offer pro-bono consultation services to Windsong United Methodist Church for the reconstruction of that unfinished 8,000 square feet multi-purpose building located in Southwest San Antonio. 

Mr. Oroian of ADA Consulting Group, Inc. agreed to work as a consult for the church because of his experience with FEMA regulations and floodplain engineering.

“The majority of work Donald will be doing will be in a consultative role eliminating costly fees that would be incurred without his help,” said Windsong UMC Pastor Stan Gonzalez. “He has over 13 years of experience in floodplain issues, he's a fellow brother in the faith, and with his help we are confident that our vision will turn into a reality.”

God continues to do great things in the Rio Texas Annual Conference. This is just another example of how members of our communities can help us better reach and serve those communities.