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Dear friends of Paradise Church:
As we approach another high season in Puerto Vallarta and hopefully your return, Joy and I wanted to give you an update on everything that’s happening around here. When I think about what to write, it is almost overwhelming…in a really good way. We’ve celebrated His love and faithfulness at nine different bars, restaurants, theaters, and homes over the last 18 years. I know we’ve been hard to find at times but now, this year, Paradise Church has a place to call home. In honor of God’s faithfulness, we call it Grace Place.

The address is Juarez 614, Centro—just two blocks from the famous Malecón, right in the heart of Puerto Vallarta. We have a lease for the next 10 years, so you won’t have to wonder where to find us anymore! What started as a dusty lot is now a place of Grace with a concrete floor, bathrooms, a stage, and a roof that’s almost finished. It’s not fancy, but it’s ours. And on Sunday mornings, it feels like heaven touches earth. Last Sunday (28 September), 104 people gathered to worship at Grace Place—a new high for this season that reminds us how God is drawing hearts together in this city.  (Map to Grace Place)

And here’s something else we’re excited about: the hotel portion of the property—Pueblo Real—is now part of the story. Its operations are designed to help cover the cost of our lease, which is a huge blessing. But it’s more than just practical—it’s missional. Pueblo Real is part of a Mission Centre where visiting teams can stay, worship, and meet together to bless Puerto Vallarta. It’s a place where hospitality meets ministry, and we’re already seeing God use it to build community and extend His grace.

We can’t wait for you to experience Paradise Church again.

As you probably know and many have experienced, we are known for our combined community center—church planting outreaches. That vision keeps growing. We’re raising funds to finish the roof and launch the Grace Place Community Center: after-school programs, hot meals, life-skill classes, Bible studies, and vacation Bible schools. It’s all happening—right in the heart of the city.

For those of you who haven’t visited in the last couple of years, we also started bilingual services. As Joy likes to say, “That was a God thing!” Our Spanish-speaking congregation has grown beyond what we imagined. Pastor Sergio and Carina are leading with love and grace, serving the Mexican church full-time.

So you see why I say it is, “almost overwhelming” in a good way. God is on the move in Puerto Vallarta, and we’re moving with Him. We’d love for you to remain a part of it. Until you come back for a visit or to stay, you can join us online Sundays at 9:45am PV time (or anytime that works for you) at paradisechurchpv.org/live. It’s a great way to stay connected and see what God’s doing at Grace Place—even from afar.

As the old Motel 6 advertisement said, “We’ll keep the light on for you.”

With mucho love and grace,
Ric and Joy Lehman