Ramonan strives to raise money to build church in border town

An estimated $40,000 is needed for a new church and a community food bank in Cibola, Ariz., that has a Ramona connection.

Mark Baker Sr., outreach minister of Light of the Lamb in Ramona, is assistant pastor of the church, Palo Verde Christian Fellowship. Cibola’s previous church was swept away in a series of tornadoes two years ago, leaving only a concrete slab, said Baker.

“There are over 40,000 people in Ramona,” he said. “If each one donated $1, we would have the payment.”

Project Care and Share of Ramona, a division of Light of the Lamb at 324 Seventh St., is working toward the $40,000 goal.

“It’s not impossible,” Baker said.

Cibola has a population of 643, and the new church will serve two other towns as well, said Baker.

Light of the Lamb ministry holds services on Sunday, fresh produce distribution at 12:30 p.m. on Fridays, and a free hot meal every Thursday at 6 p.m. During the Witch fire in 2007, it provided free hot meals to emergency crews. Anyone wishing more information or who would like to donate may call 760-788-7796 or e-mail admin@lightofthelambministry.org.