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“Lord of all promise from Heaven above, bless now our endeavor established in love.”

So begins the Hymn of Peace, the parish hymn of Peace Lutheran, Fort Myers, Fla. The congregation’s members wrote the hymn, which prays for God’s blessings on the parish’s ministries.

Peace hosts up to 55 ministry groups, depending on the presence of seasonal residents. Group ministries vary with the group’s interests, such as the World War I study group that sent soccer balls to U.S. troops in Iraq. A conversational French group helped collect items for the homeless.

These groups and others now enjoy a 10,500 square-foot facility made possible by a $1.2 million Mission Investment Fund loan and a capital funding campaign by the congregation. The building has one large flexible space that has room for 425 worshipers and can seat 250 at fellowship dinners.

MIF previously helped Peace to buy the land on which the church was built, and held the $300,000 loan at zero percent interest until the congregation incorporated in 2003.

“Working with the MIF was a great experience,” said the Rev. Walter Still, pastor of Peace. “MIF helped us to focus not only on architecture, but the ministries and goals that drive architecture.”

Peace’s members were excited to move into their permanent ministry home in June 2005, after worshiping for more than 10 years at a Jewish temple and a Masonic lodge. The members were also excited to be blessed with and to minister in the name of peace after several unsuccessful attempts – beginning in 1976 – to start a congregation in this south Florida resort area.

“We believe at Peace that we live by God’s grace, and that we will be blessed as we bless others,” said Pastor Still.