Establishing Headquarters

Even though many people came to the Lord and were baptized during the Keegel's church planted in the Colombo slums, few remained in the church. As a result the average congregation was only about eight people and the pastors monthly salary from the church was only forty-five rupees. Although sometimes de pressed and tempted to return to secular employment, Leslie remained faithful to his calling. As his house lease was about to expire, the pastor prayed and be gan to sense that God was calling him to a ministry in Nugegoda. Shortly afterwards an old classmate invited him to come to his home and begin a Bible Study - in Nugegoda. Knowing that Leslie was becoming des perate for a place to move, the friend told of a house and piece of property that was available for lease.  So, on September I, 1985 they went to see the property in Nugegoda. Immediately Pastor Leslie liked the prop erty and felt that this was the place to be; the owner said, "Why don't you give us three hundred thousand rupees and we can have a long lease?" But Pastor Leslie replied that he wasn’t interested in leasing, he wanted to buy it ! The landlord offered a price of 2.5 million and Leslie countered with 1.2 million. No agreement was made but three days later the owner called for another meeting. This time the two agreed to a price of 1.7 million rupees and entered into a sale agree ment, which was to he paid by September 30.