Building Progress

Who would have ever thought that in only one week a work team composed of four men and six ladies would be able to:

• fill four 15″ x 15″ columns in only three hours?
• raise one-and-a-half exterior block walls?
• demolish 15″ thick brick walls?
• eat 100 pounds of steak?

This wonderful group of folks that God obviously brought together from Faith Baptist Church did all that and more! They made a positive impact on our church people as they interacted throughout the week on the job site, at church and in their homes. We are very thankful for their hard work and sweet spirits.

Faith Baptist Church Building Together team

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/jgreenwood/faith2015]

Now that three exterior walls are raised, the next step is to pour the five remaining columns, and then begin the huge task of pouring 23 cubic yards of concrete for the support beam on top of the three walls. Lord willing, all that will be done by the first of August so we’ll be ready to raise the roof! The quote for the roof is $31,000. Pray we could get a tax exemption to reduce the total by $6,000. (Yes, sales tax is 21% here!)

Beyond that, we will need $3,500 for the windows. Pray God will continue to supply the funds and labor necessary to complete these tasks. Also, pray for wisdom in balancing pastoral ministry and construction.

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Project: Building Together

Details are coming together to host work teams in 2015! The architect is drawing up the plans and submitting them to the municipality next week; the complex where our teams will stay is giving us an excellent rate; and we are gathering quotes for the building particulars. One challenge we are facing is what to do about parking. We can easily rent space nearby in order to get our plans approved, but we are also considering other long-term solutions. Please pray for wisdom in these decisions.

Building Project

With an average attendance of 95, the new building continues to be full. The next steps are to get plans drawn and approved, plus the foundation poured. Please pray that the Lord would lead and provide for this next phase. Last month, we told you about the possibility of purchasing a steel building, but it fell through because it had already been sold. It did, however, open our eyes to the idea of looking for something similar.

We are excited about hosting various mission teams to work on the new building in early 2015. Of course, you don’t have to be on a team–we welcome help at any time and at any stage of the project!  If you or your church is interested in being involved, please let us know.

Renovation Realities II

August 10 we had our first service in the new building. The Lord blessed with a full house those first two weeks! So, out came the sledgehammers again! We took out a bathroom and the office to fit 30 more chairs. We now have a little more elbow room.  (Click here for current pictures.)

The next steps are to get plans drawn and approved, plus the foundation poured. However, we have a unique opportunity to purchase a dismantled steel building. This structure would allow us to erect a two-story-high roof over the construction site. We are currently negotiating the purchase price and are estimating a cost between $8,000 and $12,000 for the purchase and transport to our property. We currently have $5,000 to use toward this project! Please pray that the Lord would lead and provide for this next phase.

After that, we would like to host mission teams to work on the new building in early 2015. Of course, you don’t have to be on a team–we welcome help at any time and at any stage of the project!

Renovation Realities

In our last update, we shared with you the huge answer to prayer regarding the property purchase. Thank you for all your replies via email and Facebook, showing your support and to let us know that you are praying. That is extremely encouraging!

Now that the waiting is over, it’s time to get to work! The church folks are putting in many hours renovating the existing structure, so we can begin holding services there on August 10.  So far, we have been able to knock down all necessary interior walls, replace the roof and do most of the landscaping. Over this next week, we hope to paint, clean and get set up for Sunday.

 

Keys in hand!

Our hearts are full as we write this post, reflecting on God’s provision, protection, guidance and grace over the past few months. God provided the funds to buy the church property. In March that offer was accepted.  By God’s grace, after more negotiations and waiting for documents beyond our control, we were able to sign and take possession today, July 29!  To God be the glory!

We already started clearing away some of the overgrowth, and have a church workday scheduled for Saturday for the real demolition to begin!  Our goal is to get the existing structure usable in order to have services starting August 10.  From there, we will begin the process of drawing up plans and pouring the foundation with the hopes of work teams helping with the permanent church building!

Progress!

Here is a photo album of the work that we have accomplished so far on the new building. This week we removed most of the wall and welded in a new beam so we can remove the rest (supporting section) of the wall. This will be the main auditorium area. Our summer intern, Andrea Love, painted two rooms. A painter in the church started painting the front of the building. All the kids took on the task of cleaning up the backyard – they love the demolition part!

Please pray that we will be able to at least get the auditorium ready for Sunday services. We are “officially” moving in to the new building July 1. This Sunday, July 5, we will have our normal Sunday service, and then a special evangelistic service Sunday evening.