Gail Alsteiter, a friend from Lima I went to college with stopped by back when snow was on the ground to see the school building our church bought the Saturday after Christmas. As we walked through the building, Gail said, "You're going to be real busy this summer!" I wanted to slap him, because me being the expert in commercial building and school remodelling, I knew he was so wrong. I said, "Nope. We're going to have our first service here Easter!" I didn't tell Gail I meant Easter 2009.
Pictured above is a corner inside the Preschool room at our new building. This is where my wife, Coletta will teach children (Lord willing). Since April 3, the day our church took possesion of the Horace Mann School Building we haven't stopped. We have work nights every night but Fridays, and a workday every Saturday. Today, I walked through the building and across most of the property with Pat Ryan, President of Citizen's National Bank here in Van Wert. He came to give me a $45,000.00 check for the fire/water sprinkler contractor, and to get some "updated pictures." Pat said, "James, this place doesn't look any different than the last time I was here!" I said, "Thanks Pat. But, the sprinklers, fire alarms and burlgar alarms are now completed, and the Fire Marshel and State Inspector will check all that and the electric work next Monday. Once those items are approved, you're going to see some major changes!" Within two weeks, we should have all the ceiling tile back in all the hallways, and most of the classrooms. However, our giants before us are turning the gym into a church santuary, the stage, the nursery, and installing air conditioners. I was a bit discouraged with the project yesterday, just like most of our volunteers. So, I got out of town for the afternoon and evening,and it helped! I feel better today. I am NOT discouraged with our church volunteers! The ones that come work, work hard and tirelessly, and Coletta and I deeply appreciate your labors of love!
This project will be completed and a building dedication ceremony will be scheduled exactly according to God's timing! We are running thin in the finance department, so, we are down to faith and prayer. Please pray that our old building will sell soon, and that the needed funds will come in to complete this project. God has given us a beautiful 4 acre campus, a 40 place parking lot, a playground, a ball diamond, a front yard with trees, 11 large classrooms, offices and an auditorium. All of this is easily 4 times bigger than where we are now and we are so thrilled with what the Lord has given us at 501 E. Third Street here in Van Wert.
And about the "Summer School" educating our church? This too shall come to pass!
I'm Jim Burns, and that's something to think about! jimmycburns@aol.com
