Well, 2009 began with some "hic-ups" in the Building Project. On a good note the giving has continued to out pace the average monthly amount needed to meet our goal of $250,000 in three years. However, our builder in Canada had been very slow in getting us what we had paid for. Then in late February we got an email saying they were out of business (after 22 years) due to the economy. That was all we got from them, and they still had not paid their architect all the money we had paid them for permit-ready plans. Fortunately we had not sent them any more money and our losses are minimal, and our cost for our plans is still within an acceptable amount.

The Final Building Plans are about to be finished. This has taken some time - needless to say - but God's timing has been evident as we look at the overall situation. We still need about $35,000 to reach or goal of $100,000 in our Building Fund, and once we do then we will pursue the building permit and construction loan so we can begin to build. If the Lord wills we will begin this before the bad weather sets in.

Overall, as we begin the second year of our 3-year Capital Stewardship Campaign we are thankful for God's provision and His protection! At the end of our first year we are about 3 months ahead of schedule in giving from those who have made pledges. In addition, we have received over $22,000 in outside gifts bringing the total income to our Building Fund to $125,000, or half of the total amount pledged for the three year campaign - all in the first year! Also, we have received NEW pledges totaling about $14,000, and one "miracle" pledge (I call it) of $30,000 for a total of $44,000 in new pledges.

We have also seen a extra blessing in the form of gifts given to upgrade the exterior of our existing buildings. The exterior walls have needed painting for some time and the stairs have needed to be replaced with "composite" decking (plastic-type material). As of Father's Day we have received all the money necessary to scrape, repair, prime, paint, and trim the outside of the buildings, plus replace all the exterior stairs! Our work days have been well attended, and we have been able to do what many did not think possible in such a short period of time.