DIRECTOR’S VIEW: Next step - Facilities renovation

In March, we shared about the completion of the first phase of the strategic plan, which entailed reallocating resources to best meet the current needs of the ministry. We paid off our debt, began increasing our web presence, and reassessed our recruitment strategy. Our next step is beginning the long-term project of renovating our facilities

“There are three stages to every great work of God; first it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done.” This quote by the hero of faith Hudson Taylor sits at the top of CEM’s Strategic Plan. It is an encouragement but also an exhortation: inasmuch as we’re confident in God’s leading, we must not back away from a single challenge that comes our way.

After a season with several transitions, we’ve completed a phase of hiring and have a full, strong staff team lined up. It’s fun to see evidence that the Lord knows what gifts and abilities are needed for the unique work of CEM, and we’re grateful He’s brought us the people we need. Over the coming months we’ll introduce our new team members to you.

Our next focus needs to be on renovating facilities. In 2020 CEM will be 50 years old! This is a tremendous milestone, and with it comes the need to work on our buildings. This is a long-term project. It requires extensive, careful planning as well as the support of our community. As part of the Strategic Plan for developing CEM, we’re working on a Master Plan specifically dedicated to the property and facilities. These are complex to create: a multitude of factors come into play. Please pray God gives us divine wisdom and skill, much like He gave Bezalel and Oholiab in Exodus 31. God gave them an enormous, almost incomprehensible task—building the tabernacle—but then He equipped them for this undertaking and stirred up the community of the Israelites to help them. We believe this is a mark of God’s character and therefore applies to us too: God will enable us to do whatever He asks of us.

Our overall goals include making our facilities as useful and enjoyable for our residents as possible. When they first arrive on property, we want them to feel immediately that this is a refuge of safety and comfort. We want to make living and teaching spaces more usable and modern. As we proceed, we intend to optimize for energy efficiency and build to minimize upkeep expenses. We also hope to improve recreation and athletic opportunities as well.

We just finished redoing the interior of the oldest girls’ dorm building. Our next plans include tackling several big items, notably remodeling the older parts of the lodge. We are also renovating the recreation room, plan to level and light the ball field,and more. We will keep you updated as we move forward.

Many of our students believe the lies they’ve been told that they are not worth investing in. But they are even more than worthwhile investments: they are of infinite value, as Jesus’ blood proves. We want to communicate this in every way we can— including through our facilities.

Nate Boyd, Executive Director