We know God’s timing is perfect! It may be unexpected to us, but He is never surprised. In November 2021 we learned of an opportunity to purchase a property on the far side of the playground at 314 Lincoln Avenue (a former day care center – can someone say, West Campus?). The FCS Board of Directors toured the property and recognized it could be a great addition to the school. After much prayer, the Board presented the association (our governing body) a proposal to move forward with a plan for purchasing this property. After reviewing the proposed budget, which included the property purchase and conservative estimates of mortgage, utilities, etc., the association voted in January 2022 to allow the Board to move towards acquiring 314 Lincoln Avenue.
We know God is faithful. As the Psalmist says in the beginning of verse 7, chapter 37, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;” the past six months have been an exercise in patience. I thank all of you who have been praying diligently with the school leadership as we have been waiting upon the Lord’s direction.
Here are the highlights of the past several months:
- FCS applied and was approved for a mortgage from Fidelity Bank.
- We requested a code inspection, and only a few minor issues were found (a weekend warrior like myself could fix all of them).
- FCS made an offer of $329,900, which was accepted. (The sellers were asking $379,000, and we countered with the help of a favorable property appraisal.)
- We closed on the property August 19th.
- The renovation process begins August 22nd!
We know God is sufficient and will move in his people and the FCS family to make this purchase and renovation possible. The total cost to purchase and renovate the building is estimated at $430,000. Right now we need to raise enough funds to cover the down payment plus $100,000 for the renovation and furnishing of the building. Rounding up a bit, our immediate goal is to raise $200,000. It may seem like we have plenty of time, but it will fly by. Any funds received over the $200,000 will be used to pay down the mortgage principal. It is our goal to have this property paid off within 3 to 5 years, or sooner if God allows.
We know God is trustworthy for He has brought us this far, and we continue to trust Him for wisdom and guidance. There are many tasks in front of us, but I have no doubt that the FCS family is ready for this challenge, just as our founders were when they took possession of our main building in 1980 and South Campus (a former blouse factory) in 1995. It was parents and volunteers that turned those buildings into usable classrooms. We can do it again! We are looking for volunteers to help in all aspects of this renovation—demolition, framing, wiring, drywall, flooring, painting, and decorating. Our goal is to be finished with renovations by the end of May 2023, so we can move many classrooms around during the summer and be ready for the 2023-24 school year.
We know that God gives each of us opportunities to steward the funds he has entrusted to us, in order to make an eternal impact. We currently have 120 families at Faith, plus over 500 alumni and 400 active donors. We could knock out the $200,000 needed in no time if everyone participates. Please pray as to what the Holy Spirit would have you do.
*** We have already received three pledges of $10,000 each. Praise The Lord! ***
We know that God is enduring and using FCS to preserve a remnant of Christian young people that will be able to stand up against a culture that says, “It is futile to serve God” or claim, “There is no God.” The Faith Christian School graduate is prepared to be a person of biblical vision and influence. It is our goal to produce Christian leaders in every field so that FCS graduates can transform the world for Jesus Christ. This building will allow us to continue to grow, educate, and disciple students and their families for many years to come.
The FCS Board of Directors would like to thank you for your continued support and prayers as we look to the Lord to expand our borders and the legacy of Faith.
In His Service,
Justin Blair
FCS Board of Directors, President
