Our church has started the long process of obtaining a building permit so that we can construct a new Education/Fellowship facility.
We've taken up this task once before. It wasn't easy. There were some disappointments. There was lots of frustration.
Yesterday, at our congregational meeting, we learned about one of those incidents that could have been so discouraging for our building team. Instead, the Lord used this incident to show His goodness and help.
For our new project we engaged the architectural firm that was so helpful with our first building.
All was going well until it was time for us to begin the process of obtaining the building permit.
Then the firm decided that they would increase their fees. We had budgeted $80,000. The firm wanted to more than double their fee.
Needless to say, this development created much frustration and disappointment.
Our group decided to find a new architect. Having to do this at the 11th hour created much stress and pressure.
But the gentlemen we hired has proved to be a godsend. He reviewed the plans that had been put together. He made some important suggestions. He made some significant improvements. He also uncovered a few issues that the first group had completely overlooked.
His fee for the project - $100,000.
It seemed like a fair fee but still over our budget.
However, one of the engineering firms our architect works with is owned and managed by some believers in Christ Jesus.
Once a year they offer their work to a group or ministry pro bono - no charge. They chose Life in Christ to bless.
Their cost for the work they are doing for us? $20,000.
Which brings the fees of the architect to - guess what? $80,000!
Needless to say, there was much rejoicing and giving thanks for this blessing.
The apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians: Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
What more can we say but AMEN!
