[from John Bloom]
Our new vo-tech building arrived by semi May 23rd. We unloaded it in a heavy rain storm. The big challenge would be to get it erected, but first the 40′x80′ concrete slab would have to be poured. A crew from Colorado and Kansas and South Carolina came in early June to see the task accomplished. It took 60 yards of cement (at $135 per yard) and two hard days of back breaking labor but the finished product looked great – despite a big dust storm the second day. After letting the cement cure for three weeks we were ready for the actual construction. Stan Bloom came from Kansas in early July to oversee the project. We had purchased a massive forklift to lift the heavy beams. After only three days the major framework was in place. A youth group from Oregon provided much needed muscle. Throughout the rest of the summer, youth groups were able to put up the walls and the roof. We praise the Lord for safety on such a major project. We still need someone to come to put on trim and put up the big overhead doors. Hopefully next summer we can finish the inside construction. We pray this building will enhance the education offered at Immanuel Mission School.