Over Halfway to Renewal: Sabbatical Progress Update
As we find ourselves nine months into our sabbatical aimed at enhancing campus facilities for a new era of training, we are delighted to share a progress report with alumni and friends, both within New Zealand and abroad.
Since Faith's decision, announced in August last year, for a teaching sabbatical, we have been diligently collaborating with a range of professional contractors to initiate extensive campus renovations. Throughout this period, we have been actively engaging with our online community, sharing updates as we've modernised our teaching spaces, guest accommodation, staff residences, kitchen facilities, and more. We are particularly pleased to highlight some notable accomplishments. These include the much-anticipated refurbishment of the bathrooms and showers in D block, the commercialisation of our kitchen appliances, a comprehensive overhaul of staff housing, and the establishment of our community garden. This garden now boasts several raised beds, an impressive grow tunnel for nurturing seedlings, and over 100 fruit-bearing trees. Additionally, our maintenance team has worked diligently through the winter months, erecting sturdy fencing along the Welcome Bay Road perimeter of the campus, revamping the campus entrance with a fresh coat of paint, and introducing new garden pieces. In collaboration with an external designer, we are on track to implement campus signage prior to the arrival of our next cohort of students.
Beyond renovating, building, and painting, Faith's leadership has been in close consultation with the Western Bay of Plenty Council regarding the redesign of our 13 on-site septic tanks to ensure compliance with local government regulations. This initiative not only improves the quality of our campus water but also enhances our waste disposal methods. These upgrades represent a significant investment for Faith, but the forward-thinking leadership of our trustees has made this essential upgrade possible. Compliance with wastewater treatment regulations is paramount for our operations and future, and would like to extend our gratitude to all those involved in this crucial process.
Transitioning our focus from renovations to branding, we have partnered with a local designer to embark on the reimagining of Faith's visual identity. This will involve a modernised brand image while paying homage to our rich history. Anticipate exciting developments in this area starting from November.
Furthermore, Des' second book, 'The Story of Faith,' is in its final stages before going to print, having undergone proof-reading and received a front cover. We hope to make 'The Story of Faith' available for pre-order later this year.
Since January, Southern Cross Horticulture, a Christian-owned and operated enterprise, has leased our A, B, C, and D blocks and other campus facilities, utilising them as their business headquarters and residential hub for 70 RSE workers. Moreover, our kitchen facilities have been fully occupied, diligently preparing a minimum of three meals per day for the workers and on-site management staff. Southern Cross Horticulture's pastoral leader, Eduardo Codeco, also conducts a weekly Bible study with the RSE workers, taking place in the dining room. A friend of Faith, Darcy Gilbert, resides on-site and attests to the atmosphere of worship and praise that resonates during these study sessions. Having Southern Cross Horticulture on campus has been a delightful experience.
As we embark on the final months of our sabbatical journey, we warmly invite you to join us in prayer over the upgrades to our campus, its ongoing operations, and for blessings upon our trustees, granting them the wisdom required to guide our campus into a fruitful and God-honouring next chapter.