BYM is pleased to announce the official launching of our major renovation and remodeling project. Internally and in a few newsletters we have referred to it as PHASE II. However the scope of the project is so important and the completion of it so essential we have realized it is more than just a single, simple phase. This portion of funding, construction and occupancy is absolutely paramount to the future goals of the Baptist Youth Mission.

Since the initial meetings with the State Fire Marshall’s team, Phase II’s primary objective was certifi ed occupancy of all portions of the building. The initial phase allowed only one housing unit and limited offi ce space. The completion of this second phase of compliance will assure full occupancy. For this reason it has been officially named the “Occupy Till I Come Campaign”. The phrase comes from a passage in one of the Lord’s parables in Luke chapter 19 concerning stewardship. A certain nobleman left some great responsibilities in the hands of his servants until his return in the future. He told to them “occupy” or carry on the necessary business that would ensure his success upon return.

This theme was chosen because it fi ts the Master’s plan for BYM. Our goal is to be busy about “our Father’sbusiness”. Excitement and exhilaration characterize this new challenge to the ministry. What could be better? ...for this is a campaign that is all about gathering and uniting every available resource for the purpose of using the facilities God has given us for the greatest impact on eternity!

Nuts and Bolts- This campaign has a couple of unique features essential to its success. Here is the background. The State Fire Marshall’s team is requiring a sprinkler and life safety system (exit signs, smoke detectors etc...) throughout the building. Without these there will be no full occupancy. However, bringing the building to this level of compliance is a very costly component of the master renovation plan. Other elements of the renovation such as electrical, heat and plumbing systems are less expensive and easier to do in stages. The sprinklers/life safety system must be done all at once. Because of these two stages of renovation, the funding portion of Occupy Campaign has been designed into two distinct sections. We are needing funding immediately for some of the on-going projects (see Backgrounder’s Current Project insert), yet at the same time we have opened a savings account for the large costs related to the Compliancy Fund.

I urge you to take time to read more about this vital project. This newsletter, our individual missionaries’ newsletters and our web site (www.bym.org) off er more insight and details on BYM’s unique ministry. I also urge you to get involved. Whether it is volunteering for a few days, or contributing fi nancially, your involvement will be appreciated and will count for eternity.

Serving the Lord with Gladness,

Mike Holmes

Executive Director