The following was shared by the elders during our worship service on March 9th.
“When Jack and Bonnie passed away, they left behind a surprisingly large estate of over $2,000,000. At Bonnie’s passing approximately half of it went directly to Ozark Christian College, and around a fourth to Good News Productions. A small amount was to go to the Chatham Library, and the remaining funds and property were bequeathed to us. She did not want it to be used for the general operation of the church, and the elders were tasked with how to best use the funds in keeping with her desires, especially those that focused on her love for young people. After considering several options, the decision was made to use it to begin a totally new ministry at Chatham Christian Church.
Zach, who is currently a campus minister at ISU and very active in the sports ministry of Eastview Christian Church, has made us aware of the effectiveness of using sports as an outreach to youth in the community, and has expressed a willingness to help us lay the groundwork for such a ministry here. We have therefore decided to use the funds to build a gymnasium.
After searching for a local contractor, we found an Amish company in Tuscola, Hersberger Construction, and have signed a contract with them to oversee the building and furnishing of a gym. Our plan is to build a 60 x 120 foot heated and air-conditioned steel building that will be located behind, and attached to, our fellowship hall.
We are planning to begin ground prep for the building after VBS and a large wedding scheduled for the middle of July. Hopefully it will be completed sometime next fall, and we will then be able to use it for basketball, volleyball, pickle ball, and other sporting events, as well as a much larger place for dinners and receptions.”
The elders answered questions during Sunday School, and found nothing but excitement about the new ministry this unexpected gift will make possible.
God Bless, Rick
Chatham Christian Church 