The “Berean Mansion” was constructed in the early 1950s and housed the Superintendent of the school. Over the years, it has been the home to Superintendents and their families as well as other Berean families. During its first years, this concrete block house was painted a Pepto-Bismol pink, but was eventually sided in the early 70s, much to everyone’s delight! About six months ago, Berean Academy became aware of the need for a home for missionaries who desire to have their children educated at Berean Academy while on furlough. After prayer and deliberation, Dr. Tad Nuce and the Berean Board gave the green light for renovations to be made.
Remodeling of this four bedroom, two bathroom home began in mid-June of this year with the majority of the interior, as well as about one-fourth of the siding, completed before the Ketcham family moved in on August 8! Jeremy and Macy are missionaries with Ethnos 360 near Manaus, Brazil. They are stateside for their home assignment, and four of their five children are attending Berean Academy for the 2020-2021 school year.
The home is fully furnished and has new windows, paint and flooring throughout, plumbing and electrical work, bathroom renovations, kitchen remodel including appliances, new siding and insulation on the complete exterior of the building, and some other finishing touches inside and out. Chuck and Jennifer Harder and family, along with Ed and Chris Flora, have headed up the renovations and passed the torch to Jeremy Ketcham who is continuing the siding project and other inside projects while they live in the home. Eventually, there will also be dirt and drainage work, additional insulation to the attic, as well as a new roof.
All of this work has been possible thanks to the generosity of a number of churches and individuals who have either given financially or of their time and expertise. In Hebrews 10:24, we are told to encourage one another toward love and good deeds. The enormous amount of work accomplished in just six short weeks shows how the Lord used generous financial gifts coupled with an out-pouring of time and skilled labor to provide a wonderful asset for missionary families. Please pray with us as the work continues, and for additional partners to bring this renovation project to completion. To God be the glory, great things He has done!
Take a look at the progress made!
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