Dear Friends,
On August 9, 2009, we voted to approve the $1.38 million Sanctuary Renovation Project at our all-church conference. As I write this article, it is now October 13. WHAT’S THE HOLD UP?
Well it’s mostly going through plan check with the City of Torrance. They keep throwing in additional requirements. Most recently, they wanted us to verify that we don’t need to have a larger air conditioning capacity because we are adding more footage due to the organ chambers at the front of the church.
Before that they wanted us to submit a dumpster housing design, which includes a cover and a secured gate. We had to turn in three different designs until it was finally accepted.
Before that, they wonted a landscape design that included the side of the church on Manuel Street.
Before that they required structural calculations for the masonry cutouts for the organ chambers.
Before that they insisted that we do an acoustical analysis to make sure that the new organ wouldn’t generate excessive external noise that would bother our neighbors.
Once we clear the last hurdle or hoop, then we need to secure the loan, process title insurance, and sign final contract documents. Assuming that what I mentioned was the last hurdle.
Each of those steps have added 1 – 2 weeks and the official loan processing may take another week or so.
Needless to say, we are being tested with our faith and patience. I don’t mean to elucidate all these negative speed bumps, but I’m just trying to inform you about where we’re at.
I’m reminded of Romans 8:28. “God causes all things to work together for the good for those who love God, and for those who are called according to God’s purpose.” Metaphorically speaking, getting our ducks in a row, or the alignment of the stars is a mystery. So we exercise patience and endurance and faith that God’s timing is working with the different parts to come together.
— Pastor Bob
