July, 2008 - Director’s Note:

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

We moved into the new offices that God provided! God worked through various saints to get us to the point where we are enjoying a larger and freshly renovated ministry space. It started with Lynne Pierce, CLI Church Relations visiting with Pastor Ed Handkins of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Raleigh. She mentioned that our current building had been sold and the new owners would be using the entire building.

Ed spoke to the congregation and they offered CLI the first floor of their education building at the same rate. It is 2,500 sq ft with a separate covered entrance, ideal for shipping and receiving Christian books. Since the space had not been used for a while there was some needed renovating.

Anders Skaar, Mission Director agreed to take on the assignment. Walls and doors had to be repaired as well as other plumbing preparation work. Anders was joined by Jim Bauckham, Ernie White, Justin Paquet and Ed Handkins. Additional help came from painters Gert Balog, Greg and Sheila Johnson, Tie Wang, Lynne and Kathleen. Decorator, Denise Whitley, chose the paint colors and helped find window shades.

We give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. Not only did he bring together a work team, He brought gifts. Kenan Brock of Brock Contract Services donated and installed new gray carpeting. He also provided new kitchen and bathroom tile.

Nathan McLeod of Apex Marble and Granite provided new kitchen and bathroom cabinets and even a granite counter top. Volunteers have said, “Wow, I’d love to have these in my house.” Volunteer, Diane Sambrick said, “I love the new work environment, it makes me want to stay all day!”

John and Jeanne Ford donated the security system. Other wonderful gifts came from Bruce Battle of Majestic Marble and Henry Burke of Burke Brothers Hardware.

You may be wondering how our move will affect CLI’s vision of a Mission Center to train and mentor released Christian inmates for missionary service. The vision has not changed but as always we wait for God’s timing. For now we are getting settled and organized for ongoing operations. Lives continue to be changed in Christ and there is much fruit from our shared labors. Thank you all for being part of CLI. God is good indeed!

Kathleen Skaar
Executive Director