Report of the
Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc
President’s Report
Psalm 105: 2-5 “Sing unto him; talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore. Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgements of his mouth.”
The Psalmist calls us to thanksgiving and praise by singing, glorifying God, looking to and seeking for God, and remembering. A backward look, or remembering, can be useful to provide for us assurance that God is able to meet the challenges of the future. In fact, the future for the believer is secure no matter how severe the testings and prospects. Jesus himself has promised us this in Matthew 24. Let us therefore with confidence move forward for God’s glory.
A look back over the past year shows us that in corporate affairs, stabilization and growth has occurred. With much work involving great detail we have successfully completed refinancing by means of a bond issue without encumbrances to the Church. The title of the properties have been transferred from the name of Bible Fellowship Church to Bible Fellowship church Homes, Inc. We have a sale pending on the 13 acres and farmhouse on the southeast side of Mauch Chunk Road.
The prospects are that the debt will be paid on schedule, some financial reserves can be built up, and the position of Financial Director will be created to maintain a more exquisite financial program of accounting and investing.
Prospects also call for a search for a new president of the Corporation. A search committee should be formulated to prayerfully seek for God’s appointed man.
Home
Retrospectively, considering the Home in Nazareth causes us to begin with the “modern” times in the work of the Home. God graciously allowed the establishment of the Nazareth Home and from that to form the base for expansion. God’s guidance and enablement through that facility and program gives us great cause to be aware that God’s provisions are always timely and sufficient.
Presently, the Home is functioning well under the capable leadership of James Ernst. Finances are somewhat tight, but under the present management, the bills are paid on time, improvements are made to the facility and an adequate and efficient staff functions well.
As we view the prospects for the Fellowship Home, we think of finding ways to ease the financial weight which the Home carries. Repairs and upgrades to the building will become more intense at times because the building is now over 25 years old. The building has been and is presently well maintained.
The State inspection of the Home listed no deficiencies relative to resident care. Two deficiencies of insufficient documentation were listed which were immediately corrected.
The program prospects are that as Personal Care is more clearly defined, government regulations will intensify. The care provided will be for people who manifest a greater degree of debilitation before going to skilled care facility.
The prospects of continuing to offer a Christian program of hope and security are excellent.
Manor
The retrospect for Fellowship Manor is only six (6) years, but looking back to God’s provision which led to the building and establishment of Fellowship Manor takes one back many years before 1988. God has been faithful. He has enabled the development and growth of a fine reputation. He has enabled us to develop a program manifesting Christian care with a caring staff. God’s provisions have enabled us to keep current on all financial obligations and to add improvements and enhancements to the building and program.
The prospects for the program are not easily defined because of the health-care reforms begin highly touted by the Federal Government. Notwithstanding, we have a ministry to perform for our Lord; one that can be given to the infirm and the needy in the name of Jesus; one that shows His mercy.
The possible difficulties only provide for greater opportunities for God to show to us His unfailing enablement. The Challenges of maintaining a high Christian ethical standard can be met in this age of hi-tech advances.
The State inspection of the Manor was deficiency free. The surveyors were impressed by the quality of care and maintenance of the building. The staff has, and will continue to, maintain a clean efficient building which is properly maintained so that the program of care of people will continue at a level which is the very best in quality.
Building changes which will occur will be the completion of a chapel/multi-purpose area in the basement; the addition of a garage/maintenance building; and the paving of the entrance road.
A special note of appreciation must be given to Tina Getter who worked at Fellowship Manor following her return from missionary service as a nurse in Nepal. She concluded her duties on August 29, to prepare for her departure to Tanzania, East Africa. May God bless Tina in her work among the Sandawe Tribe as a missionary nurse.
The Board must now face the appointment of a new Administrator for Fellowship Manor within the coming year.
Community
The retrospect for Fellowship Community, especially for that of the Courts is very brief. The planning and the financing of the first phase has come to completion and construction has actually begun. One unanticipated problem has already been encountered. A large rock has been exposed at the east end of the detention basin. Rather than remove the rock at an estimated cost of $30,000.00, the basin will be made wider at an estimated increased cost of $5000.00
The prospects for Fellowship Courts is to complete Musselman Court to the full complement of 21 units, to construct eight (8) additional parallel units to the immediate south of the present eight (8) units. Further prospects are to prepare to build additional Courts and to plan for the construction of a large 120 unit apartment building. These prospects are dependent on God’s guidance to which we must be very sensitive.
The personnel needs for the Courts for the immediate future is to obtain at least a part-time manager.
Conclusion
The conclusion of this report must look at that aspect which is the very heart of this great ministry – that of people.
The first and foremost person is the Lord Jesus Christ. This is His ministry made possible by His grace. He has provided for us those people, the residents, who need the care which we are able to provide. For some this care is provided in their closing years and for others it is provided in their closing days.
The Lord has also enabled us to gather and assemble two very caring staffs. We can think of management, department heads, dietary, maintenance, housekeeping, and nursing care. We are grateful for all our employees. The prospects are that as God enables the Board and Management to be considerate and caring toward the staff, the staff will be caring toward the residents.
Another vital part of the caring program is provided by a loyal band of volunteers at both facilities. This volunteer program begins with those regular and steady volunteers who give of their time and talents on a regular basis.
The regular volunteers provide services to assist in Worship and Bible Study programs, assist in the activities programs for the residents, provide assistance to daily care and transport of residents, assist the residents in their social needs, and provide assistance in clerical work.
Many people volunteer on an as-needed basis or through programs by civic groups such as Optimist’s Club, scouting groups, school groups and the like. The public and private schools provide musical and art programs at both facilities.
Also, our facilities can and do provide additional services to the community. Fellowship Manor is a part of the Lehigh County Vo-tech practical/clinical training program for nursing aids. The Manor is also a part of the Intermediate Unit for job training for the learning disabled. These individuals, under the direct supervision of school personnel, perform dish washing, floor buffing, water distribution to residents and folding of clean laundry. In this manner we further extend our ministry of caring.
The final prospect is that there are many opportunities of service in the name of Christ that can be given to our churches and communities. Please help us by your care, support, and prayers.
The accounts are audited by W.N.Serfass & Co.
James A. Beil, President