Bluefield College has long shared with Virginia Baptists a commitment to international missions. Now, through a renovation project on campus, the college is strengthening that commitment to support missionaries, while at the same time restoring an historic landmark on campus.
Workers with international mission agencies often are offered a one-year sabbatical every few years. And while Bluefield College has long offered furlough housing for missionaries, its current missionary house on campus can accommodate only small families.
To remedy the situation, the college is renovating its former president's home, a structure built in the 1930s, and Virginia Baptists statewide are joining the cause.
“We received a letter from Bluefield College concerning this project, and we were burdened about it,” said Harold Mitchell, one of several men from Green Valley Baptist Church in Lebanon, who volunteered to work on the missionary house. “We became determined, with the Lord's help, to support this renovation. Our church has been very enthusiastic about helping.”
At least 10 Virginia Baptist churches, two district associations and approximately 50 individuals have contributed to the restoration effort with time, labor, materials and money. They have installed new windows and a new roof. In addition, the volunteers have provided new gutters and new weatherproof trim.
“The exterior of the house is essentially complete,” said Tom Carr, vice president for institutional advancement at Bluefield. “The outside of the structure is totally renovated. That's the good news. But, we still have a lot of work to do on the inside, and we could use not only financial support, but volunteer labor, materials, or any help at all.”
Carr noted that, among other internal improvements, the bathrooms and kitchen still need to be renovated, and old plumbing inside must be replaced and floors refinished. The house also needs a new heating system.
Once fully renovated, the new house will have four bedrooms, two baths, an office, living room, dining room, kitchen and den.
“This is an extremely beneficial project for Bluefield College and Virginia Baptists,” Carr added. “You may not be on the mission field, but you can provide support for foreign missionaries in need of rest.”
Additional information is available by calling (276) 326-4208, or visiting “Giving” on the BC web site at www.bluefield.edu.
Special to the Herald