A high rate of pledge satisfaction (98%) helped Bethany Christian Schools reach a significant milestone in its $4.6 million capital campaign and building project: the mortgage on the middle school and related facilities has been paid off!

In May 2003 Bethany announced a capital campaign to build new middle school classrooms and related facilities with Bob and Barb Steury serving as co-chairs of the fundraising effort. When the school broke ground for the project on Feb. 18, 2004, more than 90% of the projected costs had been raised in gifts and pledges to be paid during the next five years. A year later students moved into their new classrooms, and the building was dedicated in November 2005.

Upon hearing of this culminating milestone, three people who provided significant leadership for the campaign shared their reflections:

• Susan Gingerich, director of development during the campaign, said, "I am so pleased to hear that the mortgage is paid. I was blessed to see the joyous spirit exemplified by the many persons who supported the building campaign. The Bethany community demonstrates its encouragement and support of young people and Christian education when they work together on projects such as this one."
• Principal Allan Dueck said, "God truly blessed Bethany and its mission in Christian education through the generous and faithful participation of the many who served on committees, prayed for the school, supported the project financially, and spoke words of encouragement."
• Campaign consultant Mike Laudick offered this commendation: "Volunteers have been critical to Bethany since the day it was founded. The capital campaign was no different. We had a very dedicated and committed group of volunteers who tirelessly gave of their talents, their time, and their financial resources. Congratulations on your success!"

The Bethany community joins them in again thanking God for blessing this effort and in thanking those who have given their time, talents, financial resources, and prayers so that current and future generations of students may continue to have a wonderful environment in which they can learn and grow in Christian faith.