Looking back on the first year

(posted by Paul Zilmer)

Last week we passed our one-year anniversary. Milestones like this make good times for reflection. We've learned quite a bit! A few things that come to mind:

1. At our BEC, the on-site, instructor-led classes are far and away what's most valued by the community we serve. We do have some interest in self-study courses, but not a great deal. Our new & used books (mostly Bibles and Bible study reference books) have had slow but steady sales. This is quite different from the experience Jane & I had in South Africa. We've shifted to featuring the classes as our primary service.
2. Over the year, we have had 80 students sign up for something. Almost half, 39, have completed at least one course. Of those, over two thirds have done multiple courses, and fully one third have done 4 or more courses.
3. We have to keep advertising. Foot traffic does bring people in, but many of those who actually sign up for courses come in because of an ad.
4. The largest influx of new students was in the fall last year. We are waiting & hoping that we'll see another group of new students this fall. Right after the first of the year was our next-largest time for gaining new students. During the late spring and through the summer it's been very slow, with practically no new students.
5. Over and over, people tell us they are so pleased we are offering the services we do. Even if they don't buy anything or sign up for anything. We are a welcome addition to the community, for many.
6. Something we knew already, but has been confirmed time and again: relationships are the thing. We have built relationships with the people who come in, including some people who have never taken a class, but who come in regularly. These relationships are gratifying in themselves, and also are the foundation for real teaching.
7. Less-than-wonderful things do happen. We've been challenged by the very loud church next door — and increasingly we find people who come in just assume we're connected with them. We've had struggles with some of the relationships mentioned before; sometimes it is a challenge to keep a positive outlook. We've had some long-time students who've become friends, but have now left us, and we grieve the lost friendships. We've had some internal differences, as ecclesias do. But none of these things outweigh the very positive experiences we've had. One baptism, others studying, many friendships, and a sense purpose and being valued. A "mission" in more ways than one!

We look forward to the upcoming year!  No doubt it too will bring us both challenges and satisfactions. We pray for our God's guidance, His blessing, and above all that His name will be glorified.
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