On Wednesday, September 17th, 2008, we began the construction of the new ISTEK Bible College in Lubumbashi.  The building will be L-shaped and will have a surface area of almost 300 m2.  So far the work is going forward at a good pace and we're hoping to begin classes there in January of 2009.  Our desire for this building is that it will be an effective instrument for training servants of God in Congo.  The price of this project is estimated at $70,000.  In the photo below I am standing in what will be our library. 

In the next photo, Marielle is in front of our future kitchen where the teaching and administrative staff will be able to rest and have a meal.  Before it becomes functional, it will serve as the quarters for the caretaker of the college.  
 

In the last photo, you can see where our three future classrooms will be.  Needless to say we are looking forward to being in this new building.  Continue to pray that we will have God's favour in this project and that all the assistance that we need will be given to us. This project is financed by a loan from the International Missions Department of the PAOC.  We will therefore need to pay it back within the next few years.  If God puts it on your heart to help us, you can send your contribution to the PAOC with the designation 'Paradis - ISTEK building project.'  What a wonderful opportunity to invest in the salvation of souls by having a part in training workers for the Lord.  Jesus said:  "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."  We are here so that the workers will be more.  Hallelujah!
 
Pierre and Marielle