COTN Celebrates New Office Space in Silverdale, Washington!

Children of the Nations had humble beginnings. When Chris and Debbie Clark started the ministry in 1995, they worked from a small office within their own home. Thirteen years later, as the ministry continues to grow—both in scale and staff—so has the need for office space.

When COTN purchased/gifted real estate in January 2005 in Silverdale, Washington, the property included a warehouse building. The building, which was formerly a slaughterhouse, was in extremely poor condition when it was acquired. It was dilapidated with crooked walls and rotten floors. Many thought it would be better to tear down the existing structure and build new.

However, COTN staff determined that the most cost-efficient way to add office space was by remodeling the warehouse. Later that year, a crew of volunteers began the work by converting two of the warehouse rooms into the Sponsorship Department. They rebuilt the floor and the walls, and the roof was sealed to prevent water damage.

At this point, however, the rest of the warehouse remained unusable as working space for staff. COTN lacked an experienced person to manage the project through its completion. Patiently, staff members began to pray and wait for the right person.

Until the fall of 2007—when Jim Jackson joined the COTN family. Jim, a contractor and independent construction manager from Bremerton, Washington, became aware of COTN from his personal relationships with staff members and attending a Some Kind of Miracle event. He was searching for a hands-on ministry opportunity and met with International President Chris Clark to discuss facility needs. The most urgent request was the completion of the warehouse renovation in Silverdale, which would provide additional workspace for the Communications and Information Technology Departments, and a large multi-purpose room.

Jim volunteered his time to manage the project, which took approximately three months to complete. His thirty years of experience in construction, contracting, and project management were vital to the success of the renovation. In addition, Jim personally raised approximately $4,000 to help cover the costs of the project.

“We all have gifts and skills; it’s just a matter of utilizing them to do something that has eternal value, to help these kids, and to be part of the bigger picture,” Jim said. “It’s a desire to serve the Lord in whatever capacity you have.”

The renovated space was brought to life with a full range of construction projects. The building was re-framed. The floors were torn up and re-poured with concrete. Volunteers and workers installed drywall, insulation, electrical wiring and a heating system. New windows, doors and plumbing were put in. Painting, carpeting, cabinetry and lights provided the finishing touches.

“Literally everything inside that framework now is new,” Jim said. “We had a contractor come in and put drywall up for us for no charge. Another contractor put in a heating system for no charge.”

The warehouse renovation project was made possible by a large number of companies who either donated their time or provided materials at cost. Also, several skilled volunteers gave their time to help out.

COTN staff members are incredibly grateful for their new workspace. COTN–USA Communications Director, Pam Wright reflects, “My new office is almost the same size as my old department! In our old space the three Communications staff were literally on top on one another—it was very hard to work, creatively, though we made the best of it. Now, not only do we each have a beautiful work station, we also have a workroom with a place for everything—room for equipment, a layout counter, etc. The biggest blessing is that we now have space for additional staff—which the Lord has provided in perfect timing!” Pam adds, “Jim has been a blessing to work with. He sought our input all through the process even down to the smallest details, so that the end product would be exactly suited to our needs. We feel extremely blessed.”

The renovation was completed just in time for the arrival of the international country directors and staff in April. As the paint on the walls was drying, COTN staff joined together to officially initiate the new multi-purpose room with the first of many weekly prayer meetings.

In the end, the entire project was completed with minimal out-of-pocket cost to COTN! Jim estimated that all the donations, discounted supplies, and services and volunteers saved COTN about $50,000.

by Aimee Henderson, COTN–USA Communications Assistant