Thanks for giving MBC students a home (away from home)!

Dear Friends,

I could use many phrases to describe last week's big push to finish the Montana Bible College dorms. Down to the wire, in the nick of time, and at the eleventh hour all come to mind.

Volunteers, construction crews, staff members and students hammered, sawed, stained and cleaned in the final efforts to finish the dorms in time for students to move in on Thursday morning, August 22. Our volunteer cleaning crew alone spent 75 combined hours wiping away construction dust on every surface, hanging shower curtains, and deep cleaning kitchens, bathrooms, windows and floors.

Just before 5 PM on Wednesday, August 21, the inspector arrived to examine all the work. Just after 5 PM, she signed the Certificate of Occupancy. By 6 PM, students who had stayed in Billings for the summer were carrying in boxes and bags of belongings. 

At one moment that evening as I walked through the women's dorm making some final adjustments, I stopped to chat with a student. She was happily placing books on her book shelf, peppy worship music playing in the background. She was home. 

Home. Maybe the best phrase to capture this summer's effort to renovate the dorms and bring MBC students back on campus is simply: Thank You. 

Thank you to our financial partners who gave to make it happen. The $50,000 donation match goal to secure $100,000 for dorm siding and other needed projects was exceeded just days ago. Thank you to our volunteers who gave their time and expertise to build, paint, and clean. Thank you to all who have prayed for MBC. 

Each one of you has been part of building this home away from home, and we are grateful. 

New students moved in on Thursday, August 22, at the start of Fall 2024 Registration and Orientation. By Friday, they were gathered around meals with fellow students and exploring Billings via a fun photo scavenger hunt. By Saturday, they were serving homeless and low-income Billings residents at the Montana Rescue Mission and Friendship House. By Sunday, they were on their way to Glendive for the Dino Dig. 

Montana Bible College's second year in Billings is off to a great start. We anticipate seeing how God will work in each student's life, and we invite you to come and take a tour the next time you're in Billings. 

Kindly,

Hannah Sheely

Development Assistant