Great is Thy Faithfulness!

Friday, 19 November 2010 14:24

Last week we received the financial statements for ditto for the first month and a half of operations. In reviewing them, I started to reflect on what had transpired over the past year as we officially closed the Corner Closet operation and initiated plans to open a new upscale resale store in a larger facility with lots of parking and display area. It was exactly a year ago this month that we stepped out in faith and told the Association budget committee that we would commit to contributing $ 75,000 to the 2010-2011 ECSA budget from the net sales of the new resale store. This we did, not knowing for sure where we would open a new store nor knowing what kind of reception we would receive when we opened a new store .

This is just one example of many of how we experienced God's leading as we carefully developed a plan for a location and layout that far exceeded anything we had ever imagined. There were those who felt we should start small and expand as we developed the business needed to support the operation. Others felt it was a unique opportunity to "do it right" and to open a facility with plenty of display space and areas designated for receiving and processing donated goods. In the end, after many meetings and much prayer, we decided to take yet another leap of faith and sign a 5 year lease for 11,000 square feet of space in a commercial building in North Haledon,

Now our work began in earnest to develop plans for the store and to find the right person to take charge of this operation. Again God's leading was evident as we were introduced to Mr. Eric Hawn, a past EC parent and a man with years of retail store experience. Using Eric's talents to our advantage, we soon developed a plan for our store that included all of the components that we had identified as well as those that had been shared with us by other resale store operations in the mid-west.

After nearly 4 months of renovations and preparation, we were ready to accept inventory for the store. Another leap of faith was taken here because we had no inkling as to how the public would support this venture either by donating goods or purchasing those that we offered for sale. It did not take us long to see that the community was ready for this type of store as the goods came in by the car load and even by truck in some cases. We received good used clothing, furniture, appliances, toys, books, jewelry and gift items, many of them brand new and never used. Volunteers worked long hours to sort, price and display the goods so that we could open the doors for business in mid September.

The opening day saw crowds of shoppers waiting in the parking lot for the store to open. From that day to the present, we have never looked back or had second thoughts about taking the leap of faith that we did. Knowing what our expenses would be, we knew what we needed in sales to cover the expenses. Not only have we achieved that goal so far, but we have exceeded it many times during the last 7 weeks of operation. We are truly humbled by the entire experience from start to finish. Not only has the inventory of donated goods continued to amaze us, it is also important for us to mention that those providing the inventory in many cases are local people unaffiliated with Eastern Christian . This has allowed us the unique opportunity to introduce many of these donors and shoppers to our school and our supporters.

Our many faithful volunteers provide us with expert help in all areas of the store each and every day we are open. We are so grateful for their dedication and service as we would not be where we are without them.

I stop by the store nearly every day and see the friendly faces of the volunteers and the excited customers. Many customers visit the store on a regular basis and some appear to stop by every day to see what bargain may be available today.

If you have not yet visited the store, do so soon. The holiday decorations add to the ambiance and the displays are truly beautiful. While you are there, talk to us about how you can be involved in this ministry for the benefit of Eastern Christian. We would love to add you to our long list of volunteers.

Back to the financials: I view them as a firm confirmation that God is in charge at ditto and that He has blessed our work abundantly. To Him be the praise and honor for the great things He has done!

Blessings to you this holiday season and throughout the coming year.

Garret G. Nieuwenhuis
Executive Director
Foundation for Eastern Christian School