Update to the Nehemiah Project
In July of this year, 431 Ministries’ Board of Directors sought the Lord, as always, for the next steps for the building. In February 2023, the roofer we had contracted walked off the job with a $45,000 deposit, never to return. To complete due diligence, we had to remain silent as we worked first to negotiate with him, then weighed all of our options before we moved forward with legal proceedings.
At the board retreat, the emotional decision was made to sell the building. Partly because of the damages that were done due to the negligence, but also due to the time it was taking away from serving the women; the heart and center of 431 Ministries. So, the building on 431 went up for sale at the end of September, and went under contract within 24 hours.
Since the funds raised for the roof were designated funds, it was our duty and legal obligation to offer those specific donated funds back. We contacted each individual, business, church or family who gave to the Nehemiah Project to redirect or return the funds and have received responses from most. We will continue to reach out to those who have not responded to the best of our abilities.
The building was one more element of pruning this year that 431 Ministries went through. While emotional, we believe firmly that it is for the purpose of the tremendous growth that the Lord is preparing us for.
The Nehemiah Letter
Thank you for your generosity in contributing to the Nehemiah Project - our hope of putting a new roof on our building at 3549 Highway 431. We are so thankful for your giving towards a physical location where 431 Ministries could serve women coming out of crisis.
We have an unfortunate update to share. As you may remember, we had contracted a roofer last fall to begin the roof replacement. During the process of removing the old roof, he raised concerns with a small hole in the block dividing wall. The roofer stopped work until we could address his concerns. To do so, a structural engineer was hired and we received his report stating the initial concern would not prevent installation of a new roof. However, the engineer’s inspection report did note other, more serious, issues. Those issues brought into question the structural integrity of the joists and some sections of the walls. At this point, the cost of the repairs needed to continue on with this project are beyond the scope of 431 Ministries and would distract from our mission.
We stepped out in faith last year to raise the funds in 52 days at the Lord’s leading. He was faithful in providing the full amount, and used your generosity to increase our faith. We learned that when He asks us to do the impossible, He will provide. Even when the end result doesn't make sense to us. After much prayer and seeking the Lord's guidance, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to not proceed and instead part with the building. This decision was an emotional one given the history and was very difficult to make, but we trust in God's guidance and have peace in the direction He has planned for the ministry!
With all this in mind, since your donation amount was designated for a specific project that we can no longer complete, we need to offer it back to you at this time.
We will begin returning the funds shortly and have attached the correspondence we need to begin the return or re-designation process. If instead of a return, you would like to re-designate the funds to another area of the ministry, you may do so by replying to this letter and stating your decision on the attached form. The signed form may be returned in the postage paid envelope included or a photo can be emailed to me at rachel@431house.org.
We ask for your continued prayers as we move forward in serving the underserved women in Middle Tennessee. We greatly value your prayers and support because without you, we wouldn’t have the same impact that we have been able to have.
Thank you for your understanding and if you have questions or need further clarification, please email me or give me a call at 931-431-8363.
Rachel Peck, Executive Director
431 Ministries