Trip Update – Nickell Metalsmiths
In 2018, we began the process of purchasing an administration building for Seminario Bíblico William Carey (SBWC). It has required several years of demolition, renovation, and new construction to convert it into a finished space for students and staff, but we are almost there! This is in part thanks to several partners from multiple US churches jumping in to join the project.
Whether it was construction crews tearing down walls, young people painting the patio, or small groups organizing and cataloging library books, this blessing to the seminary could only be achieved with the work of many people investing their time and offerings.
SBWC now has a recording studio, a theological library, administrative offices, and a meeting room for student events, all spread over three floors. But no one would be able to access these spaces if it weren’t for John.
John visited Seminario Carey on a construction trip in 2019, working with a team to demolish walls and create a recording studio space. On his first trip, his attention was drawn to the stairwell connecting each building floor. The stairs were deteriorating and needed replacing. If the stairs were eventually unusable, how was anyone supposed to reach the recording studio, offices, and other spaces throughout the building?
John returned with his family several months later to get started on the stairwell. Since the stairwell does not have temperature regulation, it could not be constructed out of wood - it had to be metal. John is a welder and knew precisely what type of stairs to install and how to do it. Over the course of a week, John led the charge with a few local workers to remove the old stairs and build new ones. The project saw brand-new framing and steps added to the administrative building.
We needed one more phase after this trip to finish the project. Due to COVID, this phase was delayed several years, but it was never forgotten! Recently, John returned with a team from his company to finish the entire stairwell. They spent a hot summer week putting the finishing touches on each step and banister to complete the project. They also added a railing on the building’s terrace to make it a safe space for students to gather!
Future students and guests to the Seminario Carey may come inside to research in the theological seminary, hear a live class recorded in the studio, or drop off paperwork to the secretary in her office. John’s behind-the-scenes to serve SBWC and make this all accessible is a faithful witness to the work of God in Argentina.