GBIF Approves Financing for ‘Transforming Grace’ at Long Beach, Calif.

The Grace Brethren Investment Foundation, Inc. (GBIF) has recently approved the financing necessary for the Grace Brethren Church of Long Beach, Calif. (Dr. Lou Huesmann, pastor), 3601 Linden Ave., to transform their 43-year old, 19,094 sq. ft. sanctuary so that it is “conducive to 21st Century standards, enhances the worship experience and reflects the hope that we have for being used by God in the coming years,” according Ralph Hampton, church administrator.  The church has raised nearly $2.6 million via a capital campaign and GBIF will provide the additional financing to complete the renovation.

This phase of the “Transforming Grace” project will include:  all new seating on the main floor and balcony (1011 seats), all new floor coverings for the lobby, aisles, and stage plus vinyl under the seats, sandblasting the brick to reveal the natural brick colors, refurbishing a Steinway grand piano, enlarging and upgrading the restrooms, new bride’s and groom’s rooms, new lobby glass doors (8 double door sets), and new video intercom at the sidewalk for people requesting access assistance.

Dr. Lou shares that “the church has become externally focused, mobilizing people to live out the Gospel in compelling ways to bring Gospel transformation to the city of Long Beach. Because of the vision for Gospel transformation and its external focus on the city, God has been pleased to draw many people to Grace who now share in this compelling vision. Grace is a multi-generational church and a multi-cultural people, increasingly reflecting the demographic and cultural realities of Long Beach. The vision for Transforming Grace is based on utilizing our facilities as a strategic tool for mobilizing and equipping people to live their lives on mission for Jesus Christ.  We want our facilities to reflect the hope that we have for being used by God in the coming years.  Toward that end, we want to transform the sanctuary space for future generations to use to impact lives for Jesus in our city and throughout the world.”

“What a privilege to partner with this longstanding church in our Fellowship on transforming their facilities for 21st century outreach in Long Beach and beyond,” says Ken Seyfert of GBIF.  “We will look forward to how God will use these facilities as a tool to reach the diverse cultures and generations in Southern California for Christ.”