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Biblical Counseling Institute Update: Volunteers Get Demolition Underway, Seminary Seeks Skilled Labor to Help Begin Initial Phases of Renovations

Pittsburgh, PA -- December 8, 2008 -- Last Friday and Saturday, December 5 and 6, more than a dozen friends of RPTS joined together to lend their help with demolition of the insides of the first floor of the new building across the road from the Seminary's main campus. An emeritus professor, students, alums, and supporters of the Seminary lended their muscle to clearing out the first floor that will be used for the new Biblical Counseling Institute ministry, as well as for office space, the RPCNA Archive Room, and Library storage space. The Second Floor apartments have been renovated and are being rented by students.

See a YouTube Video of a December 12, 2008 volunteer "Demolition Day" of the new building to prepare for renovations of thew Biblical Counseling Institute.

These efforts will help RPTS save costs (projected at $700,000) on the purchase and renovation of the building (left) -- ironically that used to house an infamous East End bar -- to be used for new ministry and pastoral training in nouthetic counseling (while also serving local churches with counseling referral needs). The building was purchased in April of 2008.

If you would like to help with further demolition and removing of materials, please get in touch. Other scheduled volunteer days at the new building are Friday and Saturday, December 12 and 13, and Friday, December 19. Work will be done from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

As well, RPTS is seeking skilled labor to volunteer time in the initial renovation efforts over the winter and spring months. To inquire about the needs, contact Grant Van Leuven in the Development Office at 412-731-8690, Ext. 108, or email gvanleuven@rpts.edu.

To donate online to this project, click the following link and chose "New Buildling/Biblical Counseling Institute" designation: www.rpts.edu/support/donate.php.

Pictures of the first "demolition day" are shared below.