Ministry at the Norfolk, Neb., Corps has been expanded and further enabled by the completion of a new facility.
“The project was in the works for about 10 years,” said Major Jesús Trejo, corps officer with his wife, Major Kelli Trejo. “When we arrived in 2018, we were very happy to participate in moving it forward. It was something we were really privileged and excited to do.”
With a vision for increasing both social services and corps ministries, Majors Trejo worked closely with the city to procure an old post office that had been vacant for some time. After purchasing the building, which was already equipped with amenities such as loading docks that would facilitate receiving donations, the inside was a blank canvas that could be designed to the corps needs.
“One of the greatest needs for us was more space in order to meet the increasing needs of our community,” Major Jesús said. “When we found out about the post office building, we were pleased with the size and the potential. It lent itself really well to be able to do what we wanted to do.”
The new building features a large commercial kitchen that allows the corps to feed more people through their weekday lunch program as well as to prepare food more comfortably and efficiently. Social services staff also are able to receive, store and distribute more food through the pantry to families in need.
The modern worship center serves as a place for the corps and community to gather on Sundays and throughout the week. Classrooms provide additional spaces for Bible study and other weekly ministries, and for the first time, the corps has recreation spaces including a gymnasium which will be used for their growing afterschool program, character-building groups, archery, pickleball, and young adult fellowship focused on supporting and mentoring high school and college kids.
“We are excited because for the first time ever we have a true community center,” said the major. “God opened the doors, and it is such a blessing.”
