Some hard work and God’s blessing have led to significant improvements at Easthaven Baptist Church.

     The church began work in October to renovate facilities for children, youth and adult ministries to improve the overall flow of church buildings.

     The youth ministries improvement is the shining star with a state-of-the art area for young adults to congregate before and after services.

     Student and Families Pastor Brian Oswalt said the need for increased flow and safety and motivated the renovations.

     “It really added to the flow of the space and facilities,” he said. “Now everyone has their own space.”

     Oswalt said it was important to put all of the young children together in their own area, and the changes allowed them to do that.

     increased competition for young people’s attention inspired the church to give great attention to the youth area, known as The Hub, Oswalt said. A dedication service is scheduled for Sunday at 5 p.m.

     “We know as a church, students have a lot of options as to how to spend their time,” he said. “We wanted a space for students to hang out and feel safe. We wanted to share the message of God’s love in ways that use current technology to help tell timeless truths.”

     That current technology includes multiple high-definition televisions, an Xbox 360 gaming system, a sound system as well as a coffee bar. The area also has a stage that looks similar to a modern jazz club. There are several areas for young adults to gather and relax or do homework.

     “We really wanted the students to be proud of this and to show their friends and be proud of what God’s helped us with,” Oswalt said.

     Much work was required to turn what the church started with into the finished product.

     “We gutted what we had here to come up with the current set up,” Oswalt said. “The youth area was a mostly adult and senior classrooms.”

     Construction was completed in early October with the open house being held on Oct. 17. Oswalt said it hasn’t taken long for the students to dig in.

     “Students are already coming into the coffee house before services on Wednesdays and Sundays,” he said. “It’s been a great place for students to hang out.”

     Oswalt said God has allowed them to make the most out of their project.

     “God has really taken what we’ve been able to do and multiplied it,” he said. “It’s been amazing for us for people to hear what we’re doing and why we’re doing it and then have them offer their help.”