A new industry comes to Hartland
“Woodworking has been an interest of mine ever since I was a child,” says Kevin Wagner, senior at Hartland College and head instructor at “Hartland Woodcraft.”
Donors to the program at Hartland College will be pleased to learn how some of their generous gifts to the school are being utilized. The college has started another campus industry: a woodworking shop where custom casework and millwork are being produced. “Casework,” Kevin explains, “is basically the building of such items as cabinets, bookshelves, and anything that looks boxy. Millwork is a term used for moldings and frame-and-panel-type work that is both decorative and functional.”
“Our product line is what you can’t find elsewhere. We are not able to effectively mass produce anything, but we do custom orders,” comments Kevin.
Kevin gained experience for his skill in woodworking by apprenticing himself to a master craftsman in New Hampshire for eight weeks. “Once I got back on campus, I just started building,” he says. “I’ve had a lot of support from the faculty here. The Lord has brought equipment to us at an excellent price. He’s provided most of what we need.”
When asked whether he has plans for future expansion, Kevin eagerly explains, “If the Lord allows, we would eventually like to mill our own lumber here from trees on campus; however, we will need more equipment and more people to work with us.”
Kevin is grateful to Hartland College for giving him the opportunity to teach a skill to young people. He hopes to benefit students who are looking seriously for a “tent-making skill” they can use to help them support themselves as they work as missionaries out in the field.
Students involved in the program at “Hartland Woodcraft” express their appreciation for the new campus industry:
“Woodworking is something that will help me to make it financially while I am working as a Bible worker somewhere in Asia,” says Yik Foo Soon, a pastoral evangelism major.
“I know that I’m learning a field of carpentry which is going to help me better understand how to build things,” commented Eliezer Alemeza, “whether it be something simple like a chair, or perhaps something more complex, such as a humble church in a third world country.”
“This may be just a hobby at first, but I hope eventually to be able to build necessary items for people in need,” explained Paul Kim, looking to the future. “It will be my ministry.”
“Hartland Woodcraft” is in its beginning stages, but with God’s blessing coupled with the enthusiasm of those who work in the shop, the potential for benefit to our future missionaries and for vital outreach to the community is great.
