Purchase of Dream Center

The work of Vision Thailand has come to a crossroad. The owner of our headquarters, also known as the Dream Center, has declared the property for sale. He has given us until the end of November, 2010 to either buy or vacate the premises.

The Board of VT has prayerfully considered the options and feels unanimously that we should trust God for providing the purchase price of $450,000. We are also praying for an additional $50,000 to renovate and extend the usefulness of the facility. We need more room because the work is growing. Since we now have Foundation Status in Thailand, the property can be registered under Vision Thailand.

Here are some factors that cause us to think that we should purchase the property:

  • • We believe this is God's work, and if He intends us to purchase, then He will supply all our needs with the help of God's people.
  • • There are no properties comparable in price available for sale or rent with a long-term lease.
  • • The asking price is 14 million Thai Baht or approximately $450,000. This is a fair price for the land alone given its size and location. If we don't buy it, the owner intends to list it for sale at a higher price, as it is worth much more.
  • • This high profile area is sought after, and will continue rising in value; it is a sound investment.
  • • It is an excellent resource, meets our minimum needs and is centrally located in downtown Bangkok, close to hundreds of major schools and the airport.
  • • It is across the street from one of the largest universities in the world to which we have an open door.
  • • It is the base that is well established in people's minds; people identify our work with the Dream Center. Many people know its location from the school programs, radio announcements, literature and promotions. All our programs link to the Dream Center.
  • • The location is on a well known main road and convenient for many people to find.
  • • To re-establish a new location would be counter-productive, time-consuming and confusing for many people.
  • • It is our "Bible school" center for leadership training where new church planters are being mentored.
  • • It has our radio station and tower, which are already well established. It would be costly to move the station.
  • • Future: VT is growing rapidly and needs better, larger and improved facilities to enable that growth. We are not intending to become asset-rich, but need to have adequate facilities for headquarters and expansion.
  • • Although the facility at present needs repairs and updating, it would only cost about $50,000 to refurbish and expand useful space. In the future the building can be even more useful with the potential to create a larger sanctuary. If the property was redesigned, there would be room for teaching classrooms, training and office space, a much-needed new kitchen space and eating areas, dormitories for staff, a better radio studio, and areas for training in music and drama.
  • • Paying rent is a constant drain on our resources. There is insecurity in not having our own property, and a tendency to neglect upkeep because it is not our own.
  • • Operating costs are about $3000/month at present. After further building and renovations, we expect that fixed expenses will decrease, because there will be no rent to pay.
  • • Tax and promotional advantages: if VT owns the property, the government provides large highway signs advertising our churches. Taxes go down significantly if it is an owned religious venue.
  • • Our vision for evangelism and church planting is stronger than ever and will be enhanced with our own, and better facilities.