On July 1, Misjon Sarepta took over the operation of Bjorliheimen Hotell og Møtesenter, which we now call Bjorliheimen Fjellhotell. On Sunday, July 6, this was formally marked with a key handover. The “old” management of the hotel invited a small group to dinner and a party to mark the transition. Here were people from the “old” board, former and new shareholders, some who had meant a lot to Bjorliheimen over the past ten years, as well as Arild Melberg and the undersigned from Sarepta.
Sveinung Lianes led the whole thing, and gave two speeches, one with a history of the fifty years that Bjorliheimen has existed and especially for his period as leader. He also gave a speech in which he thanked everyone who had been involved in the work of Bjorliheimen, especially the board with Odd Kjell Sjøvik at the helm, employees and volunteers. He warmly welcomed Sarepta as the new manager. He saw it as an ideal solution. Odd Kjell Sjøvik, who has been the board chairman for the entire period that Sveinung has been running the place, also spoke, and thanked Sveinung for his phenomenal efforts. He also warmly welcomed Sarepta to take over the baton. They placed great emphasis on the fact that Bjorliheimen would continue to be run in a Christian spirit and in the service of the mission.
From Sarepta's side, Arild especially thanked Sveinung for the way he was received, for the open attitude he showed and for the trust, and he said a little about the future operations. Sveinung was appointed as an honorary guest at Bjorliheimen for the rest of his life with free stay a few days a year. The undersigned said a little about the process of taking over Bjorliheimen, and what had made this possible. The wish and will that Sveinung and the board had had for Sarepta to take over was particularly emphasized, and that it had persevered through the phases where it looked difficult. The wish and thanks were expressed that those who are now passing on the baton would continue to be involved in the work.
Sarepta has taken over the operation of a fully operational hotel with good people in the kitchen, in cleaning, in other functions and with good bookings for the summer and autumn ahead. We have also brought in volunteers to help at the reception and in the practical aspects of the operation. There are many challenges both in the long and short term to make the operation of Bjorliheimen financially viable and at the service of Sarepta's work, and therefore a lot of goodwill and intercession is needed.
For the first time, it will be based on what the previous owner has arranged, but in August and September there will be meetings at the hotel for people from the area and for the many who have cabins there. Bjorli is known for its many cabins. Throughout the autumn there will also be special events for Sarepta, so just follow along on the website.
While we were handing over the keys, a couple from Tromsø showed up who were on their way north, but wanted to spend two days at Bjorliheimen. They hadn't heard of Bjorliheimen until they read that Sarepta was working on taking over the hotel. They are friends of Sarepta and therefore decided to go by Bjorliheimen. I think they were the first to come here because Sarepta had taken over, and we hope many people do the same!
Johannes Kleppa