A definition: Leg-a-cy n. 1. Something handed on from those who have come before. What one generation leaves to the next.
We are well into our 3rd and final year of the Legacy of Faith Campaign and over half way to our goal of raising $100,000 by September 30th in order to receive a foundation grant of $50,000. To this point in 2012, we have received more than $55,000 toward that goal, so we still have $45,000 to go. If we reach the $100,000 mark for year three, we will have successfully completed the three year campaign of $450,000!!
This is what has already been accomplished with Legacy of Faith funds:
• New siding on the Dining Hall & new siding on staff housing in 2012
• Showers & restrooms added to Cabin 7
• New & improved internet access and WiFi service for adult and family guests
• Video Conferencing capability added to the chapel for church boards & other community
groups
Here is what we have discussed for the remaining Legacy of Faith funds:
• Make improvements to the water system by adding a filtration & softening system
• Remodel & upgrade the existing Shower House
• Improve driveways and pathways for better year-round access to our buildings
• Improved handicap accessibility
The Legacy Continues
A developing vision for the future The following is a list of needs that the staff and
board have identified as possible next steps once the Legacy of Faith projects are completed. None of this is set in stone. We are in the dreaming and brainstorming stage of planning. Here is a sample of ideas we have touched on:
• Lower Chapel space completed – several ideas have come to the surface such as a worship arts center, a coffee house, additional meeting space, additional lodging & lounge space, staff housing and a space to house a one year discipleship school. All of these ideas are worthy of our consideration. The staff and board will be discussing these and more as we move forward with the master planning process. Please pray for wisdom and God’s vision as we consider how to develop that space.
• “Re-Creational” Facilities – our waterfront equipment, our outdoor sport courts, our lack of winter recreational options all make it difficult to offer a quality experience. Play is an important element in our ability to be renewed. Play fits into everything we do at camp. When our courts are unplayable, when our boats are un-sailable, when the lake is un-swimmable and when we need to leave the camp to go snow tubing or tobogganing or skating, it diminishes the camp experience. As we look to improve & expand the reach of our ministry, it is imperative that we offer the best recreational experiences possible. Additionally, it will open the door for Mission Meadows to partner with organizations such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and Athletes in Action by having facilities which meet the requirements for specialty camps & retreats.
• Dining Hall, Office & Infirmary remodel & expansion – seating in the dining hall is
adequate for the size groups we can house on camp. Even in our largest weeks we
have ample seating. The building does have issues such as moisture in the lower
levels, an extremely hot kitchen, a lack of food storage space, an aging walk-in cooler, lack of a dedicated space for a camp store and a crowded office space. Again, the staff and board will be discussing ideas for how to improve those situations and incorporate an expanded office, a new infirmary space and a camp store. Ideally, we could like to bring the ambiance & style of the chapel into the dining hall space to complete the post & beam theme in our two main buildings which have become the centerpiece of the property.
• Additional Retreat Rooms – we hear from people who cannot stay on camp because of the lodging accommodations. More adult friendly rooms with adult friendly beds would make it easier for more people to stay on camp for conferences and retreats. Do we add that to an existing building or do we start fresh with a new facility? These and similar questions are what the staff and board will be addressing in the months and years to come.
Again, in all of this, we covet your prayers. This process, as many of you realize, is not a small one. Where will God lead us? What Legacy will He have us leave for our children? Pray with us:
1. for a clear vision for the future of this ministry
2. for the financial & people resources to be there when needed
3. as we guide this process, for the courage & wisdom to say ‘no’ at the appropriate times
If you would like to contribute to the Legacy of Faith Campaign, please click here!