December 2009 Newsletter
As this will be our last newsletter to you for 2009, we want
to first of all thank you for your continued
interest and support for this ministry. We are constantly
overwhelmed by the faithful support of God’s people. There are
those who have given financially, those who have volunteered on
various projects, those who faithfully prayed and those who
spread the word about Fairhaven. To each of you, on behalf of
the Board of Directors, the staff, and the guests who receive
the benefits of your support, a huge thank you!
Listen to what guests have recently been saying and be
encouraged.
“Thank you so much for all that you do through the ministry of Fairhaven. We really appreciated the time we were able to spend there. You’ve fostered an environment for hurting people to meet with God. God spoke to us through Garry’s care and counselling as well as through the beauty of the grounds and the relaxing setting.”
“Thank you so much for opening up this great place for me. It was a time of refreshing and rest. The peace of Jesus is on this place and I sensed it right away. God be with you in the future to help many more pilgrims. I will be one of them again for sure…”
Board of Directors
We are very excited and pleased to welcome Ron Born to the Board of Directors this fall. Ron and his wife, Leona, live in Kelowna where Ron has served the City of Kelowna as Administrator. Currently, Ron is a consultant for cities, towns and municipalities. Ron and Leona make Willow Park (MB) their church home.
After serving the Board of Directors for a number of years,
Henk Havinga has resigned from this responsibility. Henk and
his wife, Fran, have been involved with Fairhaven in numerous
ways and have left a significant mark on many projects. We are
grateful for their substantial contribution to this ministry
from its infancy.
Also, resigning this year is Dave Leighton. Dave and his
wife, Marilyn, have been involved with Fairhaven for the past
two years. Dave’s major contribution has been the extraordinary
amount of time and energy given to the ongoing development of a
Board Policy and Procedure Handbook intended to move the
ministry to a new level of operational clarity.
Construction Update
The Charles Shepson Lodge
Work has progressed on the lodge to the point where it is
close to being sealed up for the winter. Gerry Wyman, working
with wonderful volunteers from Alberta and the Okanagan and
staff member, Garry Schmidt, has been able to entirely frame
the lower level of Phase 1. There are a few details that can be
addressed this winter and then, hopefully, work can begin again
in the spring. The next major step for 2010 will be to frame
the main floor, mezzanine and roof of Phase 1.
The estimated cost of this will be in the neighborhood of
200,000. Much of the funds for this will still need to be
raised.
It is truly amazing and encouraging to see this building
take shape and, despite delays, see it come this far in 2009.
Reservoir
This additional project is also well underway. Ted Horton
has been available to do the excavation this fall. The
reservoir is designed to hold 50,000 gallons of water for fire
suppression. It must be completed before an occupancy permit
will be granted for the lodge.
Approximately 1,000 feet of 8” pipe will need to be laid
and connected to fire hydrants.
In Conclusion
As you can understand from the preceding report, we still
face some large challenges for this next year and beyond. This
is not new for us as each day is a walk of faith and we have
experienced years of miracles.
We continue to explore more effective ways to serve our
leaders and to add facilities in the Fairhaven village that
will also enhance what is offered. We deeply appreciate your
continued participation in this journey.
Our staff wishes you a very blessed Christmas season and
an incredible New Year!
Len & Fay Frank
Gerry & Heather Wyman
Garry & Lynne Schmidt
Ron & Anita Spohr
September 2009 Newsletter
Another Historic Day for Fairhaven
We received the long-awaited building permit for the Charles
Shepson Lodge after months of delays. To receive this permit
has entailed a laborious but interesting journey that often
taxed both faith and patience.
This officially launches our largest project to date.
We now look ahead with eager anticipation to the ways God
will provide the funding and the labor. This first phase of the
lodge will streamline our administrative functions, provide
better services for our guests, and allow us to host groups
that we have had to turn away in the past.
Costs will vary according to the amount of volunteer help
available and the pricing on materials but,
roughly estimated, we could need another $400,000 to
complete this first phase.
The Unexpected Challenge
One of the fascinating parts of life is the unseen twists
and turns that rise up to meet us at any point of time. Thank
God, those are not surprises to Him!
One such event happened during the process of applying
for the lodge building permit.
The regional district determined that, before a permit
could be granted, we would need to provide an engineered plan
for a large water supply for fire suppression. This reservoir
will need to be complete before we receive occupancy for the
lodge.
The engineer, Dick Bartel, who so ably served us for our
sewage system, has agreed to undertake the design of this
reservoir. We have yet to determine what the costs for this
project will be. While in the long run this may prove to be a
positive addition, it does place strain on our resources (time
and funds) at a time when we want to be focused on the lodge
construction.
Remembering Our Purpose
As staff, board, volunteers, and supporters of this
ministry, we must continually come back to a renewed awareness
of what we are about. God has called us together to support and
encourage our Christian leaders.
To better serve our guests in this way, we took the major
step of hiring Garry Schmidt so that our services of
counseling, spiritual direction, and retreats could be
expanded. Garry and Lynne have settled in well to the Vernon
area and to ministry at Fairhaven in particular.
We are grateful for a staff team that is dedicated and
functioning well.
Gerry Wyman is now focused on the lodge project while his
wife Heather, has been looking after the grounds during the
summer. Anita Spohr continues to serve us on various office
projects while Lynne Schmidt assists with housekeeping. My wife
Fay has had a busy summer with guest services.
As a lightly staffed ministry, each person also willingly
steps in to help where there is a need.
We are also so thankful for every volunteer that has come
alongside our staff.
Along with a busy summer work schedule, all staff were
able to enjoy visits from children and grandchildren, as well
as friends.
Our Special Guests From Fairhaven in Tennessee
We were incredibly encouraged by Bill and Mary Wymer from
our sister organization in Tennessee. Their gentle and loving
spirits were uplifting to us along with their kindness in
pitching right in to help out in various ways, even though they
were on vacation!
What Our Guests Were Saying This summer
As a staff, we continually remind ourselves that what we do in every aspect of this work is to better serve the guests God brings to us. We are encouraged by the responses we receive from our guests.
“Thank you again for understanding the need of our hearts. The peace and quiet is appreciated more than words can express…”
“Now is the time to descend from our beautiful cottage mountain retreat where we have restored our souls with much inspirational reading, prayer and meditation with a background of birds’ song, crickets rasping, and aspen leaves rattling in the breeze. Thank you to all who have made this possible. May the many people who created this lovely place be blessed. The vision for such a retreat centre was birthed by the Creator without a doubt.”
“We can't express how we've enjoyed our time here at
Fairhaven. It is truly a haven where you can’t help but
wonder at God’s majesty and see the work of His hand…”
May you be encouraged by these comments as you stand by us!
February 2009
I love the challenge that the author of the letter to the Hebrews gives in chapter 12, “ throw off everything that hinders…run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus…” (Heb. 12:1,2 NIV).
Eugene Peterson unwraps this passage so powerfully and creatively as he writes, “ Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how He did it. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed….(Heb. 12: 1,2 The Message).
While this speaks to the broad issue of living out our faith, it is obviously played out in many practical daily applications. Included in this would be the challenge to Fairhaven to persevere, to not lose sight of our mandate, to finish the race He has called us to run.
With this in mind, we are, in faith, moving ahead with important initiatives this year. Despite the economic downturn, we have made key decisions to expand both facilities and ministries in keeping with the vision God has given us. More than ever these resources will be needed as growing challenges and opportunities face our spiritual leaders.
NEW STAFF – EXPANDED OPPORTUNITIES!
I am excited to introduce you to Garry and Lynne Schmidt! Garry and Lynne will begin their ministry with us in April. Garry is currently finishing his doctoral dissertation on his research of clergy self-care. Garry comes to us with a wealth of experience and training in spiritual direction and pastoral counseling. He has also planned and facilitated retreats that involved clergy.
Both Garry and Lynne are servant leaders who really understand the ministry of Fairhaven. I am amazed at the way God has led them to us but it is not surprising how they perfectly fit the purpose and vision of Fairhaven for God is the One who ultimately brings the pieces together.
Pray for them as they move back to Canada from the U.S.
where Garry was recently on the leadership team of a seminary.
One of their first challenges will be to find housing in
Vernon. Having Garry on staff will greatly expand our ability
to serve our leaders. We are looking at the possibility of
contracting with other agencies for Garry’s services.
LODGE START – SCHEDULED FOR SPRING
The long awaited moment when construction of the lodge begins is within sight. This much needed facility is a significant part of the village design but it is by far the most costly project.
While proceeding in faith, we want to move ahead in a responsible fashion.Thus we have designed the lodge to be built in two phases.
We have also broken the first phase down into three stages so there are two natural points at which construction can stop should funding not be available to proceed to completion.
Completed Lodge Phase 1: $527,575.00 (includes
labor, taxes and contingency)
There will be additional permit fees and some remaining
engineering costs.
The board has decided to move ahead this year with
developing the first stage which will be the foundation up to
the platform stage.
Cost of this first stage of Phase 1: Approx. $108,000 with
permit fees and engineering costs
*Costs can be kept considerably lower if we receive
volunteer help.
Projected date for start: May 2009
2009 DINNER TOUR
Make plans to join us with your friends. This is an opportunity to be informed of developments at Fairhaven and to rejoice together in what God is doing. Enjoy an excellent dinner and an inspirational evening with us. Advance reservations required.
Okanagan Area: Sunday, May 24, 5:30 P.M.
Best Western Vernon
Lodge (New location), 3914 – 32 Street Vernon, BC (Hwy.
97)
For Reservations:
Fairhaven Office 250-260-1616 toll free :
1-888-732-0111
Edmonton Area: Wednesday, May 27, 6:30 P.M.
Sherwood Park
Alliance Church (South Atrium), 1011 Cloverbar Rd., Sherwood
Park, AB
For Reservations:
Thelma Dubbeldam 780-922–5336
Calgary Area: Friday, May 29, 6:30 P.M.
Foothills Alliance
Church (Simpson Chapel), 333 Edgepark Blvd. NW, Calgary, AB
For Reservations:
Faith Jalving 403–686–4652
Metro Vancouver Area: Friday, June 5, 6:30
P.M.
Cedar Grove Baptist
Church, 10330—144 Street, Surrey, BC
For Reservations:
Ruth Gilewich 604-985–1771
As I close this letter, I want our last focus to be on
the brief but poignant words of one of this month’s guests:
“Thank you. This experience has changed my life.”
That’s why we do what we do at Fairhaven.
God bless you for your partnership.
Len Frank
Fall 2008 Newsletter
We love to share with you what we hear from our guests.
Nothing touches us more than hearing how God ministers to those
He brings our way. The following experience, written by one of
our guests, illustrates why God has established Fairhaven.
“The other night when I couldn’t sleep, I got up and went to the book shelf to get something to read. God led me to a book which I started reading and knew then where God was taking me the next day. I was able to sleep. I got up in the morning and started reading again. I cried the better part of the day as God showed me my woundedness and inability to receive love from friends and family. He also exposed my competitive nature and how it is hurting me and others. The healing has begun and I feel so totally at peace. I have been forgiven.
I know this place is bathed in prayer. God’s presence is evident. This allows me to be free and vulnerable to what God wants to show me and expose in me without fear of attack or condemnation. This place is a source of healing, restoration and rest. I know I am safe here in God’s provision.
Coming to Fairhaven is like entering a protective bubble where God can freely pour out His love and it can be received without hindrance or pretense. I always leave here walking a little closer to God.”
Thank you for “bathing Fairhaven in prayer”. Because of
your involvement, many have been rested & renewed with hope
restored, vision clarified and life refocused.
SUMMER IN REVIEW
This summer was our busiest to date with a record number of
guests. Many come with their families to spend quality time
together. It brings great satisfaction to see our leaders
investing in these significant relationships as well as making
good choices for long term personal health.
This was one of the few summers in which we did not have
a construction project underway. While Gerry was healing from
shoulder surgery, the design for the lodge was proceeding.
AUTUMN ACTIVITY
Due to a complication with the mechanical drawings for the
lodge, the plans are not yet ready to be submitted for a
building permit. This has pushed the lodge project to a point
that would make it unfeasible to begin this fall. Thus we are
now looking at a Spring ’09 start up.
This has not stopped progress, however, as we’ve been
busy with the needed preparatory work.
A section of road around the lodge site was completed to
allow for parking spaces. Power and gas line work was done to
facilitate ideal positioning of the lodge. With these projects
completed, we are now ready to begin excavation for the lodge
in the spring. How exciting it has been to see the unfolding of
years of dreaming and designing the vision!
NEW BOARD MEMBER
In keeping with our commitment to continue developing a
strong board of directors, Dr. Bob Rose was elected to the
board at our annual retreat in September.
Dr. Rose has a rich background in administration. He
served as President of a college and seminary as well as an
executive pastor and currently as Executive Administrator at a
denominational leadership level.
Bob, also gifted as a life coach and consultant,
established Invision, a coaching and consulting business to
serve individual leaders and ministry organizations.
Bob is very familiar with Fairhaven, having served us
well as a consultant and coach. He also has a clear and current
understanding of Christian leadership.
THOUGHTS ON THE FUTURE
As the world economic situation began to unravel, there was
a growing anxiety about the future. Charitable organizations
such as Fairhaven are not immune to the impact. During these
uncertain times, the Lord has been taking me through the
writings of the prophet Isaiah. God has reminded me that
Fairhaven is about His glory and what He has accomplished … “
all that we have accomplished You (God) have done for
us.” Isa. 26:12 NIV
What happens at and with Fairhaven is: “
so that people may see and know, may consider and
understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, that the
Holy One of Israel has created it.” Isa. 41:20 NIV
These challenges we face are new opportunities for God to
show Himself. “
You are the God who performs miracles.” Psa. 77:14
As long as God gives strength and resources, we will
continue planning and building and ministering for His glory!
Reinforcing the value of this commitment are the comments
received today from another guest, a most gracious pastor and
spouse in transition who are seeking direction from God:
“ Thank you for providing a safe, quiet and inspirational place for my wife and me to rest. Our time at Fairhaven was very refreshing. As we look out over the valley from this vantage point, we feel God has given us clarity and direction and peace….”
With gratitude for your partnership,
Len & Fay Frank
Summer 2008 Newsletter
We joyfully share this summer’s newsletter with you to
report on God’s work at our mountain village. Whatever facts or
statistics we convey are simply part of the healing and
transforming and encouraging work God is doing in the hearts,
minds and souls of our guests. He is empowering leaders to rise
above their circumstances, offering them the life altering gift
of hope and renewing a passion for life and ministry.
Here at Fairhaven, we recount with grateful hearts the
many times during these past months that we saw the Lord’s
amazing grace at work.
Sunset Cottage
One of our passions is to provide a safe, loving environment
for our guests. Our comfortable, self-contained cottages are a
large part of that vision. In June, we were able to complete
the fifth cottage to the point of receiving the occupancy
permit. It is focused on the sunset theme in honor of the
gracious lady who donated the funds in memory of her husband
who was especially fond of sunsets. The numerous guests who
have already used the cottage have thoroughly enjoyed their
experience.
Volunteers
We have enjoyed and been very grateful for the volunteer
help received this summer. Much of the ministry of Fairhaven
has been built and sustained through the loving, dedicated,
selfless work of numerous volunteers. Our desire is to expand
this program with the help of Anita Spohr who is our part-time
administrative assistant.
Funding
God’s amazing grace continues to be evident in the way He has been funding this ministry. He has provided ongoing funds for operations as well as the needed resources for extra expenses involved in the design and engineering of the lodge plans. Our commitment to careful stewardship of the resources shared by generous donors is unwavering.
Guests
God’s grace is also evident in the guests He sends to us.
The cottages have been filled as this is one of the busiest
times of the year. For the month of July, we were
privileged to host 101 guests.
Charles Shepson Lodge
Plans for the lodge (or welcome centre) are nearing
completion. By the time you have received this letter,
we should be applying for a building permit for Phase 1.
The process has taken longer than expected and, during the
summer, holiday time has removed some of the key players at
critical stages. We are reminded that it is God’s timing and
not ours that matters. What an exciting addition this lodge
will be to the ministry at Fairhaven!
Staff
We are thankful that Gerry is past his first shoulder
surgery. There will be a time of healing before he is able to
undergo surgery on his other shoulder.
We welcome a new staff member, Anita Spohr! Anita and her
husband, Ron have been volunteering for some time in various
capacities. Anita will be serving us as an administrative
assistant on a part-time basis. She will be a very welcome help
on certain projects as well as for the daily administrative
needs.
In Conclusion
We have passed our 10th anniversary of operating in Canada
and are very much in awe of the God who has performed so many
miracles on this mountain over the past years. We realized in
our first year that the task
to which God called us would be harder than we ever
thought. Our encouragement has been, “I can do all things
through Christ who gives me strength.” We have experienced
God’s direction and strength
all the way through these 10 years.
Accomplishments thus far are markers, not resting places
or destinations. We are incredibly grateful and joy-filled but
we know there is still a long journey ahead.
We look forward…to a growing number of leaders connecting
with Fairhaven…to enhanced ministry options for our guests…to
added facilities that will allow this to happen.
Our commitment is to love the leaders / Christian workers
and continue to lead with passion, perseverance,
and God’s strength. We know how short life can be. Every
day and every opportunity is a gift.
Thank you for sharing in this ministry of providing hope
and healing, support, and encouragement for our
Christian workers.