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.
Spring 2008
As you carefully read this newsletter, you will find needs
you can pray for, progress you can praise for, coming events
you can plan for. There are several realities I am hoping you
will consider as you read:
1. God cares deeply about the
reason for Fairhaven’s existence
2. God is faithfully working out
His purpose and plan for Fairhaven to His glory.
3. You are a critical part of
what God is doing and wants to do at Fairhaven
OUR GUESTS
January and February are usually quieter months in
respect to the number of guests using our facilities.
We are grateful to have seen a 30% increase over last
year for these two months.
From a pastor here for a Day Retreat:
“Thanks again for providing a place of refreshment. You
continually ‘refresh the hearts of the saints.’
The day was beautiful. I had a nice walk up to the top
and just bathed in the goodness of our Lord. It was a much
needed day so thanks again for providing a winter oasis not
only for our staff, but for so many that need it. Blessings!
Having the new “Gathering Place” meeting room available
for small groups has also been a great asset. Before having
this room, groups had to crowd into one of the cottages for
their meetings. We look forward to the enhanced conference
facilities the upcoming lodge will offer.
STAFFING UPDATE
In February, Gerry Wyman underwent emergency surgery on a
constricted bowel. At this time, he is home and on the way to
recovery. He does not enjoy long periods of “mandated
relaxation”, so is quite anxious to be fully reengaged in
construction again. He is also waiting to receive surgery on
his shoulder which will result in several months of recovery
time.
Shelley Ryan’s contract with Fairhaven has been renewed
for several months more during her transition time as she looks
for suitable employment that would fit her needs and giftings.
We are grateful for the help she has given in the housekeeping
department.
We are still looking and praying for someone to give
leadership to the maintenance part of this ministry.
Our preference would be to find someone who also has
skills in construction thus providing some assistance for Gerry
on our new projects.
NEW COTTAGE
Construction on cottage #5 has slowed as we wait on
various subtrades—but we are still hopeful that it will be
completed by June 1 when we plan to dedicate this newest
addition during our Open House. See details under the “Dinner”
section for date and time of this Open House.
THE LODGE
Our next exciting and faith-building challenge will be
the construction of the Charles Shepson Lodge. This facility
will be very key to Fairhaven since it will serve as the
administrative and ministry hub of the village. Plans are being
revised to construct this center in two phases.
The ground breaking ceremony will take place at the Open
House on the afternoon of June 1. We will be privileged to have
Dr. Charles and Colleen Shepson with us to celebrate this
occasion. We hope you can be there too!
As has been our practice in past construction projects,
we wish to proceed with the lodge as funds are made available.
This will be a much larger project than any other we’ve
undertaken.
Depending upon funds and human resources, it is our hope
that in 2008 we will be able to lay the foundation and frame up
the first stage. Once we start the foundation work it is
important that we take the building to close up stage before
winter.
Once again we anticipate handling the general contracting
of this building ourselves and trusting God for major volunteer
help.
DINNERS 2008
To express our thanks and to keep you informed, we will
be doing our dinner tour in four major centers. Please invite
your friends and phone in for reservations well in advance so
we can finalize plans with our caterers.
This year we are excited to have Dr. Charles and Colleen
Shepson with us at our Surrey and Okanagan dinners.
Dr. Shepson is the founder and visionary behind
Fairhaven.
*See the last page for a list of dinners.
“Fairhaven is such a God place! Each time we come, He
meets us in a different way; but so wonderfully full of peace,
“good sleeps”, and His love. We are very grateful to the Lord
for the vision of Charles Shepson and all of you who carry it
through…..May God continue to enable you to be carriers of the
Father’s heart…..”
~ A Fairhaven Guest
2008 FAIRHAVEN DINNERS
Please phone in reservations as early as possible to the
contact person listed in your area or call the Fairhaven office
at (250) 260–1616 or toll free: 1-888-732-0111.
Calgary Area: Monday, May 5, 6:30 P.M.
Foothills Alliance Church (Simpson Chapel), 333 Edgepark
Blvd. NW, Calgary, AB
For Reservations: Faith Jalving (403) 686–4652
Edmonton Area: Wednesday, May 7, 6:30 P.M.
Sherwood Park Alliance Church (South Atrium), 1011
Cloverbar Rd., Sherwood Park, AB
For Reservations: Thelma Dubbeldam (780) 922–5336
Greater Vancouver Area: Friday, May 30, 6:30 P.M.
Cedar Grove Baptist Church, 10330—144 Street, Surrey, BC
For Reservations: Ruth Gilewich (604) 985–1771
Okanagan Area: Sunday, June 1, 5:00 P.M.
Prestige Hotel, 4411—32 Street (Hwy 97), Vernon, BC
For Reservation: The Fairhaven Office (250)
260-1616 or toll free 1-888-732-0111
Open House at Fairhaven: Sunday, June 1, 3:00 P.M.
Join us and Dr. and Mrs. Shepson at our Fairhaven Village
for the Lodge ground breaking ceremony. Starting time is 3:00
P.M. followed by the dedication of cottage #5 and then the
dinner at 5:00 P.M.
“We are so grateful to God for His immeasurable
faithfulness to us! It is our greatest joy to share with you so
that you can continue construction…”
~ A Generous Supporter
With anticipation and hope,
Len & Fay Frank
December 2007 Newsletter
We are always powerfully impacted and encouraged when people
tell us they read our newsletters and pray for Fairhaven! As
you read this letter, we also want you to be encouraged by what
God is doing. Your involvement is making a difference and we
need and value your partnership.
DIRECTORS MEET
In September, the Fairhaven board held their annual
retreat on site. This is always a special time of fellowship,
evaluating and planning. Two of the items explored at the
retreat were “engaging the next generation” in the ministry of
Fairhaven and future development plans with special emphasis on
the lodge.
We also welcomed our newest board member, Dave Leighton,
and his wife, Marilyn. Prior to his retirement,
Dave served as Senior Vice-President Corporate Strategic
Planning with Fletcher Challenge Canada Ltd.
With his rich history in the business world and his
love for the Lord and His Church, Dave will be a great resource
to Fairhaven.
We will greatly miss the presence of Ruth Gilewich who
has faithfully served as our board secretary for the past nine
years. Due to her heavy responsibilities, she felt the need to
step out of this role. She will remain strongly connected to
this ministry and we are so grateful for her ongoing interest
and support.
NEW STAFF
We are pleased to welcome Shelley Ryan to our staff team.
Shelley will be working in the areas of Guest Services and
Reception. For the past 21 years, Shelley has made Paris,
France her home. She served in various church ministry
positions. During her time of transitioning back to her home
country, Shelley will spend six months at Fairhaven assessing
what God has in mind for her future.
LODGE PLANS UNDERWAY
The MQN Architectural firm has now been given the “go
ahead” to proceed with the design of the Charles Shepson Lodge.
This is a very significant step in our story. This facility
will be the administrative and ministry hub of the Fairhaven
village. It will be our largest building and therefore
represents a great step of faith. The board and staff feel this
is the right time to accept this challenge.
The lodge will house our offices, lounge areas, library,
conference rooms, laundry, fitness/games room, bookroom, and
more. Currently, we are considering the possibility of
constructing this facility in three stages.
It is our hope that we would be able to begin work on the
first stage next year. This will depend on the time it takes
for design and approvals but, more critically, it will depend
on funding. The plan is to stay with our practice of
building only as far as funds are available. We will keep you
in touch with the needs and progress of this project as it
unfolds.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Our fifth cottage is well on its way to being closed in
so that we can continue work on it through the winter.
We hope to have a spring dedication of this newest
facility. We are pleased with the design of this cottage which
will have a wonderful view of the valley.
Please pray for our Construction Coordinator, Gerry
Wyman. He has a torn rotator cuff which will need surgery.
This will restrict him for several months. Gerry and
Heather have also recently experienced the loss of Heather’s
mother to Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
MISSIONS FEST - VANCOUVER
We will be setting up a booth at the Vancouver Missions
Fest, January 25–27. If you are attending, we would love
to have you stop by. Our booth is located at F2.
For most of you, this will be our last communication
prior to the Christmas season and the conclusion of 2007.
Our board and staff would like to express deep gratitude
for your amazing support and ongoing interest in Fairhaven. Our
commitment to the encouragement and health of leaders must
never waiver. We need you as a significant part of the team
whether in prayer, financial support, promotion, or volunteer
work.
We wish you a very blessed Christmas season. Jesus came
to reveal His Father to us and our desire is that you will know
the Father’s heart for you with ever increasing clarity.
On behalf of the board and staff,
Len & Fay Frank
August 2007 Newsletter
“
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we
ask or imagine....to Him be glory...” (Eph. 3:20,21)
Since our last newsletter, there continues to be so much
more to praise God for. I trust that as you read this letter
you will pray for Fairhaven and also allow your heart to swell
with praise for the unending work of grace our faithful Father
performs.
A FULL HOUSE
The summer months are always a busy and exciting time at
Fairhaven. We are blessed to have the cottages filled, but
concerned that so many could not be accommodated this year. Our
guests continue to be touched by what God has provided for
them.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Fay and I have moved in to the new staff residence and
are thoroughly enjoying the added space and convenience. Gerry
is just wrapping up the few remaining details and can then give
full attention to the construction of the next cottage.
As with our other projects, we have seen many blessings
and miracles of God’s provision for this staff home. Lately we
have seen the funds provided for the high efficiency, large
capacity washer and dryer for the laundry. This has greatly
assisted housekeeping. The lower level of the home contains
facilities for small group meetings. Faithful supporters of
Fairhaven have also provided the funds for furnishing this
space, making it comfortable and practical for groups. It has
all turned out so beautifully and we give praise to God for
this and our thanks to Gerry and all who assisted him in the
construction.
WORK GROUPS
We have been blessed this summer with two excellent youth
work groups. The first group was part of the leadership
training program at Eagle Bay Camp in the Shuswap. The second
group was from the Mennonite Church in Greendale (near
Chilliwack). They cleared trees, split wood, improved trails,
cut grass (and weeds) and other assorted duties. They did these
labour intensive jobs with great energy and a beautiful spirit.
It was a great joy to have them and their leaders.
OUR NEXT COTTAGE
The land has been cleared on the site of the next
cottage. It was a rainy but exciting day when Ted Horton, a
former staff member, used our John Deere backhoe to clear the
lot for the fifth cottage. We now await the arrival of the
excavator so we can lay the footings. We trust we will be able
to effectively coordinate all the subtrades and volunteers so
this cottage can be completed in record time. There are several
reasons we wish to finish this cottage earlier than the
previous ones. It is our desire to move quickly to the
construction of the lodge, or at least the first stage of the
lodge. Full attention will need to be given to this major
project so it would be helpful to have the cottage completed
early.
STAFFING UPDATE
As mentioned at our dinners this year, we are
understaffed due to an increasing workload. In a short time, we
will be interviewing a very promising candidate for the
position of Hostess / Receptionist. We also need a staff person
to oversee our maintenance operations including equipment,
facilities and landscape. Some of this work load could probably
be accomplished through volunteers.
To expedite the construction of the next project (cottage
#5) by giving assistance to Gerry, our construction manager, we
have contracted with a builder. Walter and Ruth Poettcker have
just moved from Alberta to Vernon feeling clearly led of God to
make that change. Walter is an experienced, competent builder
and he and Ruth have a heart for the work of Fairhaven. We are
looking forward to having them on the team for this project.
To accomplish the level of staffing that is needed, we
must see the continued health of our general fund. Please pray
for both the funding and for wisdom in selecting the people who
would be the right fit for Fairhaven and for the particular
roles to be filled.
VEHICLE DONATION
Due to the generosity of a gracious couple who are long
time friends and supporters of Fairhaven, we have become the
recipients of a wonderful car for the use of this ministry. It
is a 2001 Sebring with only 34,000 kms! This gift will be very
useful for frequent trips to Vernon as well as promotional /
ministry travel outside this area. Until we can obtain a small
four wheel drive minivan or SUV, we can also use this vehicle
to help with housekeeping on site.
BOARD RETREAT
The board of directors gathers for their annual retreat
September 14, 15. This is always a much anticipated time of
fellowship, planning and decision-making. Your prayers are much
appreciated as we prepare to see the continued effectiveness
and growth of this ministry in a day when leaders need much
encouragement and support. We desire to see the church of Jesus
Christ continue in strength and health.
The question we keep hearing from the hearts of our
leaders is, “How do I maintain vital health in every
aspect?” May God grant Fairhaven His blessing and power
and wisdom and all the resources of heaven to fulfill the
purpose for which He established this ministry.
With much gratitude,
Len Frank
Executive Director
February 2007 Newsletter
Nine years ago this month, Fairhaven began receiving guests
in Canada. Through these nine years, God has faithfully
provided the necessary resources and brought a growing number
of guests to us. This past year of 2006, we have received
625 guests on site and had the privilege of ministering to
others elsewhere. We see each guest as a unique gift of
God to us and to the church of Jesus Christ. It has been
encouraging and motivating to observe the strength and courage
of these leaders even in the midst of their honest struggle or
traumatic pain or simply confusion. It has also been
satisfying to see a growing number of guests come regularly as
a commitment to maintaining health.
LIFE COACHING
Many of the leaders who come to us are facing issues that do
not necessarily require our counseling services. They would
better be served through connection with a life coach. With
this need in mind, I have been engaged in further studies
related to coaching so we can expand our services. I am also in
the process of putting together a team of experienced and
qualified life coaches who can be accessed by telephone through
the sponsorship of Fairhaven. These coaches also have extensive
ministry experience. For further information on this service,
contact me at the Fairhaven office.
A RECENT GUEST WRITES...
“Thank you so much for the support, the environment, the
listening ear, etc.
We had a wonderful week…the life coaching was what we
needed:
1) for affirmation – something that has been lacking in
recent years but so helpful
2) helping us to put a few more puzzle pieces in place in
our lives.
3) reminding us again of our need to focus on Jesus and
believe the truth instead of lies from Satan.
4) etc.
This place is definitely something we will remember to
pray for and recommend to others.”
NEW BOARD MEMBER
I am excited to announce the addition of Darren Malin
from Calgary to our Board of Directors. Our board has
been serving a vital function in the operation of Fairhaven and
thus it is critical to keep it strong, dynamic and
healthy. Darren brings his youthful energy, love for
Jesus and the church as well as business and ministry
experience to the table. Currently, Darren serves with
Navigators on the campus of the University of Calgary. He
has a degree and experience in business and marketing as well
as ministry experience at Centre Street Church in
Calgary. He is working on a masters degree in leadership
at Trinity Western University.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Progress is being made on the staff residence. The
dry walling is now completed and we are ready for painting and
the finish carpentry. We do hope to have the project
ready for occupancy prior to June as the cottage we are
temporarily using as our staff home is booked for guests at
that time. We are excited about having a meeting room
available for small groups when this house is finished.
Fay is also looking forward to having improved laundry
facilities for the housekeeping crew!
PROJECTS FOR 2007
* Complete the staff home
- purchase a large capacity washer and dryer Cost:
$2,200.00
- purchase suitable furniture for the meeting room
- volunteers will be needed to assist with siding
installation, etc.
* Expand water system
- drill another well
- engineered design required
- connect to existing system
* Construct our fifth guest cottage
- funding is already in
place!
* Hire new
staff
We have been operating short-staffed. We are
presently looking at potential staff members and would
appreciate your prayers for God’s choice to join the
team. Up until now, staff members have attempted to raise
their own personal support. This has not been an ideal
situation. As a result, we are again stepping out in
faith and trusting God and the financial supporters of
Fairhaven for a substantial increase in the general fund so we
can properly compensate staff for their dedicated and hard
work.
Donations may still be directed to the staff support fund
if desired. Some of the areas of responsibility we need
to address are housekeeping / hospitality, maintenance,
landscaping, coordination of volunteer services, and some
administrative work.
2007 DINNERS
As a way of thanking you for your involvement and
interest as well as keeping you in touch, we again invite you
to attend one of our dinners. We want to expand the
“Fairhaven Family” and so encourage you to invite your friends,
business acquaintances, and the ministry people in your
life. To make this a little easier, we are enclosing an
information ticket to leave with someone. There is still
no charge for the dinner, but we do ask that you phone in all
reservations as soon as possible.
For our Okanagan friends we are trying something
different this year. Many have not yet seen the Fairhaven
village and so we invite you to an open house between 3:00 and
5:00 on Friday afternoon, May 25. There will be a dinner
to follow at 6:30 at the Prestige Inn of Vernon. A
reservation is not required for the open house at Fairhaven,
but we do require one for the dinner. Looking forward to
seeing you at one of these dinners!
Len Frank
Executive Director
Fall 2006 Newsletter
It is with great joy that we share with you our Fall 2006
Newsletter as an update to all of you who give so generously of
your resources, in-kind gifts, volunteer time and prayers for
the guests of Fairhaven.
The last few months have been incredibly exciting as we
monitor daily construction progress on the new staff residence
which will also serve as laundry facilities, office and
Gathering Room until the Charles Shepson Welcome Center is
built.
They have also been exciting summer months as we have had
“full house” in our facilities. It has been a joyful reminder
of “why” we are doing “what” we are doing.
Over 30 years ago, our founder Dr. Charles Shepson
affectionately prayed for his students from St. Paul Bible
College. “Lord, someday…someday let me establish a retreat
center to which Christian workers can come in their times of
frustration, weariness, decision-making. Let it be a place
where there are no telephones, no schedules and no pressures.
Let it be a place where a person can renew his strength and get
things back into perspective.”
The dream was born. (Born of God). God has lovingly
fulfilled that prayer – in fact He has doubled it –
establishing both the retreat center in the beautiful Smokey
Mountains of Tennessee and the one here in the Okanagan Valley
of British Columbia.
The Lord continues to shower this place, these guests,
this ministry and yes, even His lowly servants, with miracles!
We believe in miracles!
VOLUNTEERS
We gladly welcome our volunteers who come with incredible
gifts of encouragement, skill, hard work and enjoyment of being
together and working together. Since our last newsletter, we’ve
been blessed by the host of volunteers who have donated and
installed the heating system, helped with construction, cut
grass and watered lawns, energetically cut trees and
hauled out truckloads of dead brush, cleaned cottages, done
electrical work, operated heavy equipment, sewed curtains, and
lovingly filled the role of guest services. Our gratitude is
boundless.
If you feel God’s call to volunteer at Fairhaven, call
(250) 260–1616 or email
info@fairhavenministries.org
OUR GUESTS
Our desire is that each of our guests feel welcomed into
the presence and embrace of our loving Saviour. Our
purpose is to provide a safe environment in which Christian
leaders can be encouraged and renewed.
This is our Master’s business and this is our business.
What unspeakable joy!
Quotes from our guests:
“My time here has been such a blessing to me. I rested
and read, and was refreshed in my walk with the Lord. As a
pastor’s wife, busy mom of 3 teenagers, and national ministry
leader, this is the first time I’ve taken more than one day of
solitude. It is exactly what I needed, and I will be back!”
“…Time will tell how I’ve changed. I know I’m not the
same person that came here last Sunday.
I don’t want to go home. There aren’t any words to
describe what I’m experiencing right now and how I’m feeling
towards this ministry. I’ll be back!”
FAREWELL TO THE WALKERS
The past four years, Garth and Brenda Walker have been an
important part of the staff team at Fairhaven. Garth has
served as Coordinator of our volunteer program and has assisted
with the construction during our early stages of development.
Due to the often physically demanding nature of this work and
his desire to pursue more of a pastoral/counselling role, Garth
has resigned and will be exploring new opportunities.
We appreciate the many valuable contributions that Garth
and Brenda have made while serving at Fairhaven. Please join us
in praying for them as they look to God for future direction.
OUR VISION is that whenever someone comes in contact with
a person from Fairhaven, that they see Christ in them. We want
every guest who leaves Fairhaven to know that they have a
Father who loves them.
Giving respect to those in His service,
Len Frank
Executive Director