Elijah's Retreat has been tremendously blessed so far in our short existence to have amazing groups come alongside of us to offer help. Mercy Ships, a wonderful ministry based in Lindale, Texas, just a few miles north of us, is one of those. Jeff and I were absolutely blown away when they first called and asked if they could come out and take a look at what we're doing here. When they arrived we felt immediately that the Lord was in it and that He was planning something big.
We really don't know exactly what the Lord has in mind for this partnership, but we do know that whatever it is, it's going to be good! We are excited about it, praying about it, and giving it all to the Lord daily.
If you are not familiar with the ministry of Mercy Ships, visit their website when you get a chance. Mercy Ships is a huge ministry. They have done incredible things throughout the world.
Thank you, Lord, for making our paths cross!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Cabin Update
Knowing there are 28 families out there who are waiting to visit Elijah's Retreat, thought it would be good to give you an update of where we're at in completing the first cabin and being ready for our first guests.
The adorable two bedroom cabin is 85% complete, meaning that the exterior is done and the interior is getting there. We've almost finished putting up the paneling inside. Next we need to install the kitchen cabinets (which we've already sanded and painted). We still need to do flooring, trim, countertops, install the toilet, vanity and sink in the bathroom, and install the air conditioning ducts and hook up the air conditioner.
The electric wiring in the cabin has been run, but the outside wiring from the pole to the cabin has not yet been run. The electric company has to do that and it costs $1,600 (thus the delay). The septic system still needs to be installed as well, which will cost $2,500. We are only able to complete as much as we have money for, and we're kind of at a stand still at the moment until the Lord provides some more funds. My husband's business has slowed up a bit so the dollars are having to stretch farther right now.
We are in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) status for Elijah's Retreat (a non-profit organization), but it's a long and tedious process. Until we get that it's very difficult to raise funds because we can't give people a tax write-off. So Jeff and I have funded everything ourselves so far. The plan is to do some fund raising once we get the 501(c)(3) so that we can continue to build cabins and make this retreat a really great place for your families to visit year after year.
We are not discouraged. We know that where God guides, He provides - and we believe that God sent us here to build this retreat. So, we know He will provide in His perfect time. We trust Him completely and are resting in His love.
Please keep Elijah's Retreat in your prayers. Thanks so much!
Kathie
P.S. - We'd love to hear from you!!!
The adorable two bedroom cabin is 85% complete, meaning that the exterior is done and the interior is getting there. We've almost finished putting up the paneling inside. Next we need to install the kitchen cabinets (which we've already sanded and painted). We still need to do flooring, trim, countertops, install the toilet, vanity and sink in the bathroom, and install the air conditioning ducts and hook up the air conditioner.
The electric wiring in the cabin has been run, but the outside wiring from the pole to the cabin has not yet been run. The electric company has to do that and it costs $1,600 (thus the delay). The septic system still needs to be installed as well, which will cost $2,500. We are only able to complete as much as we have money for, and we're kind of at a stand still at the moment until the Lord provides some more funds. My husband's business has slowed up a bit so the dollars are having to stretch farther right now.
We are in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) status for Elijah's Retreat (a non-profit organization), but it's a long and tedious process. Until we get that it's very difficult to raise funds because we can't give people a tax write-off. So Jeff and I have funded everything ourselves so far. The plan is to do some fund raising once we get the 501(c)(3) so that we can continue to build cabins and make this retreat a really great place for your families to visit year after year.
We are not discouraged. We know that where God guides, He provides - and we believe that God sent us here to build this retreat. So, we know He will provide in His perfect time. We trust Him completely and are resting in His love.
Please keep Elijah's Retreat in your prayers. Thanks so much!
Kathie
P.S. - We'd love to hear from you!!!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Welcome!
Elijah's Retreat is a Christ-centered, non-profit organization (currently applying for 501(c)(3) status). We are located in the beautiful green hills of East Texas, just south of Jacksonville on Divine Acres Ranch.
We are building a family retreat for the use of families dealing with autism. The retreat (when completed) will have 6 individual cabins, a large recreational center, and a playground. Right now (June 2008) we have one cabin under construction (85% complete), and the playground 75% completed. As soon as the cabin is ready, we will open for business. There are already over 20 families on a waiting list to make reservations.
Each cabin will have two bedrooms, one bath, a combination living/dining area, a full kitchen, a laundry room with washer & dryer, and a front porch with porch swing - a cozy little home away from home. There are hiking trails, a stocked pond in which to fish, horses and bicycles to ride, hammocks to nap in, and 50 acres of peace and quiet. It's a chance to spend time on a working ranch, out in nature, and you may even spot a few deer roaming about while you're here. We are trying to keep the price of a stay very low - $25.00 per night to begin with. Hopefully we can raise enough support to keep it that way.
We have been blessed with some wonderful folks who have come alongside us to see this vision come to reality. 911 Air Charter sent a group of 15, not once but twice to help with the construction. They are a wonderful group, so giving and helpful. What a blessing! A local construction company, D.R. Ramirez Construction, here in Jacksonville, Texas also donated a lot of time to the project. Wonderful folks from our church have volunteered many hours of time to Elijah's Retreat. Leigh Attaway Wilcox in Frisco has donated many hours of her time to help us with marketing to large corporations. Folks throughout Texas have donated appliances, furniture, all types of things!
We can't thank you all enough for all that you have done for Elijah's Retreat. God bless you!
Kathie
Thank you for visiting our blog. I hope you will return often.
We are building a family retreat for the use of families dealing with autism. The retreat (when completed) will have 6 individual cabins, a large recreational center, and a playground. Right now (June 2008) we have one cabin under construction (85% complete), and the playground 75% completed. As soon as the cabin is ready, we will open for business. There are already over 20 families on a waiting list to make reservations.
Each cabin will have two bedrooms, one bath, a combination living/dining area, a full kitchen, a laundry room with washer & dryer, and a front porch with porch swing - a cozy little home away from home. There are hiking trails, a stocked pond in which to fish, horses and bicycles to ride, hammocks to nap in, and 50 acres of peace and quiet. It's a chance to spend time on a working ranch, out in nature, and you may even spot a few deer roaming about while you're here. We are trying to keep the price of a stay very low - $25.00 per night to begin with. Hopefully we can raise enough support to keep it that way.
We have been blessed with some wonderful folks who have come alongside us to see this vision come to reality. 911 Air Charter sent a group of 15, not once but twice to help with the construction. They are a wonderful group, so giving and helpful. What a blessing! A local construction company, D.R. Ramirez Construction, here in Jacksonville, Texas also donated a lot of time to the project. Wonderful folks from our church have volunteered many hours of time to Elijah's Retreat. Leigh Attaway Wilcox in Frisco has donated many hours of her time to help us with marketing to large corporations. Folks throughout Texas have donated appliances, furniture, all types of things!
We can't thank you all enough for all that you have done for Elijah's Retreat. God bless you!
Kathie
Thank you for visiting our blog. I hope you will return often.
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