Praise God! He's done it again!

Isn't God's timing amazing?  He's always just in time!  Right when we've decided it's not going to happen, He comes through and wows us.  Whoever said the Christian life was not exciting???

We are praising God for the granting of 501(c)(3) non-profit status from the IRS yesterday.  Many of you know the struggle we've gone through over these many months trying to attain 501(c)(3) status (which means we are tax exempt & donations are tax deductible).  After a very disturbing phone call from the IRS a few weeks ago, it seemed doubtful that they would grant us 501(c)(3) status.  But once again Mercy Ships stepped in, got their attorneys involved, and the issue was resolved in fairly short time.  Thank you, Mercy Ships!  We love you guys!

So, with our first family arriving at the retreat this Friday, God's timing could not be more perfect.  The first family cabin is completed and ready for guests.  Now we can look forward to building the other 5 cabins and the recreation center.  We have a feeling that God's plans for Elijah's Retreat are much bigger than ours!  It's all yours, Jesus - your will be done!

So now all donations are tax deductible and 100% go to building Elijah's Retreat.  There are no paid staff or board members.  But there are many who have donated their time, energy and resources to help build the cabin, put up fences, clear trails, etc..  Thank you so very much.  God bless you.   

Mercy Ships to the Rescue

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!