The Spirit Center

You know the Holy Spirit is at work when good and unexpected things keep happening. That is what is occurring with the Spirit Center, the new retreat center which is being planned in the area. Our architectural plans just went through a second generation because of comments received from the Emmaus, Journey, Chrysalis, Search and other retreat communities.

Jerry Kramer, of Cotten, Landreth, Kramer Architects made a presentation in May of the architectural plans for the Spirit Center to several retreat group representatives at a BBQ held on the retreat center property (100 peace filled acres of the old Bluntzer homestead) out F.M. 624 and it is planned that he will bring this presentation to some of the Candlelight services.

The FBN Renewal Center Board, which has current primary responsibility for developing this project, is an ecumenical board, dedicated to developing a permanent retreat center for all of the local retreat communities. We always remember though, the Spirit Center is God's project.  The FBNRC Board will be signing a 100 year lease for the Spirit Center land to ensure the long term availability of a retreat center for all the local retreat communities.

Much still needs to be done, such as continuing to raise money for this project and bringing the news to all the groups which might use this facility, once built.  Our theme for developing this project is “Seeds for the Harvest”, which is credited to Susan Patterson with much appreciation. We cling to this: 

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”  (Matthew 13:31-32) 

The plan and expectation is to have the first phase of construction completed within four years.  This may seem like a long time away, but it takes a while to raise six million dollars. We have raised twenty-five percent of that goal and ask for your prayers (and extra money if you have it) in helping us follow where the Holy Spirit leads us in completing this financial endeavor.  Please pray for the success of permanent sacred ground for all our retreat communities. 

Peace and blessings to all of the Body of Christ,

Dan Davis

July 29, 2007

The Emmaus movement does not exist primarily for the weekend Walks.

Its purposes are to deepen the faith of individuals, to increase the faith of congregations, and to bring Christianity to the world.