That's right… bulldozers start working on the Prayer Center & Atrium site at Emerald Hills on Monday, preparing a catch basin, digging the basement, and building the parking area. The Prayer Center & Atrium structure will be the hub of a two-winged structure, which, Lord willing, will eventually house Int'l Services offices, a full-scale training & retreat facility for 150 participants, a commercial kitchen and dining space (also for 150), an indoor work-out area and family life center with a full-size gym for basketball, volleyball, and indoor soccer games featuring "Asia vs. South America" missionary playoffs. 🙂 Under the same roof will tentatively also be housing for about 40 program participants, with the other 110 staying a few dozen yards away in a dedicated housing building. And as for the Prayer Center & Atrium itself, in its final configuration, it'll be just what its name says — a full-time Prayer Center & Atrium for our 'up front' building and the "Big Picture" of world evangelism. The entire campus is being designed intentionally and specifically for missionaries, keeping in mind all along the churches and other organizations that might want to rent it when it isn't needed for training recruits and welcoming furloughing missionaries. The purpose of the campus is summed up in 3 words: "Pray, retreat and learn." Please lift up the construction process in prayer. We currently have about $350,000 in cash and/or commitments. The end budget should come in around $700,000 – $800,000, depending on how much work can be done by volunteers. That's about 20% less than typical construction costs for similar buildings, primarily because of those volunteers and donated materials we'll hope to connect during the next few months. The building should be ready for occupancy by Christmas.
2008-02-01: Praise God.
Praise God for a beautiful day of prayer at Emerald Hills yesterday. Thank Him for those who have committed to pray for the construction of the Prayer Center/Atrium, for 12 more "29" partners, and for unreached peoples.
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2008-01-31: Day of Prayer at Emerald Hills.
"Thank You, Father, that,as I look out the window this morning, there is nothing wet falling from the sky. Thank You as well for milder temperatures. Thank You for this day that has been dedicated by the International Services staff as a day of prayer at Emerald Hills, not only FOR Emerald Hills, but also for the purpose of using the property for its intent — to pray for the nations, for unreached peoples, for missionaries who are serving, and for those whom You are going to raise up for the harvest fields. Bless this day, Father. May the hearts and spirits of those who walked the trails and pray be warmed by Your love. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen."
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2008-01-30: Locking in the Plans.
Pray for Joe Wilson, Facilities Manager, as he meets with the architect this morning to lock in the plans for the Prayer Center/Atrium at Emerald Hills.
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2008-01-29: Rough Sketches.
"Thank You, Father, for the terrific sketches (didn't look rough to me!) Joe came up with in time for Leadership Team meeting yesterday. Thank You for input from team members. This is getting very exciting, Father. Please continue to give us all wisdom in planning and help us to very carefully walk according to Your steps. Bless Joe as he considers suggestions that were made and how to implement those suggestions, In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen!"
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3008-01-28: Brainstorming.
"Father, Thank You for Joe and Doug who spend hours upon hours, days upon days, weeks upon weeks, and months upon months each year thinking about and planning for Emerald Hills. Please bless and make profitable the times they have to brainstorm together. Bless their time this morning as they continue to plan according to space and dimension and draw out rough sketches of what the Prayer Center/Atrium will look like inside. Give them wisdom to plan according to Your will. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen."
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2008-01-27: Spiritual Formation.
Pray that Emerald Hills will be a place where missionary candidates, missionaries on home assignment, church groups, and individuals can participate in the disciplines which spiritually form. May prayer be the hub from which spring the spokes of meditation, solitude, Bible study and Scripture memorizaton, fasting, worship, confession, submission, simplicity, service, guidance, and celebration.
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2008-01-26: Prayer and Reflection.
Pray that Emerald Hills will be an optimal place for prayer and reflection for missionaries on home service as well as for churches and individuals who desire to pray for the nations and for missions.
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2008-01-25: Training Center.
Pray for an optimal training center at Emerald Hills.
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2008-01-24: Date Move.
The date to begin work to prepare the site for the Prayer Center/Atrium has been moved from January 28 to February 4. Pray for good weather and for safety for all involved in the project.
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