Final plans revealed for the new building!
What an appropriate night to share the final plans for the new building. We closed the chapter on the devastation and pain, and opened a new one to look forward to building our new building that will house the Spirit of the Living God. May His Presence and his Glory reside here throughout the whole process.
There have been planning meetings for the new building happening twice per week since the early part of February. Two local builders have teamed up to handle the new construction for the Retreat in order to expedite the building process. First, Curtis J. Bailey, Inc., headed up by Curtis Bailey, and MAS-TEK Builders, Inc., headed up by Troy C. Schellhammer. Both of these men are born again, spirit-filled believers who have hearts to serve, and who have also been coming to worship at the Retreat for many years. In fact, Curtis was the builder for the original buildings. Combined, they have many, many years of building experience (Curtis has been in the construction business for 40+ years, and Troy for 25+). They are very humble men, and are committed to being led by the Holy Spirit to build a building foremost that is pleasing to God. Please be sure to keep these guys in your prayers as they move forward with the building process.
The next phase of this process is to wait for the final detail plans, and obtain the final building permits. Some of the earlier permits have already been obtained, and the local township supervisors have been making sure that the process doesn't have any holdups. Answers to prayers have been so evident, as all obstacles have been removed to move forward with the project. Please continue to pray because we know that God answers prayer!
There have been planning meetings for the new building happening twice per week since the early part of February. Two local builders have teamed up to handle the new construction for the Retreat in order to expedite the building process. First, Curtis J. Bailey, Inc., headed up by Curtis Bailey, and MAS-TEK Builders, Inc., headed up by Troy C. Schellhammer. Both of these men are born again, spirit-filled believers who have hearts to serve, and who have also been coming to worship at the Retreat for many years. In fact, Curtis was the builder for the original buildings. Combined, they have many, many years of building experience (Curtis has been in the construction business for 40+ years, and Troy for 25+). They are very humble men, and are committed to being led by the Holy Spirit to build a building foremost that is pleasing to God. Please be sure to keep these guys in your prayers as they move forward with the building process.
The next phase of this process is to wait for the final detail plans, and obtain the final building permits. Some of the earlier permits have already been obtained, and the local township supervisors have been making sure that the process doesn't have any holdups. Answers to prayers have been so evident, as all obstacles have been removed to move forward with the project. Please continue to pray because we know that God answers prayer!
Above is the plan for the lower level of the new building.
This is where the Sanctuary will be, as well as the Dining Room and Kitchen.
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Below is the plan for the second floor, including offices, lobby, registration desk, lounge, nursery, Prayer Chapel, and Bookstore.
This is where the Sanctuary will be, as well as the Dining Room and Kitchen.
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Below is the plan for the second floor, including offices, lobby, registration desk, lounge, nursery, Prayer Chapel, and Bookstore.
Well, that's about all I have to share this time around. I truly hope I did the Tribute Dinner justice, as it really was a very special event.
Again, I remind you to continue to check back here because now that spring is here, things will really start happening quickly. I'll be here to hold your hand throughout the whole process. Thanks again for checking in, and don't forget about signing the Guest Book on page 1 of this blog. I'd love to know that you were here!
Again, I remind you to continue to check back here because now that spring is here, things will really start happening quickly. I'll be here to hold your hand throughout the whole process. Thanks again for checking in, and don't forget about signing the Guest Book on page 1 of this blog. I'd love to know that you were here!
March 29, 2011
Well, I told you all that things would be picking up, and they already have. Little did I know that they were planning on laying out & marking the placement for the new building TODAY. Wow, just finished updating the blog, and then I get this news, so back up to the Retreat I went.
Sunny and cold. VERY cold. This describes what the day was like today. Like highs in the 30s. My husband swears it was in the 40s, but I don't believe it. Felt like a beautiful, crisp winter morning (isn't it supposed to be spring??). They are, once again, calling for a sloppy mess tomorrow night. I'm sure this spring will be worth the wait.
Sunny and cold. VERY cold. This describes what the day was like today. Like highs in the 30s. My husband swears it was in the 40s, but I don't believe it. Felt like a beautiful, crisp winter morning (isn't it supposed to be spring??). They are, once again, calling for a sloppy mess tomorrow night. I'm sure this spring will be worth the wait.
Helen and Chris
I was on a mission to finally take a picture of Chris when he wasn't standing behind a podium speaking. You know, you never really could get a good picture of someone while they are talking. I got my opportunity this morning when he and Helen were leaving the meeting. What a great picture of two lovely people, don't cha think?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I loved the little trees Gary placed in his rendition. If you look to the bottom left side of the picture below, the box represents the placement of the current Fireside building. Below is a view from the opposite side, with the Fireside building to the right.
Time to meet the Builders
Our builders were on-site today to lay out the footprint of the building. On the left is Troy (MAS-TEK Builders), and on the right is Curt (CJ Bailey). With paint under arm and plans in hand, off they went to mark where the corners of the new building will be.
Seen above hiding behind the transit is Marlin Zehner. I love this picture because you can see the cross in the background, almost looking over his shoulder. :)
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Meet our Architect
Meet the talented architect who is working with the Retreat & builders on the design the new facility. There's a lot more to it than just walls and windows. He's been teaching us a lot about design flow and how to best use our space. His name is Gary Hitzman. He shared with me the 3D rendition of the new building, and I'm sure it will help you visualize what it will look like. This is merely a very loose presentation to give you a visual of what it will look like. Gary was a very nice guy, and I already warned him that if he's around during construction he will be getting his picture taken again.
The picture above is the front of the building (no windows & details are added).
It has a patio on the left side where the snack shop side was. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Below is the rear of the building, where the offices & registration desk will be. Devin Meiser, VP of MAS-TEK, is seen below tape measure in-hand, and smile on face.
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I'd love to report a very cool fact about today's venture and the power of prayer. After completing the staking of the building, they discovered the footprint fit EXACTLY in the spot where the old building was. Yes, the new facility is be a bit larger, but I'm told that the way things laid out, so perfectly, it was like God's finger had drawn the plan. Both the dimensions of the new building AND the elevations were perfect for this spot. It was a confirmation that they have been hearing from the Lord and following His plans. How cool is that? Prayer really works, so I ask that you keep praying! We want this to be a building that God designs, so that He will be pleased to come and fill it in a new and mighty way.
I'm believing with my friend Maria, who works in the Retreat's Bookstore, that this new building will be God's new wineskin, and we can expect new wine to be poured into this place upon its completion. Jesus brings a newness that cannot be confined within the old forms. It's time to prepare your hearts and minds for His banquet dinner.
He's coming back soon.
God's abundant blessings to you all until next time.
I'm believing with my friend Maria, who works in the Retreat's Bookstore, that this new building will be God's new wineskin, and we can expect new wine to be poured into this place upon its completion. Jesus brings a newness that cannot be confined within the old forms. It's time to prepare your hearts and minds for His banquet dinner.
He's coming back soon.
God's abundant blessings to you all until next time.
April 7, 2011
Just wanted to take a minute to publish a prayer sent to me by a new friend and brother in Christ from Trinity Tabernacle in Brooklyn New York. His name is Chris Palucci, and he's been attending men's retreats at the Mountain since 1999. When I read his e-mail, I thought it would be nice to post the prayer so that we all can be on the same page. It touched me, and hopefully it will touch you, too.
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Psalm 116 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? 13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
Our prayer:
Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ the Great I AM, our Hope we adore your holy name and we give you the glory, praise and honor for all you have done. You are the chief architect, the master builder and you rebuild the ruins. You take our darkest times and light them with your presence. Lord anoint Trina as she writes about the rebuilding. Fill her heart with such joy that she would dance and leap before you with all her might. Father you have yet to show her what you will do with her writing. Father let the glory fill her soul and bless her indeed. Lord anoint Curtis J. Bailey, Inc and and MAS-TEK Builders, Inc., headed up by Troy Schellhammer and Curtis Bailey with your wisdom as they lay the foundation for a glorious new building. Fill their hearts and everyone involved with your power. We come against every lie, and every scheme of the devil Jesus you have destroyed the work of the enemy and we will triumph in you ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks again for praying, and for continuing to support the Retreat financially. God's got an awesome plan, and by praying & giving you are playing such an important role in helping to make that plan a reality. Until next time.
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Psalm 116 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? 13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
Our prayer:
Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ the Great I AM, our Hope we adore your holy name and we give you the glory, praise and honor for all you have done. You are the chief architect, the master builder and you rebuild the ruins. You take our darkest times and light them with your presence. Lord anoint Trina as she writes about the rebuilding. Fill her heart with such joy that she would dance and leap before you with all her might. Father you have yet to show her what you will do with her writing. Father let the glory fill her soul and bless her indeed. Lord anoint Curtis J. Bailey, Inc and and MAS-TEK Builders, Inc., headed up by Troy Schellhammer and Curtis Bailey with your wisdom as they lay the foundation for a glorious new building. Fill their hearts and everyone involved with your power. We come against every lie, and every scheme of the devil Jesus you have destroyed the work of the enemy and we will triumph in you ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks again for praying, and for continuing to support the Retreat financially. God's got an awesome plan, and by praying & giving you are playing such an important role in helping to make that plan a reality. Until next time.
May 15, 2011
Ahhhhh, spring has finally sprung, and the birds are singing, the skies are blue, the grass is green, and dirt is being moved!! OK, can someone please tell me where the month of May went?? I want to apologize for not updating this blog sooner. Spring got here (finally the snow and ice and cold went away and I hope it stays away!), and planting season began, end of school projects, work, Easter, school field trips, softball and baseball seasons... OK, I think you get the idea - I've been a bit busy here! Time as surely slipped away from me, and I can't believe half of May is already over. I finally decided to MAKE the time to check in with you all and let you know that yes, the building plans ARE, in fact, moving foward! Plans are finalized, meetings have been happening with building inspectors, and permits are just about all secured. AND, they started to dig! Praise God for His continual answers to prayer. :)
I do want to say, even though there seems to have been a bit of a delay to break ground, we all believe that God's hand has been in every single decision, and the end result - the new building - will be exactly what He has planned. A little more time had been taken to 'tweak' the building, and those little last-minute changes will make a huge difference. The facility will be both beautiful, and functional in every way, and will certainly have been worth the wait! As long as the rain holds off this week, concrete will be delivered on Thursday. I promise I will be much better about keeping up with things from this point forward.
I just wanted to add a little reminder of the financial need of Retreat to be able to finish this new building debt free. Any donations would be greatly appreciated.
And now some pictures...
I do want to say, even though there seems to have been a bit of a delay to break ground, we all believe that God's hand has been in every single decision, and the end result - the new building - will be exactly what He has planned. A little more time had been taken to 'tweak' the building, and those little last-minute changes will make a huge difference. The facility will be both beautiful, and functional in every way, and will certainly have been worth the wait! As long as the rain holds off this week, concrete will be delivered on Thursday. I promise I will be much better about keeping up with things from this point forward.
I just wanted to add a little reminder of the financial need of Retreat to be able to finish this new building debt free. Any donations would be greatly appreciated.
And now some pictures...
It is really easy to lose focus of the fact that we are not only building a physical building, but a place where many will come to visit as rags and leave as royalty - Prince and Princesses of the King, changed forever. The spiritual impact of the ministry that will happen in this new building will, no doubt, change many lives. We have an enemy who prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8) and he is not happy about the progression of this new house of worship. We really need to continue to press in for the spiritual battle for those lives who are predestined to change because of the Retreat, and as well as for every person working here on-site. We are to be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might, for our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:10-12). May we always remember to acknowledge His sovereignty and His hand throughout this whole process.
Bless all our skills, Oh Lord, and be pleased with the work of our hands.
~ Deuteronomy 33:11
Thanks again for visiting, and please be sure to check back soon. Blessings to you and yours for your faithfulness throughout this journey.
Bless all our skills, Oh Lord, and be pleased with the work of our hands.
~ Deuteronomy 33:11
Thanks again for visiting, and please be sure to check back soon. Blessings to you and yours for your faithfulness throughout this journey.
May 20, 2011
Rain rain, go away... Well, it's been raining here in New Ringgold now for what seems like forever!! Unfortunately, due to the amount of water, the concrete was not able to be poured this week, and has been re-scheduled for next week. All the footers are dug, as well as the new elevator shaft. To be honest, the place looks like one big mud ball!! Guess a few pictures are worth a thousand words. I already reminded my husband that his boots come OFF before coming into the house!
Hopefully the next set of pictures I post will have sunshine and blue skies. Everyone here collectively says "Bring it on, please!". They are calling for better weather starting this weekend, and hopefully things dry out enough to all the concrete guys to be able to start to prepare placing rebars for the footers on Monday. I'll keep you posted. Until then, have a blessed weekend, and please remember to keep the Retreat in your prayers, as well as everyone working here on site.
May 31, 2011
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.
~ Psalm 34:7
~ Psalm 34:7
The view outside my window...
A tornado in the mountains of Pennsylvania?? To begin my report today, I just wanted to take a moment and post a praise report. On Thursday evening around 8:30 p.m., a tornado warning had been issued for Schuylkill County. Just seemed like normal bad thunderstorms, until things stepped up a bit and me and my family (and dog) found ourselves seeking shelter in our root cellar. It was later confirmed that an F1 tornado moved through parts of New Ringgold, PA (you can read the local newspaper story here: http://www.tnonline.com/node/199346). It was a few miles away from the Retreat. The top picture above is one taken outside my living room window. Take notice to the big pine trees that were twisted and ripped off, and only about 50' from our window. Similar trees did the same thing on each and every side of our home, but we had absolutely no damage whatsoever to our house. The bottom picture is one of my daughter standing next to a HUGE tree that was uprooted near our driveway. The next day while I was contemplating how in the world this thing missed us the way it did, the Lord dropped the scripture I listed above into my spirit. He, beyond a shadow of a doubt, provided a hedge of protection around me and my family. I am so thankful that we serve such a mighty God! Anyway, I am just so very thankful that we were kept safe and only have a bunch of trees to clean up, and were were only without power until Saturday morning. This strange weather that is happening all over the world is a SURE sign that Jesus' return is emenient (please see Matthew 24:5-14 & Luke 12:35-40). NOW is the time to repent and accept His free gift of salvation if you have not already done so. And now... back to business. :)
The sounds of cement trucks filled the valley, and have poured the footers of the new buildings. You will see the steel rebars set before the cement was poured to give added strength. The picture below on the top left is the footer thas has already been poured, and the one on the right is one of the footers while they are being tied prior to the cement going in.
The picture below on the right is the newly-poured foundation walls that were poured today.
We had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend on the mountain! Dr. Paul Johanassen had taught a powerful message, and the presence of the Lord was powerful. Many people left the Mountain changed and renewed. Be sure to check the Retreat's website for the summer schedule, and plan your visit soon! Just a reminder, the meetings are taking place as usual in our new facility, Partner's Hall, and our Bookstore is open for business.
Just to give you a better idea of the next steps in thge building's progress, once the foundation walls are poured, cured, and water-proofed, the french drain and interior drainage systems will be installed and then the metal framing of the project will begin. Meetings are under way with interior designers to finalize colors and interior finishes for the inside of the building. STILL lots of decisions are having to be made.
Today is a very (VERY!) hot day here, with highs reaching around 92 so I'm thinking this concrete will set pretty fast since it feels like it is being baked in this weather. Before we know it we will be meeting in our new building! Please remember to continue to pray throughout this whole process, and don't forget to send in your financial support. We hope to re-build the new building without a mortage, and every little bit helps.
Until next time...
Just to give you a better idea of the next steps in thge building's progress, once the foundation walls are poured, cured, and water-proofed, the french drain and interior drainage systems will be installed and then the metal framing of the project will begin. Meetings are under way with interior designers to finalize colors and interior finishes for the inside of the building. STILL lots of decisions are having to be made.
Today is a very (VERY!) hot day here, with highs reaching around 92 so I'm thinking this concrete will set pretty fast since it feels like it is being baked in this weather. Before we know it we will be meeting in our new building! Please remember to continue to pray throughout this whole process, and don't forget to send in your financial support. We hope to re-build the new building without a mortage, and every little bit helps.
Until next time...