August 15, 2011
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
~ Proverbs 3:5-6
It has certainly been quite awhile since I updated this blog (again). There has been so much behind-the-scenes work going on, but not as much 'visual' stuff to show you all. I know many people (me included) had been hoping to be able to see things go up a lot faster, but I know in my heart that as we acknowledge God's hand through this process, it is all happening in His timing. Planning and constructing a 25,000 square foot building takes time! The final design of the new building is still fluid, and being 'tweaked'. The construction continues in parallel as final decisions are made and plans are available. Who knows, perhaps His schedule will allow the Retreat to collect enough donations to pay for the building debt-free!
I just remind you all, once again, to please keep this whole process (the Retreat's decisions, the guys out on the job site, the planning process, peace and unity for the team God has chosen to be a part of this project, and His perfect timing for things to happen) in your prayers. As we acknowledge Him in all we do, He will surely work everything for the good of those who love Him. We will all continue to work hard to finish the race God has set before us.
in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
~ Proverbs 3:5-6
It has certainly been quite awhile since I updated this blog (again). There has been so much behind-the-scenes work going on, but not as much 'visual' stuff to show you all. I know many people (me included) had been hoping to be able to see things go up a lot faster, but I know in my heart that as we acknowledge God's hand through this process, it is all happening in His timing. Planning and constructing a 25,000 square foot building takes time! The final design of the new building is still fluid, and being 'tweaked'. The construction continues in parallel as final decisions are made and plans are available. Who knows, perhaps His schedule will allow the Retreat to collect enough donations to pay for the building debt-free!
I just remind you all, once again, to please keep this whole process (the Retreat's decisions, the guys out on the job site, the planning process, peace and unity for the team God has chosen to be a part of this project, and His perfect timing for things to happen) in your prayers. As we acknowledge Him in all we do, He will surely work everything for the good of those who love Him. We will all continue to work hard to finish the race God has set before us.
Concrete pump truck pouring walls
Above is a picture of the pump truck pouring concrete into the forms for the back walls of the building. They use this truck for high walls that aren't easily poured with the regular truck. After the concrete is cured, the forms are removed. There was literally miles of rebar placed into the walls and under slab to reinforce the concrete. Thanks to Zimmerman Masonry for all their hard work!
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    Below is the future elevator!
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Plumbing progresses
Now THAT'S a lot of pipe! All the pipe for the plumbing has to be completely done before the concrete floor can be poured. Danny Riegel, our plumber, sure looks like he's been a busy guy. :)
 After each step of the process is complete, our building inspector, Glen Everett (seen below), needs to visit the site to ensure all work is done according to code reqirements before we are able to continue to the next step.
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At this point of the project, were are anxiously waiting for the steel to be custom manufactured so that we can build on the foundations we have prepared.
Laying a firm foundation is the most important part to any project, whether it be a building project like this one, or in your personal walk with the Lord. You need to have a sure foundation, one that will be able to securely support you no matter what life throws in your way. In this new building, our foundations are made from concrete and steel. In the Christian walk, our foundation should be firmly established on the Word of God, the Word made flesh (Jesus Christ). I pray that you have personally made the decision to place the sure foundation of Jesus in your life so that no matter what is going on in this world you are secure in knowing Who is in control. Until next time... please keep praying!
Laying a firm foundation is the most important part to any project, whether it be a building project like this one, or in your personal walk with the Lord. You need to have a sure foundation, one that will be able to securely support you no matter what life throws in your way. In this new building, our foundations are made from concrete and steel. In the Christian walk, our foundation should be firmly established on the Word of God, the Word made flesh (Jesus Christ). I pray that you have personally made the decision to place the sure foundation of Jesus in your life so that no matter what is going on in this world you are secure in knowing Who is in control. Until next time... please keep praying!
August 30, 2011
Crisp, sunny mornings and cooler temperatures. Surely feels like fall is now upon us, especially since the kids are back in school. What an absolutely beautiful time of year. As Ted mentioned to me this morning, perhaps we should pray for about 5 more months of this weather! My question is, where in the world did the summer go?? Guess the answer is in Ecclesiastes:
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven..."
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1
We've really had some strange weather this year. Thankfully, in this area, hurricane Irene wasn't as big of a threat as we initially feared. The prayers were really answered, and the Retreat only had to deal with about 2 trees down and lots of leaves & debris scattered all around. There are still some people here in West Penn Township who are without power, but we're praying everything will be restored very soon. I surely hope all who are reading this are also safe.
We were able to pour the concrete floors on this past Friday (the day before the heavy rains & high winds came). Things are certainly moving forward, and it's really beginning to get exciting to see. So, just wanted to share a few more pictures. OK, maybe a little more than a few. :)
One thing that really struck me during today's visit was how BIG this new building will be. I honestly had a hard time taking a picture of the whole thing. What I feel every time I'm there is difficult to express. All I can say is God is certainly on this Mountain. I am getting more and more excited every time I'm there just thinking about what will happen inside this new building.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven..."
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1
We've really had some strange weather this year. Thankfully, in this area, hurricane Irene wasn't as big of a threat as we initially feared. The prayers were really answered, and the Retreat only had to deal with about 2 trees down and lots of leaves & debris scattered all around. There are still some people here in West Penn Township who are without power, but we're praying everything will be restored very soon. I surely hope all who are reading this are also safe.
We were able to pour the concrete floors on this past Friday (the day before the heavy rains & high winds came). Things are certainly moving forward, and it's really beginning to get exciting to see. So, just wanted to share a few more pictures. OK, maybe a little more than a few. :)
One thing that really struck me during today's visit was how BIG this new building will be. I honestly had a hard time taking a picture of the whole thing. What I feel every time I'm there is difficult to express. All I can say is God is certainly on this Mountain. I am getting more and more excited every time I'm there just thinking about what will happen inside this new building.
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Below is the "boom truck" pumping concrete near the back wall of the sanctuary .
 The concrete guys brought little machines (one pushed, one ridden) to smooth out the concrete after it was poured. They kinda 'float' on top of the new concrete to smooth it out. The neatest thing to see. :)
 A meeting of the minds is happening in the background. I believe it's Ted, Glen (inspector) and one of the concrete guys.
 The little metal plates sticking up is where the steel beams will be set (these are boxed out before they pour the concrete).
 It's starting to look like a building!
 Below is the elevator shaft.
 Troy, one of our builders on the new concrete floor in the sanctuary.
 This is Al (we call him Rummy) from C.J. Baileys, and Mike (we call Mikey) from
MAS-TEK Builders working together today.  Another view of the rear of the building on the side where the Bookstore currently resides. This building is too big to fit in one picture!
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The orange piping is radiant heat tubing in the floor of the sanctuary. You can see they started smoothing the concrete. The little 'boxed out' parts are where the steel support beams will be placed into.
 Below is Curt Bailey, one of our builders.
 This picture shows the floor of the sanctuary.
 Below is Ted & Curt having a little 'one on one' time. :)
 This is one BIG building!
 Our friendly plumbers Danny & Rich (I sure hope I got your names right!), hard at work.
 That's one LONG building!
 A view from the rear of the building.
 I found my friend Ted today working around the grounds removing trees and debris from the storm. He always has a smile to offer & doesn't give me grief about taking his picture. :)
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Well, as you can see, there's a lot going on on the Mountain, and there's excitement in the air. The plumbers were working on preparing for concrete today, and (weather permitting) will pour the rest of the concrete floor on Thursday. Just another reminder to please continue to pray for everyone involved in this project. We also need prayers for good weather so the work can continue to move forward. Oh, and don't forget if God puts it on your heart to support the Retreat financially, they really appreciate any donations they receive, big or small. Hope you enjoyed the pictures, and check back again soon!
September 20, 2011
"Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away."
~ Song of Songs 8:7
We have had the strangest weather this year here in Pennsylvania. After experiencing tornados, an earthquake (YES, an earthquake!), and a hurricane, this past week we had received many inches of rain in a short amount of time causing a considerable amount of flooding. Small creeks overflowed their banks, and roads were closed (some for days). Many people in areas nearby had the heartache of losing their homes & posessions to this tremendous amount of water. We haven't seen this type of flooding since the early 70s. Thankfully, the Retreat is built on higher ground, so we did not have any problems. Please keep those who were affected in your prayers as they attempt to clean up and move toward normality once again.
Today is another rainy day, and a big day here on the Mountain. The "bones of the building" have arrived!! Steel was delivered today on this rainy, dreary morning. I was able to be on-site to document it all. As I hid under the pavilion in front of the bookstore to keep out of the rain, it was a privledge to sit and pray as everything was unloaded.
The first set of pictures are of the pouring of the concrete on the left side of the building. Once again the day started out as a foggy, overcast day, but as the day went on ths sun came out. A big thank you to Mark for sharing the pictures with me so I can post them here on the blog.
~ Song of Songs 8:7
We have had the strangest weather this year here in Pennsylvania. After experiencing tornados, an earthquake (YES, an earthquake!), and a hurricane, this past week we had received many inches of rain in a short amount of time causing a considerable amount of flooding. Small creeks overflowed their banks, and roads were closed (some for days). Many people in areas nearby had the heartache of losing their homes & posessions to this tremendous amount of water. We haven't seen this type of flooding since the early 70s. Thankfully, the Retreat is built on higher ground, so we did not have any problems. Please keep those who were affected in your prayers as they attempt to clean up and move toward normality once again.
Today is another rainy day, and a big day here on the Mountain. The "bones of the building" have arrived!! Steel was delivered today on this rainy, dreary morning. I was able to be on-site to document it all. As I hid under the pavilion in front of the bookstore to keep out of the rain, it was a privledge to sit and pray as everything was unloaded.
The first set of pictures are of the pouring of the concrete on the left side of the building. Once again the day started out as a foggy, overcast day, but as the day went on ths sun came out. A big thank you to Mark for sharing the pictures with me so I can post them here on the blog.
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And here's the steel...
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I am so excited to watch this building being constructed. I am also excited to be able to share it with you all, as well. Please continue to pray for God's protection as this project moves forward. AND, don't forget to pray for good weather, too! Just a reminder, it's always a great time to make a donation towards financing the new building. You can mail your checks to: 1 Christian Lane, New Ringgold, PA 17960 and be sure to label it "Rebuilding". Until next time, God bless. :)