Newsletter – March 2013
Fifteen years ago (February 1998) we received our first Fairhaven guests using a leased Bed and Breakfast on an acreage in the Vernon area. From that small beginning, we have grown to where last year (2012) we received 946 guests on site and we were privileged to minister to many others. Since our genesis in Canada, we have received over 7,000 guests.
We are encouraged by the numbers but they only tell a small part of the story. We receive some helpful feedback from guests which gives us a glimpse of what God has been doing in their lives through Fairhaven but there are also many stories that we do not hear. Whether we hear the stories or not, one thing is certain, God is committed to His people and He is faithfully at work in their lives as they listen for His voice.
For Prayer
Without question, the prayers of our supporters have been very instrumental in the work of Fairhaven over the years. Without the faithful ministry of prayer, we would not dare to proceed.
There are some large needs ahead of us for which we would treasure your prayers.
Our general fund is lower than we are comfortable with. Fees for our services only meet a portion of our operating expenses. These fees need to be kept at a modest level to make this ministry accessible to all so we rely heavily on the generous donations of those who have a God-given passion for this work. It is also our policy to incur no debt and there have been times in the past when we have been closer to the edge. We are nearing one of those times now but, in looking back, we have the privileged joy of remembering how God has always provided.
We also wish to keep moving ahead with the development of the village. We are entering the design phase of a handicap accessible cottage and a smaller “hermitage” style cottage. Our designer for all the cottages has been Alan Mascord of Mascord and Associates in Portland, Oregon. Alan has again agreed to have his firm do the designs of all the new cottages without charge to us. This is an amazing gift from a great firm of designers!
I would urge you to also pray for our guests. Some come with very heavy burdens. Others are doing well and want to keep leading in health and strength. All are precious and important to our Lord and they need to hear from Him during their time at Fairhaven. Pray that their time here will be protected and powerful.
The Library
Due to substantial designated gifts, we are able to proceed with furnishing the library room. Our plan is to develop a pleasant, inviting reading / study room that will over time, be stocked with a quality selection of focused books. The lumber for the shelving units has already been purchased, plans are drawn, and the assembly will soon begin. It will be a very exciting project.
2013 Dinners
One of the important avenues we use to connect with you and others who are not yet familiar with Fairhaven is the “family dinners” that we host in several areas.
These dinners serve as:
– a way to say “thank you” for supporting us in prayer, funding, volunteer work, promotion and affirmation.
– an opportunity to keep you informed and to hear our heart.
Please consider coming again this year and perhaps inviting someone to join you who might have an interest in our ministry to Christian leaders.
Note our new locations for Edmonton and Calgary.
Our dinners are provided complimentary but we do require early reservations so we can confirm the numbers with our caters.
Location and Dates for our 2013 Dinners
Lower Mainland
Friday, April 26
Cedar Grove Church 10330 – 144 St. Surrey
Dinner served at 6:00 pm
Reservations: toll free 1.888.732.1544
Okanagan
Sunday, May 5
Best Western Vernon Lodge 3914 – 32 St. (Hwy 97) Vernon
Dinner served at 5:00 pm
Reservations: toll free 1.888.732.1544 or (Local) 250.260.1616
Edmonton
Thursday, May 9
King’s University College 9125 – 50th St. Edmonton
Dinner served at 6:00 pm
Reservations: Thelma Dubbeldam 780.922.5336 or toll free 1.888.732.1544
Calgary
Friday, May 10
Ambrose University College 150 Ambrose Circle SW Calgary
Dinner served at 6:00 pm
Reservations: Faith Jalving 403.686.4652 or toll free 1.888.732.1544
It is good to be able to wake up in a morning with the anticipation of seeing God at work for another day and to go to sleep at night knowing the fulfillment of having spent a day involved in that which is eternally meaningful. While there are days in any ministry where we may feel overwhelmed, discouraged or anxious it is helpful to remember that this is all God’s work. In the case of Fairhaven, this is His vision for His leaders who need encouragement and refreshing.
It is also inspiring and helpful to read notes from our guests such as the following two from pastors who were recently here:
“Thank you is so utterly inadequate to say what we want to express to all of you for our time at Fairhaven…Having been in ministry for almost 40 years now, we have committed to “finishing well” and sometimes when the road seems long and one’s youthful energies for ministry seem diminished, days like what we had in Fairhaven are very nourishing. As I prayed, meditated and read there were several times when the presence of the Lord was so sweet….and healing and refreshing tears began to flow. I was reminded once again how much the Lord loves us and provides for us just what we need….we will not hesitate to tell others of our wonderful experience with you.”
“I have been meaning to write after we returned (home) and express our appreciation for how meaningful our time as a family was at Fairhaven. What a remarkable vision / ministry the Lord has given you and we have been sweetly blessed through it. Thank you!”
And “thank you” to each of you!
Gratefully,
Len Frank.