CAMP HOPE ‘CAMPUS SPERANTSA’ 2009
For the first time in the history of There Is Hope, we were able to take a ‘construction team’ with us. Property was purchased in the Fall of 2008 in order to have a Children’s Camp/Retreat Center in the area of Bistrita. We had been praying about this possibility for years and through the generosity of the 2008 team members and others, we were able to purchase 6.1 acres of land just outside the city on the road to Teaca. It is a beautiful spot in the foothills of the Carpathian mountains with picture postcard views in all directions. There is access to water and electricity and a gravel road already cut in for easier access. It may not sound like much but in Romania, these are a tremendous blessing!
The Lord provided Armentrout Architects of Athens, Georgia to do preliminary drawings of a 21,000 sq. ft. two story L shaped building, consisting of a large lobby, 12 bunk rooms of 8 with bathrooms in between, conference rooms, one large meeting room, dining room and kitchen to accommodate 150, plus 8 hotel style rooms with bath for couples.
One thing we have learned about the Romanian believers is that they trust God and ‘MOVE AHEAD”! We were shocked in the Spring of 2009 when we began receiving pictures of the ground breaking and earth moving equipment, carving out the hillside to begin construction. By the time we arrived in July, the foundation for the sub-basement was almost ready to be put in. Throughout the week, several of our team members worked long hours beside men from First Baptist on the building project.
On Thursday, July 16th, our mission team gathered under the trees on the site with our Romanian friends for a picnic. With some our leftover craft Popsicle sticks we walked up the hill and placed our handprints, names, scripture verses and the names of other beloved “Romaniacs” into the foundation concrete. Whenever we purchase property or begin construction on a church we gather in a circle and sing “WE ARE STANDING ON HOLY GROUND” As we sang and prayed together in Romanian and English for those who would come to know our Lord Jesus on this sacred land, we could not thank the Lord enough for the opportunity He has given to us and the joy we feel at seeing His hand at work. It truly was an unforgettable moment. (see updates by clicking “Camp Hope”)
The building and equipping of a camp and retreat center is a major undertaking. This is by far the largest single mission we have ever done in Romania and it will take resources we do not have. We need to pray for an outpouring of major gifts to continue the construction and complete this God-given project. It is completely up to Him and to His Glory.
3 Weeks Later!!!!
