A Time to Build
I have this crazy dream. Since my father gifted me the property in East Texas four years ago, we've seen hundreds of people touched by the Lord. Spiritual retreats have hosted people from around the world, weekly home church, online and in person prophetic classes, mentoring, and even people walking on the property and being touched by the Lord.
We've build the new prayer cabin, and even when people come on a short-term rental from the public place, some come up to me in tears after being touched by the Lord. Others are reading the copy of "Abba's Heart" in the cabin- even people who don't know Jesus yet. We're watching God show up as we cultivate the modern day "Thin Place!"
So, it's time to build.
I don't just want function: I want beauty. I want to make this a destination place in the natural and spiritual: a spa in the woods to enjoy nature and relax, and a place to soak in the Presence of God. A place of Scandinavian cabins and private campfires. An infrared sauna, outdoor showers, and herb gardens.
A place where more people can stay on personal retreats: and place of discipleship and prayer. To rest, lean in close to Christ, and find his heart in the forest. We even cleared ground for a chapel.
We've build the new prayer cabin, and even when people come on a short-term rental from the public place, some come up to me in tears after being touched by the Lord. Others are reading the copy of "Abba's Heart" in the cabin- even people who don't know Jesus yet. We're watching God show up as we cultivate the modern day "Thin Place!"
So, it's time to build.
I don't just want function: I want beauty. I want to make this a destination place in the natural and spiritual: a spa in the woods to enjoy nature and relax, and a place to soak in the Presence of God. A place of Scandinavian cabins and private campfires. An infrared sauna, outdoor showers, and herb gardens.
A place where more people can stay on personal retreats: and place of discipleship and prayer. To rest, lean in close to Christ, and find his heart in the forest. We even cleared ground for a chapel.
The Vision
I've already started. The ground has been cleared and the roads laid. The first building, an "outhouse" with self-composting toilets, has been built. It's insulated, tiled, and is built so the odor is minimal or none. No weird bugs or drafts, lol!
Big picture includes:
-two cabins
-camping area
-spa house
-outhouse (already built)
-outdoor kitchen, pavilion, eating area
-chapel
-herb gardens
We'll be using these for both ministry, and sometimes renting out short-term rentals as part of our income stream to keep everything running well. The big picture is to use them just for ministry purposes, but we also recognize that this is a chance to have people come who would never set foot in a church. Yet here they are, stepping into prayer cabins -- a safe place where God can speak to their hearts. We've seen it happen repeatedly in the last year as we've hosted over a hundred guests in the prayer cabin and have a list of beautiful testimonies as a result. more...
-two cabins
-camping area
-spa house
-outhouse (already built)
-outdoor kitchen, pavilion, eating area
-chapel
-herb gardens
We'll be using these for both ministry, and sometimes renting out short-term rentals as part of our income stream to keep everything running well. The big picture is to use them just for ministry purposes, but we also recognize that this is a chance to have people come who would never set foot in a church. Yet here they are, stepping into prayer cabins -- a safe place where God can speak to their hearts. We've seen it happen repeatedly in the last year as we've hosted over a hundred guests in the prayer cabin and have a list of beautiful testimonies as a result. more...
The Process
It would be nice if I could just write the vision and hand it off to someone else to accomplish, but in this vision, I'll be very involved with the entire thing. The first project was the outhouse: two stalls with self-composting toilets. They units are tiled, insulated, and lined with cedar to smell like a spa! It even has a rain barrel and raised garden bed for herbs and flowers. This was designed by me and built with a few volunteers and myself putting in the hard work.
Our next project is the spa house. It's a series of sinks, outdoor showers, and even soaking tubs in the forest! There will be an infrared sauna and water filling station for people refill their water supply. (The cabins will have AC and minimal electricity, but will not have running water.) The plans are drawn and the land has been cleared! It's go time!
We have a contractor and builders for the cabins, and they'll be starting work shortly.
Our next project is the spa house. It's a series of sinks, outdoor showers, and even soaking tubs in the forest! There will be an infrared sauna and water filling station for people refill their water supply. (The cabins will have AC and minimal electricity, but will not have running water.) The plans are drawn and the land has been cleared! It's go time!
We have a contractor and builders for the cabins, and they'll be starting work shortly.
How you can help!
Give
We're pinching pennies on this, and making it as simple as possible. Even so, building projects always take more investment than planned! We'd love your help investing into this project. If you'd like to sow into building the Thin Place, please know that every dollar helps.
Because we're building on private land, we can't make this a non-profit project. However, for those of you who want to give out of generosity of your heart and don't care about a tax write-off, I promise you two things:
1) I'll work hard to make every penny count for the project! No matter how large or small, every gift is a blessing.
2) I'm passionate about financial integrity. We'll use your funds ONLY for this project, and I'll send updates on how your funds are being used.
We're pinching pennies on this, and making it as simple as possible. Even so, building projects always take more investment than planned! We'd love your help investing into this project. If you'd like to sow into building the Thin Place, please know that every dollar helps.
Because we're building on private land, we can't make this a non-profit project. However, for those of you who want to give out of generosity of your heart and don't care about a tax write-off, I promise you two things:
1) I'll work hard to make every penny count for the project! No matter how large or small, every gift is a blessing.
2) I'm passionate about financial integrity. We'll use your funds ONLY for this project, and I'll send updates on how your funds are being used.
Send checks to:
Rebecca Friedlander
PO Box 1551
Hallsville, TX 75650
Rebecca Friedlander
PO Box 1551
Hallsville, TX 75650
Volunteer
If you'd like to jump on board and spend a few days building with us, let us know! We can't facilitate everyone, but having extra hands on deck can really be helpful. Maybe you have a special building skill you'd like to use for the Kingdom. Or perhaps you'd like to pick up a hammer or paintbrush for a few days!
Depending on the situation, we may have a place you can stay or park your RV. Fill out the form below and we'll keep you posted.