News

God Bless Our Volunteers

In 2 Corinthians 9:13, Paul reminds us that God is glorified when we give generously to others. Each spring and fall, a special group of men and women give their vacation time and their own resources to help with special projects at Fairhaven. Last September, our generous volunteers spent an entire week giving the chalets a top-to-bottom cleaning, and in April a second group blessed us by cleaning all of our cottages.

There are no words that can adequately describe how much we appreciate these wonderful volunteers. May God richly bless each of them!

A New Blessing

On a warm, sunny day last fall, a group of guests, board members and staff gathered in a peaceful, shaded corner below the Main Lodge to celebrate and dedicate Fairhaven's new Prayer Chapel. From the beautiful stained glass windows crafted by Don Butzin and Charles Shepson, to the pointed steeple that was the final piece put in place by builder Ken Stumbo, the chapel welcomes men, women and children to come away to a place of private meditation and prayer. At a prayer kneeler built by Dick Gallagher, guests find a book of devotional readings written by our founder Charles Shepson specifically for those who find their way to this quiet place of reflection.

We thank God for each of you who helped make this chapel a reality, and we praise God for all that He will do in the hearts of those who spend their time with Him in this lovely Prayer Chapel in the days and years ahead.

A Special Time for Ministry Wives

A few years ago TIME magazine featured an article called "Think Your Job is Tough? Try Being a Pastor's Wife." The author began by saying, "Make no mistake, being the wife of a minister is a job - and a doozy of one at that!" - Lisa Cullen

What helps you deal with the challenge of ministry? Meeting new friends who can identify with your unique situation? Spending time in a  quiet place of beauty? Enjoying meals you didn't have to cook?

If you are a pastor's wife, we hope you will join us for a special event that has been planned just for you here at Fairhaven September 27-29. June Kimmel, a pastor's wife who has been in ministry for 30 years, will be sharing truths that have helped her journey from weariness to joy.

If you aren't married to a pastor, perhaps you know a pastor's wife who could use the encouragement of new friendships, beautiful surroundings, and lovingly prepared meals. At the end of the retreat last fall, one wife wrote, "Everything was just so wonderful and just what my soul needed." 

It's Hard to Say Goodbye

When Fairhaven needed someone skilled in masonry more than 20 years ago, Stan and Eileen Moyer answered God's call. 

In addition to designing and installing beautiful fireplaces and tiled floors, Stan hand-crafted the wood trim in many of the chalets and cottages.

Eileen's artistry resulted in the sale of hundreds of exquisite note cards that are still sold in Fairhaven's Gift Shop, and she graciously assisted our guests in countless ways.

The Moyers also spent nearly three years building a lovely home that reflects their skill and attention to detail. They used their home to minister to friends and missionaries from all over the world. 

Shortly before Christmas, Stan and Eileen moved to Iowa to be closer to their family. The wonderful house they built is now the director's residence. 

Please join us in praying that God will bless this precious couple in the days ahead. They are missed by all of us!