After the trucks containing the building material from Holland were unloaded, the cold weather did not provide proper conditions for further activities on the building site.
Nonetheless, the work went on especially at the entrance from the main road to the property, where the place was cleared of the trees, and fill-in material was brought to bring the area at the same level as the road.
Also, two of the rooms of the chalet were insulated and a terracotta stove was built, in order for the rooms to be heated during the cold season to provide warm indoor temperature for those who would watch the premises.
Along with the submission of the necessary documentation for obtaining the planning certificate and of the other required documents, it has been worked on the project for the building, and, according to it, part of the necessary materials are ordered—particularly those of timber—which are dimensioned fitly, in order to have enough time to get dry before being put into use.
The Youth Convention organized at the end of the year 2009 proved once again the great need among our people for a proper space for our meetings. The organizers were overwhelmed by the great number of accommodation requests, as well as by the interest of the young people in such kind of meetings.
We joyfully greet the brethren’s desire for fellowship with God and with those of the same belief, and also their interest in the Word of God, due to which they are willing to travel even long distances in winter time, often at high expenses, facing all the difficulties and the inconveniences related to travelling on such times.
As we were reluctant to and could not tell those who were calling to book accommodation “Do not come, as there isn’t any spare room left”, we encouraged all to come, though practically there wasn’t any free place that could have been booked.
The young people who were anxious to attend the meeting showed much understanding, being willing to sleep even on mattresses, and crowded in a room, being glad that they had been offered a warm room and a place to sleep, though in order for this to happen, they needed to give up part of the common comfort. Thus, the mattresses brought from Holland proved very useful even sooner than expected.
All these positive “signals”, and particularly the interest in such meetings, stress the need for creating a proper place for meetings, in which the participants can enjoy adequate accommodation conditions. Thus, not hindered by time or space, they can have full fellowship with their Creator and His Word, and strengthen their relations to their fellow-pilgrims on the same narrow path of faith. This also can contribute to obtaining and increasing that close relationship to God, which will be a vital condition for spiritual survival in the extreme circumstances before us.
In downright mid-winter the camp grounds proved hospitable for the youth outing in nature for recreation, ready to admire the wonders of God’s creation. It offered a friendly room to get warm, as well as a delicious, warm herbal tea, so fit after some time spent in the cold winter air.
As soon as the weather gets warmer and spring sets in, the work will continue for establishing a missionary educational centre dedicated especially to the youth, and not only. A quick working rhythm is necessary in order for the work to be ended on time, so that the General Conference delegation session in 2011 can be held there.
Given the circumstances, some brethren are more directly and intensively involved in the accomplishment of this project, while some others living farther can also contribute—if the Holy Spirit urges them so—with their freewill offerings to the erecting of this unique settlement of our church. Time is short, there’s plenty of work and the means are limited, therefore every help is more than welcome. We know that the Lord can provide for anything “out of the blue”, without the aid of human hands, yet he grants us the favour of being co-workers with Him, so that we eventually can be joint-heirs of the joy of accomplishing a project to His glory.
You as well can do something for that, you as well can be God’s partner. Follow wholeheartedly his appeal, and let nothing and no one deprive you of this joy! And God’s blessing will follow you… as “God loveth a cheerful giver” 2 Corinthians 9:7.
