What a day!

What an incredible and fun day

we had.  

It was more than worth all the sore muscles and stiff joints 

to have experienced such wonderful love in action 

as we together did a very significant transformation 

of prayer island. There is more to come but I think we 

were all amazed at what did get done in 8 hours.  

Thanks to all that were a part of this. A special thanks

to Bart and his crew who gave of their time, energy and 

experience to really push this dream towards a very beautiful and 

anointed place of prayer and peace. I believe we are going 

to be seeing a garden that will be a space at the camp 

that many will visit to experience, not just see.  

My family was enlarged yesterday and I am very touched and 

grateful. For moments yesterday, 

I recalled Christopher's voice and the great times we had at the camp. Memories ...

Dean

Prayer Island Project Day 1

The Big Day

Lord,  I commit the work of my hands, the words of my mouth, the tears from my eyes, and my broken heart to this day and what you have called me to do. Thank you for those who will join us and for those that pray for us today.  Please bless this project, anointing it with your spirit, to help us create a space where one can feel closer to your heart, and in that, be cleansed by the washing of your perfect love.  Please protect us all from injury.  May you be glorified. 

Amen.

The Garden

Countdown. 1 more day to go.  Can't sleep. 

Dean

Countdown

Getting anxious and ready for the big day on Saturday.   We'll be breaking ground so to speak and changing the landscape of Prayer Island with phase one of the project.  I'll be bring drinks and snacks. John is going to bring gloves but if anyone is coming and has their own gloves please bring them too.  KK and his crew will be helping us in the morning at least. The weather looks good.  Remember though, this is God's project and if anyone has anything come up or plans need to change, please don't feel bad about that at all.  There will be many days in the future to be a part of this if you feel led to be.  

Love,

Dean

Memorials

 
 
 
 Thoughts for ways to create memorials

Check out the website. 

Dean

Just a rough sketch for the Island. What do you think?

 

 

The Garden

Isaiah 61:11 (New International Version)

 11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up
       and a garden causes seeds to grow,
       so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise
       spring up before all nations

Garden Poems

In the early hours of this day, came across this site of garden poems. Thought I would share. For those who may not be able to take part in the clearing and planting itself, think about contributing a poem, that would mean just as much to me.  When we dedicate it, we will share in them all. 

Love, 

Dean

Garden Magic
This is the garden's magic, 
That through the sunny hours 
The gardener who tends it, Himself outgrows his flowers. 

He grows by gift of patience, 
Since he who sows must know 
That only in the Lord's good time 
Does any seedling grow.

He learns from buds unfolding, 
From each tight leaf unfurled, 
That his own heart, expanding, 
Is one with all the world.

He bares his head to sunshine, 
His bending back a sign
Of grace, and ev'ry shower becomes 
His sacramental wine.

And when at last his labors 
Bring forth the very stuff 
And substance of all beauty
This is reward enough.
-MARIE NETTLETON CARROLL

Easter

As equally significant to the cross is the empty tomb that was found outside the city over 2000 years ago. And because of the manger, the cross, and the empty tomb, we have full assurance that God Himself has made the way to restore us in relationship with our creator and redeemer. There is no other gift greater, no other hope more true.  

As we celebrate the risen Christ, I also celebrate today the resurrected life of Christopher, Aunt Corene,  and Aunt Christine, all who went on to be with God in 2008  by His power  and their faith in Him.  Christopher made a profession of faith as a child. He shared with me evidence of his spiritual quest the last few years.  In the darkness that tormented him towards the end of his life, he may have denied the truth and was deceived by his deep depression and a hardened heart, but I have full assurance that God was greater than these things that took his life.  How I wish he could have been free while here with us, how I prayed for this so much.  I have to say that even in my own life, I catch myself sometimes going towards isolation emotionally and spiritually in order not to feel the pain of struggles and his death, but God is faithful to always keep whispering to my heart, come back, come back.  

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you,plans to give you a hope and a future. "

Prayer island

The Dream

In Memory of Christopher Dean Evans (9/13/85-11/14/08)  

Sharing John Jeanneret's dream to create a special place

 within a special place, I and others have joined now in this project to both honor the Lord and our loved ones who have passed away.  Our desire is to develop Prayer Island as a botanical oasis at Dunklin Memorial Camp which can serve as a quiet and peaceful place that is especially conducive  for prayer and meditation, as well as a host to  events such as weddings or memorials. 

You are invited now to share the dream as it unfolds.

We have been especially blessed that a professional landscaper Bart Moore has graciously volunteered to help us with this project, giving of his valuable time, expertise and more. We are eternally grateful.