Transforming Visions into Reality
God’s plans are always bigger than ours. Can I get an amen?
Obediently searching
As you may recall from previous newsletters, there has been an exploratory team proactively searching possible sites for a Tucson area Christian retreat center for more than two years. The first serious possibility we considered would have basically required starting over on a decent piece of land with a dilapidated charter school. The second worthwhile possibility was a beautiful 10-acre event center property in the Sabino Canyon area - which still would have required a lot of work.
While these two properties could have worked, the exploratory team still felt that the Lord was saying, "I have something better". Obedience to continue in God's promise resulted in a wonderful reward!
Finding favor
Earlier this year, the Lord put into motion a series of interactions and relationships that resulted in many answered prayers. It is with much excitement that the exploratory team shares about a third incredible property for a spacious retreat center in the Tucson area. It includes:
A 160-acre parcel of pristine Sonoran Desert, already owned and dedicated for Kingdom use.
An 80-acre nearby parcel with about 10,000 square feet of well-constructed and beautiful Spanish-style building already on it (in need of TLC), which is now under contract.
Both parcels are part of the 50,000 acre Palo Verde Ranch, northwest of Tucson (about 15 minutes from Oracle Junction), one hour from the center of town.
A vision for not only a retreat center, but a future event/conference center and a distinct youth camp, with potential for concerts, ministry fairs, and any number of uses that unite the Body and fan into flame Holy Spirit health and passion.
And an amazing collection of ministry leaders, with causes and expertise dear to the Father’s heart, who are eager to work together in amazing symphonic harmony.
Looking ahead
As much as we would love to "move in" tomorrow, Tucson must wait just a little longer. The most pressing area for development is an adequate retreat center space, which will be developed as part of the bigger picture. This is already in the early stages, and will find significant traction over the winter.
Similarly, a new nonprofit organization needs to be developed that will bring to life a fifty-year vision as well as operationalize everything necessary for such a God-sized vision. Until that team becomes officially recognized by the government, J17 Ministries can receive tax deductible investments.
Lastly, we look forward to hosting an open house at some point soon so that people can see the property, walk it, pray over it, and contribute as God leads in a variety of ways. Stay tuned for details in the coming months!
Look at God go!
Dave Drum, J17 Ministries Founder
PS, If you have any questions about this new property, please contact David Hand (davidh@oldpueblocactus.com) who is overseeing its development.
