In the spring of 2023 we became painfully aware that our Lodge septic system needed to be replaced. This began a journey that would lead to nearly two years of estimates, planning, adapting, much prayer, and amazing answers to prayer.
The Lodge is the largest building at camp and during summer months serves approximately four to five hundred plates of food a day. This epicenter of activity produces thousands of gallons of used water into our septic tank every day. So, when this building’s septic system started to fail it was a cause for concern. We were originally hoping this project could be completed before the summer of 2023. Unfortunately, the process for redesigning the system and getting approval from both the state and county made it impossible to begin the project until 2024. Yet God’s timing is always best even if we don’t understand it in the moment. We were able to make it through the summer and fall of 2023 keeping a close eye on the old system and getting it pumped out as needed. We are grateful for God’s provision throughout 2023.
In the spring of 2024, we were still working with engineers and contractors to get estimates and designs finalized and submitted to the proper channels. It would not be until fall of this year that approval was finally granted for our new septic system. This was disheartening at times as we had hoped to have the project completed before the summer of 2024. Throughout the summer we had to pump the tanks up to 3 times a week to keep the lodge kitchen and bathrooms running, this was an expensive and tiresome task. However, God was faithful and we made it through the summer and fall without incident.
When the septic failure was first discovered early estimates for replacement were around $60,000. However, after discovering the whole scope of the project, getting a design that was approved by the state, pricing out the specialty sand, rocks, and material required, our estimate came to about $255,000. At times financing this project seemed insurmountable. Yet it is often in these moments that God shows up. After hearing of our need one young camper donated $1 to our septic fund. This meant so much to us becuase he gave what he had. Later on in the summer our director got a phone call from a donor saying they wanted to donate $100,000 to the septic project! Each of these gifts were so precious because the Lord led people to give what they had weather $1 or $100,000. By this point we had already raised about $80,000 and our goal suddenly became much more attainable with enough funds to get the first phase of the project scheduled. By October a pledge came in, we had an organization that offered a $22,500 matching grant till the end of December to get us the remaining funds that we needed. God has worked through so many generous people to provide in this way, and we are happy to announce that we have reached our matching goal!!
In the weeks leading to the project our maintenance team worked hard to prepare the site for the replacement. This included pulling up the brick pathways between the Lodge and office, relocating the plants around the grill house, moving the gill house temporarily out of the way, and pulling up the fence near the office. The bulk of the project (removing the old system and installing the new system) took contractors about 1 week to complete beginning on November 11th and finishing installation on the 16th. The project will not be fully complete until this spring when more soil will be added and leveled after settling, then seeded. Additionally, we will move the grill house back near its original location and do further landscaping. It is our joy to share this project with you as a testament to God’s faithfulness so we have included pictures of each step below. We are praising God that the installation went well, and we now have a fully functional brand-new septic system!
Overall, we are astounded by God’s provision and faithfulness through many wonderful supporters and His mercy in guiding and providing for this project. In answer to prayer, He allowed us to continue serving campers, right up until and after the septic replacement. God also provided a Facilities Director who has the experience and knowledge to oversee this project to its completion. We are so thankful for your partnership with us in this endeavor through prayer and support. We are ultimately grateful to God for proving faithful so that we can continue to reach, train, and equip, individuals to become servant leaders of Jesus Christ.
