April 2016
The plight
For the past two years, we have been in negotiations with the County of San Mateo and State of California Water Board over access to water as Redwood Glen seeks to become water independent. On March 1st, the County turned off water to our facilities and we were no longer granted permission to truck in water to meet the needs of our guests. Events were cancelled, summer camp registration was put on hold, and staff were preparing for lay-offs with impending closure.
However, thanks to God and God's people praying, we were granted a reprieve with the State! We are being allowed to temporarily truck water and thus, reopen as we continue the process of building our own water systems and accessing Hoffman Creek as our primary water source. Although there has been much rejoicing, Redwood Glen is far from "out of the woods," so to speak, as we reopen with reduced staff, mandatory time-off, and increased costs for trucked-in water.
We need to raise $400,000 to build the water plant and raise money to off-set the additional costs of water as we can continue our summer camps and ministry to our guest groups. (Delivered water is expensive.) The engineers have told us that this will be a 6-9 month process. If money can be raised by May 1st, the project could move forward and Redwood Glen would be water independent by early 2017.
The reality is: If Redwood Glen does not raise the money to build the water system, the camp may be forced to close as trucking in water is unsustainable.
The plan
We are looking for 20,000 people to give $20 to help save Redwood Glen. After 58 years of ministry, we know that there are more than 20,000 people who have been blessed by God in this beautiful place. We hope that everyone who hears of our plight will give and then spread the word to 20 others who in turn might give and tell others. We are trusting God that this grassroots effort will reap a harvest to save Redwood Glen for future generations.
If $400,000 is raised, we would be able to build the water system. If $1,000,000 is raised, we would be able to make the improvements to the buildings. If $2,000,000 is raised, we would be able to pay off the loan for the property. If $3,000,000 is raised, we would have money in the bank and be able to reinvest it for the future.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)