RETREAT & MINISTRY CENTER PROPOSAL

April 2013

Presented by: Eric and Maren Brandsma

4 H.I.S. Ministry Directors

Phone: 519-935-3731

Brandsma@4hisministry.org www.4hisministry.org

Executive Summary..……………………………………………………………………………………….3

Needs Statement ….………………………………………………………………………………………..4

Goals and Objectives ………………………………………………………………………………………8

Methodology ……………………………………………………………………………………………...12

Qualifications……………………………………………………………………………………………...21

Budget…………………………………………………………………………………………………….27

Summary…………………………………………………………………………………………………..29

Appendices

Verification of Non-Profit Registration

Property Listing for Purchase

Property Parcel Reports

Endorsement Letters

Ministry Resume

RETREAT CENTER PROPOSAL

4 H.I.S. MINISTRY

CONTENTS

Executive Summary

4 H.I.S. Ministry is pleased to submit this request for your review. We look forward to your partnership in our

cooperative efforts to grow the Body of Christ.

4 H.I.S. Ministry will use the funds raised to develop a Retreat and Ministry Center on the current site of Red Bay

Lodge, located on the Bruce Peninsula. This facility will be used to refresh and minister to pastors, for church

development and leadership training as well as a ministry retreat center.

The total funding need is for $650,000. This will purchase the property, refurbish it, set up the initial

programs and cover the first years operating costs.

As a registered non-profit organization we will utilize some of the lodge’s ongoing revenue streams to keep costs

affordable for pastors and their families seeking renewal opportunities. We will also be able to provide smaller

churches with resources and retreats at much lower costs. The lodge has catering and meeting facilities suitable for

up to 80 people and accommodations in the motel and cabins for twenty-two pastors engaged in conducted or self-

guided retreat sessions of up to five days.

We would appreciate your support to reach out to other churches and the community at large. Our organizations are

a good fit as the ministry center will be on the Bruce Peninsula and our main ministry stream is directed towards

Pentecostal Churches and the Communities around them. By creating stronger churches and leaders, we make

important resources available to our small, rural communities. For many, the church is a place to turn to in times of

distress, often the only one. This retreat facility is an important step in being able to meet the call. We share a key

common goal in our desire to reach the communities on the Bruce Peninsula.

For seven years 4 H.I.S. Ministry has worked with experienced pastors and lay leaders; on outreach programs,

discipling and recruiting; with budgeting and organizational skills; vision development and program planning. We

know what does not work and what does; we know how to teach it and we teach others how to use and pass on these

skills. Our programs and manuals are the result of much sifting and trial and error, of persistence until success is

achieved, and most of all, of having been given a dedicated, clear vision of what makes a strong church and how to

achieve that.

As you read further into the heart of our proposal you will understand that there is a response to the general decline

of churches in our country. We can regrow our congregations and develop lay leaders. We can put the heart back

into our faith and show our pastors that there is help available, there are people to help lead, there is a shoulder to

lean on. Many of our programs are for the individual, for the struggling lay person or the disappointed pastor.

Others bring pastors together, bring churches shoulder to shoulder to combine the developing experience and to

share costs. Some of the programs minister to the diverse groups within our churches while some are geared at

reaching out to our communities and the lost. We are about hope, but we are also about doing.

Thank you for receiving us. Do you have ideas and insights that will help us? We hope so. It is a big project, and an

important one for the body of the church, and will demand much of us. We are ready for this. The planning,

research and testing is done. Now after much prayer and counsel we feel it is time to put our shoulders to the wheel

and move forward in God’s calling.

4 H.I.S. MINISTRY

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Executive Summary

Over the past seven years we have worked with pastors whose churches are declining,

transitioning or are close to closing the doors. We are intimately familiar with the needs

of these pastors and their congregations for accessible help. Though their needs for

support are greatest, struggling churches cannot access that help which is available

because they lack the finances; help is inaccessible. Churches are closing and Pastors are

leaving the pulpit.

These rural areas struggle with poverty, lack of social services and declining populations.

Unemployment, teen pregnancy, alcoholism and drug addiction are on the rise in rural

Ontario, increasing, the need for healthy churches which are able to reach out.

Research demonstrates the magnitude of the problem in North America:

90% of the pastors report working between 55 to 75 hours per week.

80% believe pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families. Many pastor's

children do not attend church now because of what the church has done to their parents.

75% report significant stress-related crisis at least once in their ministry.

90% feel they are inadequately trained to cope with the ministry demands.

90% of pastors said the ministry was completely different than what they thought it would be like before they entered the ministry.

50% feel unable to meet the demands of the job.

70% of pastors constantly fight depression.

70% say they have a lower self-image now than when they first started.

70% do not have someone they consider a close friend.

50% of pastors feel so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way of making a living.

70% of pastors feel grossly underpaid.

50% of the ministers starting out will not last 5 years.

1 out of every 10 ministers will actually retire as a minister in some form.

94% of clergy families feel the pressures of the pastor's ministry.

80% of spouses feel the pastor is overworked.

80% spouses feel left out and underappreciated by church members.

80% of pastors' spouses wish their spouse would choose a different profession.

The profession of “Pastor” is near the bottom of a survey of the most-respected

professions, just above “car salesman”.

4,000 new churches begin each year and 7,000 churches close.

Over 1,700 pastors left the ministry every month last year.

Over 1,300 pastors were terminated by the local church each month , many without cause.

Over 3,500 people a day left the church last year.

Many denominations report an “empty pulpit crisis”. They cannot find ministers

willing to fill positions.

#1 reason pastors leave the ministry — Church people are not willing to go the same direction and goal of the pastor. Pastors believe God wants them to go in one direction but the people are not willing to follow or change.

Statistics provided by The Fuller Institute, George Barna, and Pastoral Care Inc.

Needs Assessment

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4 H.I.S. MINISTRY

As a church revitalization ministry we have identified several key areas in churches

which need assistance. We have been addressing these needs one church at a time while

learning the differences in churches and the strategies needed to assist them. Through

these experiences we have developed methods to target these areas in a way that

ministers to several churches at once and allows us to provide rehabilitation in these

areas.

The proposed plan will continue to target our missions’ audience which encompasses

churches that are struggling, transitioning, hurting and declining. Under this mandate the

proposed retreat and ministry center will address particular areas within the church as

follows.

Pastoral Needs

Pastors who have been working in a declining church for some time are generally worn

out, frustrated, and feeling alone as they struggle with failure. They have not had staff to

assist them and their congregations are small, making it very difficult to find volunteer

help. They have often been hurt by people in their congregation or people leaving. At the

same time their congregations expect their own needs to be met in various ways, all by

their pastor.

These pastors need rest and revitalization. They need time to reconnect with God and

time to be cared for. This can come through a combination of services including time

away alone with God, family holidays, counseling, coaching, mentoring, retreats and peer

conferences. They are more likely to stay in their pulpits if provided time and resources

which enable some healing to take place.

It is important to address the need for regrowth to be accessible and affordable for

pastors.

Strategic Planning

The second most important component to revitalization is the development of vision and

specific strategic plans to disciple the current parishioners.

Pastors who have been doing it alone for some time need assistance in the form of extra

workers but also in planning. They often need help developing new vision and purpose,

creating strategic plans for discipleship, outreach and church ministries.

It is critical that as parishioners grow personally an outward focus for the church vision is

developed and implemented. This enables congregations to reach out to the communities

around them, fulfilling God’s will for church bodies.

All of these forms of assistance are available at a cost, usually a high one.

These churches being small in attendance need assistance raising up leaders, motivating

and bringing people to a place where they are ready for service in the church.

Needs Assessment

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4 H.I.S. MINISTRY

Pastors often lack experience and education in training their staff and lay leaders.

Churches with only one pastor require lay leaders to function effectively.

There are few training programs available which focus on the unique needs of volunteer

leaders who also hold full time jobs. Training must be designed for simplicity of

implementation while still holding the quality and content essential to produce good fruit.

These are the churches we work with therefore the tools our ministry has developed

address their specific needs. They can easily be taught to and then used within the

community by the churches on their own.

Congregational Ministry

The spiritual and emotional health of congregation members is critical to assess and

improve upon in order to successfully disciple. Healthy Christ followers continue to

grow and become servants. In every church we have worked with we have seen a

rewarding increase in workers and outreach as a direct response to the spiritual and

emotional healing of congregation members. As they were taught how to allow Christ’s

healing over past wounds to take place, encouraged, and mentored their new freedom and

growth bore fruit.

It is vitally important that churches have access to very good programs which address the

needs of the wounded, assist with healing and disciple Christians effectively. 4 H.I.S.

Ministry provides access to programs as well as hands-on training. The retreat center

would provide a place to bring churches together, achieving program goals in a cost

effective manner. 4 H.I.S. Ministry is dedicated to provide training and retreats to address

this need for healing.

One of the main components to healthy growth in churches is the feeling of community

and support. The encouragement we feel, the opportunities to connect relationally,

supporting each other and the ability to connect on personal levels safely draw us to God

and His work. A tool we have found incredibly helpful to disciple individuals and foster

relational connection in the church is the use of retreats. Unfortunately the cost of

retreats often makes them impossible for smaller churches and for people who live in

rural communities which have lower incomes. Again, it is our ministry goal to make

tools accessible to the entire Body of Christ.

Declining Young Adult Population

Statistics Canada reports a steady decline in church attendance with a projected continued

decline over the next 20 years. The age groups with the highest decline are first 20-34

and secondly teenagers showing that we need to be teaching our churches to reach out to

teenagers and develop programs which continue their discipleship throughout their young

adult years.

Needs Assessment

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The need for intervention and programs in rural areas is great. The resources,

recreational programs and employment opportunities for teens is greatly limited in these

smaller communities. There are also less outreach programs by churches in smaller

towns partly because of budget limitations in these rural churches. Teens do not have

healthy choices to turn to in these areas which often creates boredom and a great desire to

fit in and have friends. There are often higher percentages of teen drug use and alcohol

use in rural areas.

The need for assistance in these age ranges is seen across Canada not just locally.

Programs which are designed to give teenagers and young adults a safe place to hang out,

explore who they are, grow and be encouraged are needed throughout our country.

Giving rural churches the tools and training needed to reach these groups will positively

affect their families and communities as well.

Rural communities benefit person-by person from interaction with healthy pastors and

enthused, outreach oriented congregations. They need their neighborhood churches and

outreach programs. The need can be seen all around us, both outside the body of our

churches and within.

Needs Assessment

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Each of these areas of need directly relate to the original Mission which was set out 7

years ago when 4 H.I.S. Ministry was developed. You can see our original vision and

mission statements on our website www.4hisministry.org The years since that time have

confirmed those needs and have equipped us with the goals and objectives outlined below

which will enable us to better meet those needs through the proposed facility.

Pastoral Needs

Goals: To enable refreshing and revitalization for the pastor. To provide opportunity for

reconnection and intimacy with Christ void of distraction. To provide time for family

growth and refreshing. To provide support, caring and healing opportunities.

Benefiting population: These opportunities will directly benefit the pastor, his/her

family, the congregations they serve and the communities they serve in. A strong church

is a powerful asset to a community, beyond religious and moral guidance, ministerial and

outreach programs benefit people in need.

Method: We will provide a place for pastors to go individually for personal retreats in

which they can do a self guided retreat option or a guided retreat plan. Scheduled times

will be blocked off for pastors retreats ensuring a quiet, restful time and allowing

opportunities to connect with other pastors, meet together for prayer and receive

coaching. Emergency accommodations will be available at all times for pastors who are

in critical need of a time away. Pastoral care retreats will be made accessible through

donations and income generated from paid services. Isaiah 40:31 “Those who wait on

the Lord will renew their strength.” Carving out time to be quietly with God in such a

busy world is critical.

The ministry center will be equipped with a variety of materials geared to pastoral care

and refreshing. Alliances with the pastoral care centers, counselors and coaches will

provide cost effective access to these services. Our ministry is equipped with prayer

training and healing ministry tools which will be readily available. The retreat center may

also be accessed at a discounted rate for pastors and their families to enjoy a refreshing

holiday and reconnect. The setting at the retreat center will provide many recreational

opportunities, both indoor and out as well as Christian materials, movies, music and

activities.

Product: Pastors will be strengthened and refreshed during these times away enabling

them to return to their congregations with renewed vision and clarity of God’s will and

purposes for their lives at that time. Taking time alone for themselves and God will

result in increased strength and passion for the ministries and congregations which God

has called them to. Pastors will be equipped with plans and given tools that they can later

access to assist their churches in growth.

Goals & Objectives

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Strategic Planning

Goals: To equip Pastors with vision development and implementation strategies. To

provide training sessions for ministry development and outreach planning. To provide

leadership training to lay leaders for different ministries within the church.

Benefitting Population: These initiatives will benefit the pastor, the leaders, the

congregation and ultimately the community they reach through the ministries being

developed. Planning will pair church objectives with community needs.

Method: We will provide training sessions which will bring several pastors together at

one time to develop vision and learn implementation strategies. Retreats will be offered

geared to development and training for different ministries. By housing the training

sessions and retreats at the ministry center we can make it available to several churches at

once, cutting the costs significantly. We will also be able to incorporate several shorter

training sessions which normally are spread over several weeks into one day or two day

events. This will allow us to work with churches in a more timely fashion.

Product: Pastors will be able to effectively motivate their churches through dynamically

presented vision for growth and outreach. Churches will be able to move forward

immediately in ministry development with the resources and people they currently have.

Cost, waiting lists and other obstacles to church growth and health will be inhibited. An

effective ministry and retreat facility, providing ongoing support, is an invaluable tool in

keeping motivated pastors at the helm and their congregations healthy, effectively

reaching their communities.

Congregational Ministry

Goals: To provide tools which promote spiritual and emotional healing. To train

churches to run programs which increase the spiritual and emotional health of

congregants. To make ministry retreats such as youth, women’s, men’s, couples, etc. cost

accessible and available to all churches. To increase relational community in small

churches through the use of weekend retreats.

Benefitting Population: The congregation will benefit directly as they learn to receive

healing over past wounds and grow spiritually. Pastors will benefit as the congregational

health increases through the increased availability of volunteers and leaders and a decline

in the needs of congregations for counseling and assistance. The community will benefit

as healthier churches reach out through various ministries.

Goals & Objectives

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As parishioners grow closer to each other their sense of community grows creating a

healthier outreach dynamic.

Method: The ministry center will provide beautiful, well equipped low cost facilities to

host healing ministry programs and various ministry retreats. 4 H.I.S. Ministry has

experience and will be available to facilitate and customize retreats. We can also provide

guest speaking services on important and timely topics for groups of varying interests.

Product: Spiritually and emotionally healthy Christians have a heart of service that is

outward focused. They are able to reach out and minister effectively to those around

them. Ministry retreats provide a safe, engaging environment to foster relational growth

and encouragement. The product- growing churches which are committed to helping their

communities, will be stronger.

Declining Young Adult Population

Goals: To disciple teenagers in becoming fully committed missional minded followers of

Christ. To assist churches in developing programs which foster quality discipleship

programs for teenagers and young adults. To work with community churches in

developing and facilitating outreach events geared to these age groups. To develop a

restoration program for teens and young adults who are struggling with their faith and

face crisis in different areas of their lives.

Benefitting Population: Teens and young adults will benefit directly from these

initiatives. Families of these teens will benefit from the outcome of the work being done

within their family members. Churches will flourish as they see the teen and young adult

populations grow and become equipped, participating church members. Communities

and schools will be transformed as these ages reach out to others in this highly relational

age group.

Method: Our ministry will have five future initiatives targeted towards teens and young

adults. The first being the development of 2 different camps, one utilizing the arts as a

teaching medium to develop a missional mindset in our young people and the second

being a survival camp which focuses on building character and leadership skills. The

second initiative is in developing retreats and retreat activities for church youth groups

specific to the area of discipleship they are currently focusing on. The third initiative

would be in working with local churches to develop outreach events and opportunities

targeting this age group. A wide range of events can be hosted at the ministry center.

The fourth initiative will be done in the future. It is to develop a teen & young adult

discipleship program in conjunction with other ministries which are doing this in

different locations. This program would allow teens to come and stay at the ministry

center as a type of internship which focuses on living a consecrated life to Christ.

Goals & Objectives

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4 H.I.S. MINISTRY

It would encompass bible study, program curriculum, mentoring, leadership training and

service in many different areas.

The fifth initiative is a long range goal to develop a restoration program which would

work with struggling teens, partnering them with an animal care program. This program

would take teens out of a negative environment and put them in a positive environment

which enables them to grow, heal and explore their identity in Christ.

Product: A major retreat purpose is to see the emergence of future generations which are

strong in faith and equipped to be leaders in churches and communities that will need

their fullest redemptive potential. Strong, healthy future pastors and ministries will grow

out of these preventative, discipling, and restorative youth focused initiatives.

Goals & Objectives

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4 H.I.S. MINISTRY

Building/Property

Once funding is secured 4 H.I.S. Ministry will make an offer on Red Bay Lodge which is

currently listed at $590, 000. Funds will be used to obtain a thorough property inspection

and secure legal council to assist and advice throughout the purchase.

Once the property is purchased possession is available within 30 days. Necessary repairs

and updates will begin immediately. The Directors of 4 H.I.S. Ministry will live on sight

enabling them to be full time staff and run the center with less outside staffing needs.

This will also cut the fundraising needs of the ministry as housing will then be provided

through the ministry itself. The living quarters will be repaired first so that the ministry

team can move in as soon as possible. While many other areas of the retreat center have

been updated the living quarters were neglected. They are in need of new windows

(approximately 8), new flooring and a dividing wall in one area.

Repairs to the main lodge will then be made as follows: Roofing on dining hall and

kitchen, repairs to the chair lift, new swimming pool liner, other repairs as found through

the inspection or as needed.

Updates will be made to the recreation hall and the motel rooms. These updates will

modernize the facility creating a warm, inviting and relaxing atmosphere. All furniture is

included in the purchase, some things will need replacing, painting and reupholstering,

however most of the furnishings are in very good shape.

The hotel rooms have new windows and the flooring appears to be in good shape. The

rooms need some updating and redecorating to make them more appealing and

comfortable.

The large recreation room will have comfortable seating areas at one end, a large meeting

area for group sessions with a stage is at the other end. One side has a pool table and

ping pong table as well as games and tables for a fun afternoon. There is a separate

smaller lounge with French doors that can be closed off and used for small meetings,

prayer gatherings and quiet times.

The 15 log cabins are in very good condition, they all have newer bathrooms and good

furniture. Each cabin is equipped with a fan, a small refrigerator will be added. We

would add outdoor furniture for each cabin including a picnic table and wooden chairs as

well as a small barbecue for each unit. It is our goal to make these units more self

sufficient and appealing for customers.

Future updates will include exterior painting and gardening.

Methodology

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Program Scope and Activities

Pastoral Retreats

Pastoral retreats will be planned in 5 day blocks once a month during the high season.

The retreat center and campground will be closed to the public during these times.

During off season we will continue to have designated times in addition to the center

being available for individual self guided retreats at any time. The facility will then be

shared with other guests.

In the first year invitations will be sent out to Evangelical Pastors throughout Ontario

without restriction. It is our intent to give pastors a refreshing time away and an

opportunity to get to know our ministry and become familiar with the services we offer.

These retreats will include a sampling of our Guided Pastoral Retreat as well as the Self

Guided Retreat. We will be offering the retreat accommodations and activities for free.

Meals will be priced at cost so that the only real expense to pastors attending is their fuel.

In consecutive years pastoral retreats will still be offered at the allotted time, they will be

advertised on an availability basis. These retreats will continue to be free of charge with

meals being the only expense however pastors and churches will be encouraged to make

donations according to their ability, thus enabling lower income pastors to be cared for.

Pastors will be able to book from 1 to 4 nights during the time block. 15 cabins are

available and 7 hotel rooms, allowing us to book 22 pastors with private

accommodations.

Pastors will choose between a Guided Retreat and a Self Guided Retreat. Based on the

success of the program used by Broomtree ministry we will provide a Guided package

which contains materials geared to these times of refreshing, a journal, recommended

activities, scheduled meetings and a tentative daily plan. The Self Guided retreat is open

to each pastors individual plans. The only requirement of the Self Guided package is to

join everyone for dinner at the designated time where we will enjoy guided conversations

and a time of encouraging one another.

The facility will have a designated cabin available for pastors at all times who need an

emergency retreat. There will also be a day use cabin in the woods that will be secluded

and quiet for times of prayer and study.

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Pastoral Family Holidays

The retreat center will host vacationers throughout the summer. Pastors will be offered a

discounted rate for family holidays, making a great time away more accessible.

In the future as pastors become familiar with our facility and the response grows we will

block off family weeks that will be made specifically available to pastors, church leaders

and Christians, closing it to the public.

During the summer there will be recreation programs for children of varying ages

including sports, games, crafts, nature and movie nights. We will have programs that

children can be registered for so that pastors and their spouses can also enjoy some much

needed time alone.

Strategic Planning Programs

Vision development retreats for pastors will be offered twice a year. Over the course of

two days we will discuss and demonstrate the value of vision for churches, workshops

will be held on the use of vision, how to develop a solid vision and strategic

implementation of vision. Pastors will leave with a solid plan on how to develop and

implement vision as well as preliminary notes regarding the vision God is giving them for

their churches. They will be equipped to go back to their church Boards and continue to

develop and implement the new vision strategically.

Training days and weekends will be planned throughout the year and offered to a variety

of churches. These will center on the areas that we have developed through our

experiences in church revitalization ministry. Topics will include general ministry

development planning, youth program development, small group program development,

children’s program planning, outreach planning, and leadership training in the afore

mentioned areas.

The above sessions will be offered to several churches at once, keeping costs down and

allowing churches to connect, encourage and learn from one another.

Board Retreats will be held for individual churches which are guided and directed

towards developing plans and strategies for a healthy church.

Training days and retreats will be provided at cost for churches who cannot afford more.

There will be a fee schedule with discounted rates for churches of different sizes.

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Congregational Ministry

4 H.I.S. Ministry leaders are trained to be facilitators with Cleansing Stream Ministry

Canada. This program is a highly effective tool in assisting with spiritual and emotional

healing. We will continue to partner with this ministry by providing leadership training

for churches who wish to facilitate the course, running the ongoing Discipleship training

course and opening our facilities to host the ministry retreats which are run directly by

Cleansing Stream Ministry. Because of the cost for churches to purchase the course we

have been granted permission to use our ministry materials and run the program for

churches their first time doing the program. We will be able to offer this service to area

churches twice per year.

The retreat center will be available to house retreats for various audiences at lower costs

for churches which are smaller. As with our other programs retreats will be offered at

regular prices for larger churches and there will be a fee schedule with discounts for those

who need it.

The center will facilitate groups up to 40 in the winter and up to 75 in the summer for

retreats. Meals will be provided on site. The facility has one small meeting room and

two large ones. The large recreation hall serves as the indoor chapel. There will be an

outdoor chapel space which will facilitate up to 80 people.

4 H.I.S Ministry provides a variety of retreat options. The retreat center can be used as a

facility only, with lodging and dining included. Retreat planning services are also

available to assist the retreat leaders in designing and planning the retreat or to take more

of a lead role in planning a customized retreat for them. We have a variety of retreat

experiences and a wealth of unique ideas which are sure to help create a memorable and

life changing experience.

Speaking services are available through Maren Brandsma who is a gifted motivational

speaker with experience speaking to a variety of audiences. 4 H.I.S. Ministry can provide

leaders for guided discussion groups and prayer ministry times. We also have a variety of

resources available to assist in securing cost effective worship leaders, speakers and

materials.

Youth and Young Adult Programs

Two youth camps will be developed that will be run as day camps for one week each

summer. These camps will incorporate a variety of activities, discussions and leadership

training to disciple teens in becoming fully committed missional young people.

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The first camp utilizes drama to assist young people in developing outreach skills. They

will learn what components make a good drama, develop their acting skills, learn the key

elements which make an effective outreach and they will perform a short play on the final

day.

The second camp will have a survival theme. This camp will be geared more towards

leadership development. Activities will be geared specifically to problem solving,

listening skills, encouragement and communication. Utilizing the retreat center’s natural

surroundings youth will be challenged, taught and discipled throughout the week which

will culminate in a team survival competitions with will test their leadership and team

work skills.

These camps will be run in the first year as full day camps from 9am to 5pm, they will be

offered to local teens. Subsequent years may develop into overnight camps which can be

offered to teens throughout the province.

Youth retreats packages will be offered to churches with various focuses. Churches will

be able to utilize the ministry center as facility or they will be able to employ our retreat

planning services.

Summer Lodge Program

The 15 cabins and 7 motel rooms will be rented out to the public throughout the summer

when specialized camps and retreats are not booked. The facility will be run as a

Christian campground at these times. The camp rules will be geared towards keeping it a

family friendly camp.

The Bruce Peninsula is known for its tourist industry, boasting numerous provincial

parks, water alls, the Bruce trail and hundreds of lakes. With incredible sights to see,

great fishing in the summer, snowmobiling and ski trails in the winter the lodge has been

fully booked for all long weekends throughout the various seasons.

During the open seasons we will provide a variety of services to our campers including

recreational programs for various ages, a café and a tuck shop. The property is equipped

with a swimming pool, hot tub, saunas, hiking trails, tennis courts, basketball, shuffle

board, pool table, ping pong, a play ground and a volley ball court. The beach is a short

walk down the lane and across the street.

The current owners have agreed to provide us with their customer lists for contacts. With

the updating and modernization of the retreat center we will send out information and

offer a discount for previous clients to try out the new facility.

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The rental income from open seasons will be directed into the operations of the various

ministry aspects of the retreat center as well as the upkeep.

Special Events

Special Events will be planned in conjunction with local churches such as outreach and

fundraising events. Our team will work closely with the sponsoring churches to plan and

facilitate quality events which will serve the community in various ways.

The Retreat center property boasts a variety of activities and common areas which can be

utilized in many ways. The indoor facility has a large recreational hall and a dining hall

with all of the necessary furnishings and equipment on site.

Logistics

Sequence of Events – dates cannot be projected as they are dependent on the securing of

funds.

1) Property Purchase; this will occur once funding is secured and will be conditional

on the inspections that are required. The property is available with a closing of 30

days.

2) Utilities will be transferred.

3) Property insurance will be secured.

4) Repairs and updates will begin upon possession. The season in which the

property is purchased will play a roll in the time line and sequence of repairs. The

aforementioned necessary repairs will be done first followed by updating and

redecorating. Professional work teams are being lined up from supporting

churches, pastors and friends. This will assist us in keeping costs down and

getting the work done faster. All work teams will be able to stay on sight and

their meals will be provided.

5) During the time that repairs are being made marketing materials, strategies and

timelines will be finalized. These will include a new website, written materials,

contact list and mailing packages.

6) Applications will be made to appropriate camp accrediting associations.

7) Programs and retreat packages which will be offered immediately will be tailored

and updated to suit the new facility.

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4 H.I.S. MINISTRY

8) Policies and procedures will be updated by the Board to incorporated the running

of the new facility.

9) Marketing strategies will be implemented.

10) Staffing (if required – dependent on the season) will be secured and trained.

11) The grand opening will be planned. Invitations will go out to the immediate

community as well as pastors and Denominational District Offices.

12) Telephone marketing to secure bookings will begin.

13) Grand Opening.

Department Management and Staffing Needs

Property Management

Several inspections will be a part of the purchase agreement. The seller will be

responsible for getting these done and providing complete reports for; Fire Inspection,

water, septic, property and health.

These inspections will assist us in planning necessary repairs and upgrades.

Two staff will be required during the busy season. These staff will be responsible for

maintenance issues, garbage disposal, pool maintenance, landscaping needs and general

repairs. The ministry Director, Eric Brandsma will fill one of these positions. The

second position may be filled by a family member, an intern, a ministry team member or

hired out locally.

House Keeping

Daily housekeeping will be provided for the motel rooms and will include cleaning the

rooms and bathrooms, making beds, changing linens and towels as needed. During the

regular season there will be one staff allocated to this area who will also be responsible

for laundry.

The cottages will be cleaned between guests. Linens are not provided for cabin guests

but can be rented for a small fee if necessary.

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4 H.I.S. MINISTRY

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The Retreat facility will require regular cleaning at scheduled intervals throughout the

day in the areas of; washrooms and change rooms. Floors and dusting will be scheduled

throughout the week. During busy seasons there will be one full time staff who is

assigned to cleaning and will assist with laundry.

This department will be overseen by the Co-Director, Maren Brandsma. Staffing

positions may be filled by family, interns, and ministry team members or hired out

locally.

Programs

Programs are designed and written by the experienced staff of 4 H.I.S. Ministry.

Research and collaboration with other ministries who have expertise in these areas will

be utilized in designing quality programs.

Programs will be scheduled and implemented according to the seasons.

Maren Brandsma will oversee all programs and staff training for programs. Training will

be based on the programs that 4 H.I.S. Ministry has developed and currently uses in

churches they are assisting.

Kitchen

The facility is equipped to serve meals buffet style. Smaller groups will have their meals

prepared and served by the facility staff. Larger groups will either be catered or

temporary staff will be hired to assist.

Maren Brandsma will be the head cook for smaller groups. If needed for larger groups a

head cook will be hired. Two kitchen staff will assist in meal preparations, dining hall

setting and clearing, serving and clean up.

Meals will be provided for retreats and training sessions. All meals will be planned with

variety, will include healthy choices and made with quality ingredients. Meals will be

served buffet style. Breakfasts will be mainly continental, self serve. Lunches will be a

variety of hot and cold choices. Dinners will include a variety of choices.

Coffee and Tea will be available throughout the day.

Meals will not be available for daily campers or motel guests. There will be a snack bar

with a variety of choices as well as staples. The facility will be equipped with outdoor

barbecues for guest use and a fully equipped guest kitchen can be booked.

4 H.I.S. MINISTRY

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Administration

Eric and Maren will both undertake much of the daily administration duties. John Nolan,

a board member will continue to be the treasurer, overseeing the accounting and

maintaining the books.

Staffing

Staffing needs will vary with the seasons and events that are planned. It is our intent to

utilize our contacts, encourage internships and utilize volunteers for many positions.

4 H.I.S. Ministry has various volunteer team members who assist with different programs

and aspects of the ministry as well as many contacts who have indicated a desire to join

the Retreat Center team.

Volunteers who come from other regions will be given staff quarters and their meals will

be provided.

Staff training and manuals will be provided and will meet the requirements for camping

accreditations and insurance purposes.

All staff will be required to have an annual Criminal Records Check, undergo Plan to

Protect Training as well as safety training. Program staff will be required to have First

Aid and CPR Training.

All staff and volunteer applications will be required to submit pastoral references as well

as 2 other character references. They must be affiliated with an Evangelical Christian

Church and demonstrate an active relationship with Christ as well as proven ministry

service. The application will include questions about their current walk with Christ and

their devotional life.

4 H.I.S. MINISTRY

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Organization

Vision:

The body of Christ healed, restored, raised up and transformed, realizing its fullest

potential and calling in communities.

4 H.I.S. Ministry has been operating as a registered non-profit organization for 6 years,

working with churches in the province of Ontario. The founders have Church Related

Credentials with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. Prior to becoming a registered

charity the ministry founders worked in the same capacity for two years in Stayner and

for 14 years as lay workers in several areas of ministry with different churches.

The Directors ministry resumes are attached in the appendices, listing their experience,

education and qualifications in detail. Their full work resumes are available upon

request.

H.I.S. is defined as Hope, Impact and Serve. This title was inspired by church members

that we assisted in revitalizing their church who described our ministry using those

words. It is our goal to bring Hope and make an Impact through Serving and

inspiring others to serve. The 4 stands for the 4 R’s in Isaiah 58:12 “Your people will

rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called

Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.”

4 HIS Ministry seeks to bless Pastors by pouring into them and their ministries. Rest and

revitalization are needed by our Pastors who work long hours in churches that are

struggling to grow and lack resources. It is our goal to assist the Pastor in caring for,

strengthening and healing the body that they have been called to shepherd. By extending

the Pastors labor force, together we work to restore and raise up the people to prepare

them for works of service and ministry to one another. Knowing that God has called us to

serve in this way we have built a ministry which works on a missions basis, raising

money to enable us to help the body of Christ, coming equipped with proven tools and

strategies as well as an openness to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Through Christ

all things are possible!

It was he who gave some to be…pastors and teachers…to prepare God’s people for

works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up…attaining to the measure of

the fullness of Christ.

Ephesians 4:12-13.

4 H.I.S. MINISTRY

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4 H.I.S. MINISTRY

The Mission Of the Organization:

1- Equipping Pastors to enable people to reach beyond themselves. To bring restoration,

healing and transformation using ministry tools, specialized teams and by providing

facilities for rest, revitalizing, vision casting, coaching, training and retreats.

2- Inspiring the body of Christ to lead a life of faith, centered on Christ, operating in His

will, supporting each-other emotionally, spiritually and physically as modeled in the book

of Acts.

3- Encourage healing in the body of Christ. To lift the burdens of wounds and abuses as

well as the constraints of operating with fear, rejections, anger and strongholds of sin. To

see Christians set free to minister in the fullness of Christ through biblical teaching, bible

study, prayer, healing ministry, support and retreats.

4- To provide a safe atmosphere for youth to become victorious over their lives through

the grace of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, equipping them to become active in

the body of Christ, leaders for today and the future.

Organizational Structure

4 H.I.S. Ministry consists of the Directors, Eric and Maren Brandsma who are also the

founders, the Board of Directors, and several project oriented ministry resource teams.

The ministry is a non-profit registered charity, enabling us to raise funds as Canadian

Home Missionaries in the area of Church Support. The churches we work with are

mainly unable to afford assistance thus we raise the funds which allow us to work full

time with these churches.

Currently we have 5 board members, 4 of which were intentionally chosen as couples to

support the unique dynamics and needs of the Brandsma family as they travel and

minister full time.

The Board Members are as follows:

1. John and Wendy Nolan: John is the ministry treasurer with over 25 years of experience

in Accounting, Financials and Project Management. John is a highly effective change

management agent with excellent analytical, systems and solutions skills. John brings

over 12 years of church board experience and has served as the treasure for 13 years.

The Nolan’s are trained facilitators for the Financial Peace program, they serve as our

financial advisors as well as a ministry support team. Wendy currently works as the

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Manager at an entertainment ranch, she is a skilled graphic artist who assists us in the

development of marketing materials. Her artistic skills have also been proven in her

design and facelift of the ranch. She has valuable experience in event coordination,

children’s day camps and leadership training activities. Both John and Wendy have

many years of experience in Small Group Leadership and Cleansing Streams Ministry as

well as project management. They were an integral part of our first church revitalization

project. They assisted with the development of the ministry and have remained actively

involved.

2. Jason Kenney: Jason was chosen for his giftings in prayer support and discernment. He

is an encourager who faithfully prays for the work and guidance of this ministry. Jason

and his wife are youth Directors at their church and have over 13 years of experience

working with children and youth. Jason is involved in several areas of ministry and has

been an integral part of his church’s growth.

3. Herb and Donna Broome: Herb served on the church board for 10 years most significantly during the church expansion including the addition which houses our current sanctuary. He has been teaching a bible study for over 20 years, he researches and writes most of his own material. Herb taught the Adult Class Sunday School for many years. Herb has a wealth of knowledge in logistics for planning building projects as well as electrical and structural insights. He presently works for an Electrical Engineer overseeing major projects and in the past has managed the construction of large sewage treatment plants. Donna has also served on the church board for 5 years and was at one time the Administrative Assistant for the Church. Staff payroll, Accounts Receivable and Payable as well as Remittances to the District Offices were also a part of her duties. She taught Sunday School and lead the B/G Club for the weekly children’s program each Wednesday evening for many years. Donna has taken the Emerge Counselling Course and has a heart for those who are struggling with life issues. Both Herb and Donna have facilitated the Cleansing Stream Seminars, served on the Worship Team and assisted with the Youth Ministry. They also have experience in going through a church revitalization program with us and have been involved in several ministries under our care. They bring with them a thorough understanding of the workings of rural churches, board experience and wealth of prayer support. They are strong contributors to the ministry.

4 H.I.S. MINISTRY

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Services Provided

4 H.I.S. Ministry travels to churches, working with them for terms between 6 months and

two years. Ministry terms begin with the processes of evaluation and strategic planning

that is done with the Pastor and the Church Board. During this time relationships are

built with the Pastor and the congregants. The ministry works initially in the areas of

Vision Development and Implementation Program Planning, Leadership Development,

providing prayer support and rest for the pastor and Cleansing Stream Ministry. The

team develops the areas of Children’s Ministries, Youth Ministry, Small Group Ministry,

Women’s Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Bible Studies, Greeters, Music Ministry,

Technology, Modernization, Outreach Ministry, Retreats and Speaking.

Support teams have been developed who specialize in Financial Planning, Music

Development and Drama Productions. These teams are called upon as needed to work

with the churches as short term projects.

The ministry can be employed to work with churches for a complete revitalization

project, to work in specific ministry areas or to do training in specific areas.

Ministry Accomplishments

4 H.I.S. Ministry has worked with 3 churches undergoing full revitalization projects. 2 of

them were 2 year terms while the 3rd

was 1 1\2 years. We have also assisted a church

with developing a youth program, raising up and training its leaders. This was a 6 month

project that was very successful. The ministry spent 1 year coming alongside a church

which needed pastoral care and encouragement to enable the pastor to become healthy

and strong in his calling.

The churches we have worked with have all shown significant growth in different areas

and ways. It is our goal to set churches up for continued growth and fruit that is often not

seen immediately. The first church we worked with has grown exponentially and

diversely. They have continued to reach out to the community, develop timely ministries

and train leaders. They are currently undergoing a building project. When we first

started with this church their regular attendance was averaging 40 people. They suffered

after birthing another church but the pastor and congregants were in a relatively healthy

place. After spending 2 years with this church they were running several new programs

and their weekly attendance was averaging 80 people. It has been 6 years since we

worked directly with this church and they are now partnering with other churches to bring

them programs, they have developed several new ministries and outreach initiatives and

are averaging an attendance of 300 people.

4 H.I.S. MINISTRY

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The second church we worked with has grown in different ways. They were the least

healthy church we have worked with and we were brought in to attempt to save them

from closing their doors. Unfortunately there were reasons for the state of the church that

we were not able to assist with. In this situation we focused our attention on the areas we

could help with and build. The key to assisting this church was bringing healing ministry

to the congregation. This resulted in several members being able to move forward into

leadership positions, developing and running ministries. This church had about 20

attendees when we started with them. They were averaging 40 when we were finished

and have since fluctuated in attendance from 40 to 60 in different seasons. They are

running several new programs which include outreach initiatives.

The third long term church project we worked with has seen great success in the

transformation and growth of leadership. As healing ministry was brought into this

hurting church people began to step forward in ministry and reach out. One of the long

time congregation members has pursued her pastoral credentials as a direct result of our

intervention and has gone on to be a full time volunteer staff member there. Many new

programs have developed and this church has undertaken some very large community

outreach projects. One of the initiatives we started while there was the development of a

youth group which was quite successful. They continue to have a large youth group

which is outreach oriented and boasts 90% of their attendees are from unchurched homes.

The group and ministries continue to grow and have resulted in a steady growth in church

attendance. When we arrived they were averaging 30 people per week and are now

seeing 50 and over with growth being continual.

The other churches we have worked with on smaller projects or come along side for

Pastoral support have shown continued success and growth in church health and

programs.

We continue to support each of these churches through consulting, encouragement and

prayer. We have developed relationships through these appointments which have grown,

many of which have become supporters and ministry team members.

Each of these churches who were once stagnant have seen numerous salvations both in

our time with them and since then. It would not be possible to numerically account for

the growth, the lives touched and the salvations that have resulted from our assistance.

God has used this ministry as a tool to assist in Building the Body of Christ.

4 H.I.S. MINISTRY

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We have developed a range of materials for program development and leadership

training. Planning materials include Vision Development, Ministry Proposals & Ministry

Plans. We have developed a Youth Leadership Training Manual which is specific to

designing a program and training lay leaders. The manual comes with all of the resources

needed to effectively and easily run a thorough and highly effective youth ministry.

Other leadership training materials include, Sunday School, Plan to Protect, Chaperone

Training, Greeter Training, Women’s Ministry Retreat Planning Packages to assist

churches in planning and implementing successful life changing retreats.

Current Activity

We are currently serving a church on the Bruce Peninsula. This is a new endeavor to

come along side the pastor as extra hands. This church had been without a pastor for

some time and the current pastor has been there for a year now. After spending the year

getting to know the congregation, developing relationships and building trust he is now

initiating strategic changes and implementing new ministries. This is a small church with

limited attendance however there are several younger families which are excited about

this new season and their older parishioners are eager to be involved in leadership roles.

The potential here is very exciting as it is a relatively healthy church and is in the stages

of developing new vision and goals.

We have decided to make this our local home church at this time, creating stability for

our own family and children. We are currently developing a youth ministry, working on

an outreach drama project for May, consulting on technology and church updates as well

as new ministry incentives.

We are continuing to develop materials for use by churches as well as programs for the

future retreat center.

Future Goals and Incentives

Our first immediate goal is to develop the Retreat and Ministry Center as laid out in this

proposal which will further our abilities to serve these churches and meet immediate

needs that we cannot currently meet without a facility.

The ministry endeavors to train teams in the future who will travel to churches in the

same way that we have, coming along side pastors and churches where they are located to

enable church revitalization.

4 H.I.S. MINISTRY

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4 H.I.S. MINISTRY

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Start Up Budget

27

Upgrades Paint Elec Plumb Roof Windows Flooring Total

Living Quarters $

350.00 $

400.00

$ 12,250.00

$ 3,000.00

$ 16,000.00

Cabins

$ 3,750.00

$ 3,750.00

3 Season

$ 3,900.00

$ 3,900.00

Winterized

$ 800.00

$ 800.00

Main Lodge

$ 3,000.00

$ 3,000.00

Hotel Rooms $

1,140.00

$ 750.00

$ 700.00

$ 2,590.00

Recreation Hall

$ -

Kitchen $

1,000.00 $

300.00

$ 7,000.00

$ 7,300.00

Dining Hall

$ 8,450.00

$ 8,450.00

Pool/Saunas

$ 750.00

$ 750.00

Chapel (outdoor)

$ -

$ 2,490.00

$ 5,400.00

$ 8,250.00

$ 700.00

$ 15,450.00

$ 12,250.00

$ 3,000.00

$ 46,540.00

Purchase Price $550,000.00

Lawyers fees $ 1,500.00

Total Funding Needed

LT Tax $ 8,025.00

This includes purchase price, renovations to upgrade,

Utility Transfers $ 500.00

plus 1st year expenses

Property Inspection $ 1,000.00

$659,425.00

TOTAL $561,025.00

4 H.I.S. MINISTRY

Operating Budget

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1st yr running subsequent yr

Income Weekends Year Round

Retreat Center (current lodge) $ 49,140 $ 113,295

Current Ministry Support 4,200 4,200

53,340 117,495

Expenses

Personnel

Salaries 10,000 23,056

10,000 23,056

Administration

Advertising 500 500

Association Fees 1,000 1,000

Bank Charges 300 692

Office Supplies 600 1,383

Photocopier 200 461

Phone/Internet 1,560 3,597

4,160 7,633

Programs

Food(Retreat Only) 5,000 5,000

Cleaning Supplies 1,200 2,767

6,200 7,767

Facilities

Depreciation 15,960 15,960

Insurance 9,300 9,300

Annual Inspections 500 500

Property Taxes (Possibly exempt) 13,000 13,000

Repairs and Maintenance(Ongoing) 600 600

Repairs and Maintenance(Startup) - -

Small Tools 1,500 1,500

Utilities 11,000 13,750

51,860 54,610

Net Income/(Loss) (18,880) 24,430

4 H.I.S. MINISTRY

Our organization has a heart for seeing churches grow and reach the lost. When we

found ourselves in a small rural church which was struggling we saw the need first hand.

The church could not reach out because it was hurting itself, it had no support, no

resources, few people and a tired Pastor who would not give up!

We have spent 7 years putting our previous 15 years of experience to use in helping these

small struggling churches, effectively increasing their health and realizing their potential

for outreach.

We know that God has again called us to do more as He has equipped us. We believe

that we can help more churches and pastors through the resource of a dedicated retreat

and ministry facility. God has given us a passion to see Pastors encouraged and

supported, to see communities reached. We believe that with your help this proposal can

be fulfilled.

We know that $650,000 is a large amount but we also know without doubt that God is in

control and actively does miracles each and every day. It may take thousands of donors

to raise this, it may take only a few. Perhaps this will take years, on the other hand it

could happen in days. What we do know is that God is calling us to pursue this and trust

Him in it. We have taken the steps we feel God has led us to take. We will continue to

pray and keep our focus on God and His will throughout this rather than the results.

We thank you for taking the time to examine this proposal and pray over it. We are

praying that God will guide and direct you in the way you should go, believing He has a

plan for each of, sometimes together and others separately.

It is our hope that you see value in this ministry and the proposed project, that you too

will join with us in prayer as we endeavor to be obedient to Christ.

4 H.I.S. MINISTRY

ERIC AND MAREN BRANDSMA

Phone: 519-935-3731

Brandsma@4hisministry.org www.4hisministry.org

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