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By Dorothy Brotherton
REST, respite, healing, restoration – where
better for a Christian leader to find these qualities, than at a place
called Fairhaven?
It’s close in spelling and concept to Fair
Havens, where the apostle Paul found brief respite during his stormy
ministry, on the way to Rome. Every Christian leader knows that, sometimes,
you need a place where you can escape and just crash. A place where you can
lie and bleed awhile, if you need to; a place to find renewed hope and
fresh direction.
For more than a decade, Len and Fay Frank have been
operating Fairhaven Ministries on Silver Star Road near Vernon. It’s
an outgrowth of a retreat ministry started in 1979 by Dr. Charles Shepson
in Tennessee. There, a 100-acre campus welcomes more than 2,500 guests each
year.
In 2000, 167 acres were bought near Silver Star Ski
Resort. The Franks were called to head the ministry; development began, and
the first cottages were ready for use in 2003. Today there are five
cottages, with plans for more, and the spade is in the ground for a central
lodge facility.
“Our greatest satisfaction comes from the
responses of our guests. They are often surprised by the quality of the
facilities that God has provided, and the attention to detail. Frequently,
we hear they feel valued and loved,” said Fay.
Each cottage is about 1,000 square feet, and can sleep
a family of up to six people. Decor themes follow styles of vineyard,
country, northwoods and orchard, with special touches of comfort.
The ministry is clearly meeting a need. Len said,
“Many arrive weary or discouraged and it is so rewarding to see a new
light in their eyes and renewed hope on their faces when they leave.”
Len holds graduate degrees in education and therapy. He
brings a background of pastoral, teaching and therapist experience.
Beyond a retreat, Fairhaven Ministries also offers
counselling. A one- to two-week stay is recommended for this service.
Looking ahead, Len wants to see the Christian
leadership community gain a better grasp of proactive measures, rather than
reactive. In other words: don’t wait for a problem to hit crisis
proportions.
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“One of our important goals is to get the message
clearly out to our leaders that Fairhaven is about restoring health and
maintaining health. We are here during times of crisis for those who need
that service, but we want to see leaders doing more that will be
preventative,” he said.
With that in mind, plans are underway to expand a
life-coaching dimension.
Already, life coaching is available at the Fairhaven
village and a phone link is being established for Christian leaders to
access life coaches. Team coaching, targeted workshops and other
educational experiences are also in future plans as facilities expand.
Fifteen guest cottages are envisioned. The lodge,
currently under construction, will house offices, conference rooms,
lounges, a coffee shop, book room, library, fitness centre and laundry
facilities. It will be called the Charles Shepson Welcome Centre.
To keep the Fairhavens experience affordable for
pastors and Christian workers, much work is done by volunteers, and capital
expansion is underwritten by donations.
For rates and accommodation availability, check
www.fairhavenministries.org or call 260-260-1616.
August 2008
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