Property Purchase and Development

Why the change from mobile camps to a fixed, year-round ministry?

In the last years, our objectives for the traveling ministry have been largely met. The pressing need for a permanent camping facility far outweighs the benefits of the mobile ministry.

 

• The resources designated for traveling will be re-directed to property development.

 

• The travel time by the local churches (with the exception of the host church) to the “mobile” camps averages 5-6 hours. The proposed change will not affect greatly the travel habits of most ministries.

 

• The facilities whether rented or borrowed are almost always less than adequate, presenting great challenges for us to reach our spiritual objectives.

 

• The Mexican independent baptist churches desire a year-round camp and conference center designed to reinforce their ministry goals. At present, no such camp exists in Mexico.

 

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What are the plans?

The natural development of the camp ministry leads us to the next level – purchasing and developing a property. Camp META is looking for a permanent home in the beautiful, mountainous terrain near Morelia, Michoacán.

 

To negotiate in the real estate business in Mexico, we must have the cash available for the entire purchase since loans are not an option. We have surveyed numerous possibilities, but will not begin the actual purchase process until all the funds for Phase #1 are in hand.

 

The region is centrally located and well-populated with towering trees and natural water sources. It is easily accessible on major arteries from all directions situated within 6-7 hours drive of 80% of the churches that Camp META has served since 1992.

 

We have divided up the project in the following phases.

Phase #1 - Property acquisition and preparation

Phase #2 - Camp lodge, maintenance building, bath facilities

Phase #3 - Cabin areas, infirmary

Phase #4 - Multi-purpose activity center, stables, pool

 

Upon completion of the proposed phases, capacity will be for approximately 350 campers per event. However, we will be able to begin using the property immediately upon completion of Phase 2 utilizing temporary housing arrangements.

 

The legal ownership of the property will be held by an already-organized, non-profit association (Prosigo a la meta, A.C.) constituted in Mexico by Jim and Ivonne Gardner. The association follows all the legal requirements of the Mexican government to own property and operate as a Christian camp and conference center.

 

An advisory board formed by pastors and Christian leaders in Mexico, together with IFM, will provide accountability both spiritually and financially.

 

Many churches in Mexico have expressed a desire to cooperate with the project–especially in the sustainment of the ministry. Annual operating costs will be defrayed by event registration fees, monthly support from churches in the USA and in Mexico, and various government grants involving the harvesting of timber, fruit trees, or fisheries.

 

(PLEASE DOWNLOAD OUR BROCHURE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE CAMP PROJECT.)