BUILDING FOR ETERNITY

Raising funds for a new Gymnasium/Campmeeting facility at Camp Mohaven

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MULTI-PURPOSE PAVILION

We're building a facility to empower young people to thrive today and for eternity

                                                     



MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF OHIO CONFERENCE

Bob Cundiff

Building for Eternity…I love the title of this campaign! It helps me understand that this project is about far more than concrete and steel. Yes, we are raising money to build a building, but the erection of a facility is not the end goal. Rather, the end goal is to create an environment that provides meaningful spiritual experiences for our children. Raising our children to know and experience Christ is the single most important task of the Ohio Conference. 

That is why this project is important. That vision is what compels church members all over the great state of Ohio to press together to build this facility debt free. It’s because we understand that when we invest in this building, we truly are Building for Eternity. 


Coleman Stewardship 

              Ted & Cynthia Huskins

Building for Eternity is a God-sized dream that speaks to the heart of everyone who cares about young people. God is calling each of us to give sacrificially above and beyond tithe and offerings. Every pastor, teacher, and each employee has made a sacrificial commitment. Every member of the Executive Committee has made a sacrificial commitment. Will you join them in following God’s call? It will take all of us to ensure that the next generation finds a friend in Jesus and has the opportunity to dedicate their lives to him. 

Quite often, we are asked, “How much should I give for a capital campaign?” or, “How do I know if God is inspiring my thoughts on giving or if I’m simply acting on my own?” Perhaps you find yourself asking these very same questions. Perhaps you are struggling to determine what God wants to do in your life for Camp Mohaven and the young people of Ohio. 

We want to begin by inviting you to pray. The logical prayer about your commitment would be, “God, what do you want me to do?” We encourage you to pray a different prayer. Pray, “God, what do You want to do through me?” 

The difference between these two prayers is an acknowledgment of who is in charge and an acknowledgment that God owns everything; we are merely stewards of the resources He has placed in our hands.   

As you pray in faith, God will speak to your heart. As He speaks to your heart and you act in obedience to His will, a stream of blessings and miracles will be poured out upon you, our constituency, and our young people! 



FAQs

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • Why are we building this?

    Camp Mohaven does not have a gymnasium. This brings limitations to our summer programming and makes programming on rainy days a challenge. In addition, the camp has two halls that can accommodate only moderately sized groups, with the nature center seating 150 people and the cafeteria seating 300 people. These limitations discourage the use of the camp by sports groups, larger groups, and others who would use the camp in cooler weather.

  • Why are we building this now?

    As constituent engagement in the camp increases, the limitations of our facilities are becoming more apparent. Many have expressed the need for a camp meeting experience that lasts more than one day. The new building will seat 1,500, accommodating our growing camp meetings (English, Hispanic, Ghanaian) and providing a future home for a multi-day camp meeting experience.

  • Why don’t we just borrow the money?

      Financing increases the project's overall cost and absorbs finances dedicated to accomplishing our mission. By pressing together and including everyone, we can build this building debt-free now. This strategy helps ensure that a future mortgage does not become a budget distraction to the mission God has called us to.   

  • What is the timeline for the project?

    Groundbreaking took place at Campmeeting on September 9, 2023. We anticipate having our Certificate of Occupancy in time for Campmeeting 2024.    

  • How will we accomplish this?

    By including everyone. Projects of this magnitude are accomplished with everyone’s participation. By rallying around this project, our Conference will experience the blessing of unity and a sense of joy in completing this God-sized project.   

  • What can I do to help?

    Prayerfully consider what God would like to do through you to help bring this project to fruition.   First, pray for the campaign, the campaign leaders, and the conference administration. Second, join us in Building God’s Kingdom by making a sacrificial commitment to the project.   

mohaven's history

Like many families, the Ohio Conference faith family has a place considered dear to its family heritage; a place where many sentimental and meaningful milestones in the lives of the family members took their roots. Its name is Mohaven, located in the heart of Ohio's lush forests. Toddlers have played there. Children and youth have given their hearts to Jesus there. Young people have fallen in love there. Something magical happens in people's hearts during times like these.


In 1959, Dr. Lee F. Kramer and Dr. Clinton W. Trott, both outdoor enthusiasts and medical partners, sought a property for a weekend retreat. They found a unique piece of land near Brinkhaven with a long riverfront on the Mohican River, suggested by local agents. Dr. Kramer's enthusiasm led to a $100 option fee, and upon exploring, they discovered a riverfront cabin and barn. The property's allure prompted the idea of acquiring it for Adventist families and church use.


Enlisting other Adventist friends, including Dell and Percy Miles, Elaine and Claire Smith, June and Don McCready, and Thelma and Joseph Poole, they collectively purchased the property for $750 each, forming the "Mohaven Wildlife Foundation, Inc." with legal protections for its use. The families renovated the cabin, established access roads, and organized recreational activities.



Aware of the Ohio Conference's search for a youth camp property, Trott and Kramer presented the land as a potential site, despite objections like the absence of swimming facilities and its remote location. Advantages included its proximity to Mt. Vernon, abundant land, favorable soil conditions, riverfront access for water sports, and space for camping. The property was purchased for $15,000 by the Ohio Conference in 1961, marking the start of its legacy as a youth camp site, cherished through the years.


TESTIMONIES FROM CAMPERS

I made memories, bonded with other staff and campers.

“The grounds of Camp Mohaven allowed me to escape reality and be more connected to nature. With less noise of traffic and the beautiful green scenery, I was able to see God through his creations. Each building had its own ministry and purpose. For example the “Lodge” was the welcome area but also a place to dine and indulge in the food God has provided for us. The “Oak” served as an area of rest but also the crafts building. The “Camp Store” allowed campers to take of piece of camp with them through different souvenir options. Each building heavily impacted the functionality of Camp Mohaven and my experience as a staff member. I made memories, bonded with other staff and campers, and found rest within many of the buildings. Without each of the different buildings, Camp Mohaven would not be the same." 

 Abigael Isoe


If it were not for Camp Mohaven, I wouldn’t be a Christian today.

“It was there that a youth pastor sat with me and talked me through my faith when I was at my lowest. The life changing experiences and beautiful nature I’ve encountered at Mohaven helped me realize that God really is holding my life..”

Natalie Reid

Camp Mohaven has become my second home

“.I have made so many memories there, and I feel connected to God through Mohaven's beautiful nature. My fondest memory is when my sons were baptized there."

Virginia Johnson


 Camp Mohaven has had a major impact on me.

“Before I worked at a summer camp, I struggled spiritually through the summer, but when I started working at camp my I didn't struggle as before. It gave me a chance to keep doing fun things with my friends. Also I made a lot of new friends who believe the same way as I do.”

Patrick Niyonzima

BUILDING FOR ETERNITY UPDATE