What is the purpose of the building projects?
Since the community is young and there are a lot of physical needs on the property, the building projects are at one level pretty pragmatic. We need guest rooms, living space, storage space, work space, prayer space, etc.  These things are important and someone has to do them!

On a second level though, there is a spiritual communion with the Lord when we are building. The Lord is a creative God. He created the universe and made all the dazzling beauty within. When we steward the land he has given us and increase its beauty, we are doing several things that bring us closer to Him. We are participating in the creative nature of God and exercising a part of our being that was created like Him. We are modeling the Beauty of God for others to experience when they visit, thus participating in the giving nature of God. We are also making a place of community and friendship for those who help with the projects. All of these reasons make the building process important and not just the final product.

Community in Building
It's amazing how close you can feel with someone after having worked hard with them on a set of tasks and then getting to see the finished or furthered progress. I've noticed that many people who feel outcast or awkward in leisure can feel included and a part when working together. Many times working together can bring people together that would otherwise be unable to relate with each other. It's our hope that by offering this additional avenue for friendship, every so often, there will be new friendships formed and the Gospel will be spread.

How do we build?
We are trying to build with cheap or recycled materials, low waste and simple techniques that most anyone could join us with. We want to build with more than just the final outcome in mind. We want the building material, the style, and the process to all speak of God. We want the building process to be easy to follow if others want to use it or improve on it. This is one of the reasons why we built the chapel building out of straw bales. Its a good example of how we want to build.

The straw bale building has all types of dual meanings and spiritual treasure to be found for someone who is looking. It's a large, beautiful structure built of individual bales of similar yet different sizes and shapes. Much like God's church on the earth. The walls are rough, curved in areas, and imperfect yet strong and warm -- 18 to 20 inches thick in most places. If a bale was broken, it was still used as vital filling in gaps in the walls where whole bales couldn't fit. Everything had a place. This is in stark contrast to most modern construction that is superficially straight and perfect, no room for broken pieces and lacking creativity or individuality. The are plenty of parables the Lord would have us find there.

Straw itself is often treated as a waste product from the farming process. Without much value, its often plowed under, or burned to get rid of it. But if it's baled correctly and used with the right techniques, it can be the building block of a super energy efficient and visually beautiful dwelling. This idea of taking something cast out and making it into something beautiful is very dear the Lord's heart and to ours.

These are just a few examples of how we want our building process to be sacramental to the Lord. In our gardens and patios we want to build this year, we are going to look for similar parables and simple lessons. And if we can find them, we may even do something "the hard way" just for the extra sacramental value.

When are we finished building?
We may never be finished building. There is always room for something to be more beautiful. Though a completed project is fulfilling, we are learning that it may not be the primary reason for the building project. We are starting to believe that like life itself, building is not just about the outcome; the journey itself is well worth it. There is communion with God in the creative process.