“As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow so that the
whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”
Ephesians 4:16

Dear Family of Bethel Valparaiso,
The “Enlarge the place of your tent” Capital Campaign is exciting to say the least. To examine the site plan, floor plan and amazing renderings our team “saw”, this project is a perfect fit for what the Lord has for us now! It’s important everyone knows the testimony of the Father as He guided us along our journey to this point.

THE LAND

In April of 1995 as Youth Pastors of VCF Valparaiso Mary and I were looking to buy our first home. Mike Kotys gave us a lead that we followed up on Martinal Road. As we pulled into the driveway the presence of the Lord suddenly came upon me in a very significant manner. As I bowed my head, tears flowing, the Holy Spirit clearly spoke “All the land to the east, west, north and south from this spot will be used for my Glory.” There is a difference between our daily relationship with the Lord’s guidance and fellowship and significant encounters; this was a significant encounter. We were merely looking at a home to purchase, the church had only recently moved into our current facility on Hwy 30 and acquiring land to relocate wasn’t even on our horizon. Two years later, December 1997, 40 acres was purchased, of which 17 now belong to Bethel Valparaiso.

We have enjoyed many events at the picnic shelter and softball field, with so much more to come. How incredible it will be to have so much room for ministries and families.

THE RELOCATION PROCESS

In 2007 after many discussions at the Board Meetings, it was decided that major renovations to our current facility did not make sense. It was determined the relocation was more fiscally sound and needed for ministry than the cost of renovations which couldn’t be recouped in the sale of our current facility. After interviewing multiple builders we choose McKnight Group to do a Phase I contract for a site plan, floor plan and renderings. The decision was made to do one large project, 45,000 sq. feet, than to build into 2 phases. In January, 2008 we also hired Church Growth Services (CGS) to do a Pre-Campaign Assessment. In June of 2008 we got both the renderings and the results of the CGS assessment. As we read through this material, the Lord asks us to put this project on the shelf for now, to focus building strength internally and externally as a community of faith and He would lead us when it was time. In December of 2009 I felt the Lord say ”Take the building project off the shelf and pray about the next step. It’s easier to steer a moving ship than one at dock, It’s Time To Move.” In January of 2010 the Lord reminded me that Mark Pope in Mishawaka had just finished a Phase One of two phases and to contact him. We made three trips to Mishawaka as the Lord revealed the “vision” to do a 2 Phase Project and that we can’t afford to wait any longer. CGS did our second Pre-Campaign Assessment for free and Masters Group (builder on Mark’s project) did the site plan, floor plan and renderings that were unveiled September 12, 2010.I update everyone on this brief accounting because I want you, all of us, to sense the answers to the most important questions “Is this God’s Project or Man’s?” “Is this God’s Timing or Man’s?” We believe this is God’s Project in God’s Timing and the Timing is Now!!!

OUR NEEDS TO RELOCATE ARE CLEAR AS CAN BE

Children’s Ministry Center, Youth Ministry Center, Multiple Purpose Facility, Adult Ministry
Facilities, Gathering Space, Updated facilities, ie: restrooms, hallways, ease of movement
This Phase One Project meets every one of these needs with room to grow 3-4 fold.

Now is the time for us to ‘Enlarge the place of your tent’. Please pray and seek God’s direction for your commitment. Go a step beyond what you think you can do and ask Him what HE wants to do through you. One thing we can all count on is that God is the God of the Impossible. We will see God work as we ‘Enlarge the place of your tent.’

With Love & Thanks,
Pastors Garner & Mary