From its humble beginnings as a small farm along our beautiful lake, 2014 marks 80 years since Rev. Harold “Doc” Strathearn pawned his wife’s wedding ring to help launch what became LeTourneau Christian Center. So many people have discovered or deepened their relationship with Jesus Christ here: refugees, men, women and youth, pastors, missionaries, church leaders, recovery groups. In addition, many teens and young adults on summer staff learned to serve the Lord alongside full-time staff mentors. What a history!
On Dec. 31, we mark the second year of a campaign to secure the deed given to Family Life Ministries in 1986 when Harold Seeley retired. In the years since then, FLM has extended funds to LeTourneau when it was struggling. Recently, FLM reduced the amount of compensation requested to $600,000. Given current pledges and donations received, just $225,000 is still needed to reach that goal and secure the deed. Then, LeTourneau will be fully independent to make upgrades and move our vision forward.
In the past six years, we’ve seen steady growth in attendance and financial support; our hope and prayer is that God will continue His work here. But to carry it out, the title must be secured first! Will you help make this a reality? Will you enable LeTourneau to remain a place where the Kingdom of God advances and disciples mature in Christ? Will you pray NOW and ask God how He wants you to invest in this ministry? Please direct tax-deductible gifts to the Lighting Our Future campaign and encourage others to do the same. Year-end gifts for general operations are also welcome.
If each of the people reading this gives $1 for each of the 80 years of LeTourneau’s ministry, our deed could be secured immediately. Perhaps some could give three times that or more to ensure LeTourneau’s future. Whatever size the gift, from $80 or $800 to $8,000 or more, God looks at the heart of the giver and delights in those who honor Him.
Now is the time to act. Waiting may be too late. If you have questions, please call to speak with me or a LeTourneau Ambassador. Donations may be given online via PayPal at our online donation page or mail to: 4950 County Rd. 11; Rushville, NY 14544. Let’s keep LeTourneau moving forward till the Lord’s return.
On behalf of LeTourneau,
Ralph E. Dewey, Acting Director