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Alpine Center Declared 'Safe and Sound'
BLUE JAY, CA (November 5, 2003) - "Great News! It has definitely been an up
and down emotional roller coaster these last 10 days, but the good news
is that Alpine is safe and sound!"
That was the word this morning from Stan White, executive director of
the Alpine Covenant Conference Center that was threatened by fires that
devastated large areas of California over the past several days.
"We are so thankful to the Lord that Alpine was spared," he continues.
"The fire came within a mile of camp last Monday night (October 27). The
'Santa Anas' appeared to have prevented it from getting any closer. When
we left a week ago Saturday night
(after evacuating 200 people right after dinner), it still seemed like
summer. Now we are returning to temperatures in the thirties! Staff
started arriving yesterday to find a place that - hard to believe -
shows no evidence of the fire coming so close. There are no ashes, no
rancid smell of smoke or any smoke damage. The only damage appears to be
from winds that broke a window and blew down some awnings. All staff
homes were safe but one."
Unfortunately, one Alpine staff couple lived in Cedar Glen and lost
everything, White noted. "They were already down the mountain so they
never had a chance to retrieve
anything," he added. "We have already secured temporary housing for them
as they start
all over. Your prayers for them would be cherished, especially since
their first child is due the end of January."
The conference center is hoping to be fully operational by the end of
next week - road closures have now been lifted - with several retreats
scheduled in the weeks ahead. "We moved our Men's Conference from this
coming weekend to November 21-23 - there is still room," White observed.
"Preparations are continuing for our winter camps," White continues. "We
hope to see your son or daughter in just a few months - pray for snow!.
Check with your church for
registration information. Your prayers as we ramp back up would be
appreciated - there is much to be done. We are really looking forward to
cleaning out the camp refrigerator
and freezer since power has been out for 10 days. That's today's project!
"Thank you for letting us be a part of your family by providing
meaningful camp experiences for your kids throughout the year. Have a
wonderful Thanksgiving. I know it will take on a whole new meaning for
us here at Alpine."
Copyright © 2008 The Evangelical Covenant Church. |
