Aldersgate Conf. Center - Turner, OR April-July 2007

Our first trip to Aldersgate Conference Center was in May of 2005. We were scheduled to do Phase I of the ministry's installation of an internal sewer system to hook up to city utilities. That involved deep trenches, installing manholes, etc. (We have pictures if you want to see that project) We returned in April 2007 to complete the second phase of the sewer line. This phase involved installing 8" pipe up a steep hill through the woods to connect to a 24 room hotel-style lodge facility.

They also had need of more parking space, so Darren was asked to design and build a 50-car parking lot in a little-used field that was marshy most of the time. Darren designed the parking lot, roughed in the grade and compacted the gravel. He coordinated the asphalt company and the concrete contractor (for curbs). Before we left there was enough rain to see that the drainage on the new parking lot worked as planned.

The Aldersgate's RV park also needed a sewer upgrade, so that was worked into the plan.

In the process of these three major projects there were a number of other projects that were completed, including cutting into a hillside to create storage area by the maintenance shop, limbing trees, installing uprights for a climbing wall, tree trunk removal, installing a sand volleyball court, moving a mountainous burn pile, etc. etc.

The ministry had saved up enough money to fund the phase II sewer project based on local bids. With the help of HighTouch Ministries, Aldersgate was able to stretch those funds to complete all these other projects as well as the major sewer project. Between the first phase in 2005 and the second phase in 2007, Aldersgate saw a savings of $100,000. They chose to use the savings to have us complete other major and minor property improvement projects while we were there.

The Aldersgate project is a prime example of HighTouch Ministries completing its mission -- to save ministries money on underground so they can use those funds for more impactful ministry above ground. We are grateful for the Lord's leading to connect our two ministries.

8' sewer line

Site of the proposed parking lot - taken in phase I (2005)

Completed 50-car parking lot at Aldersate Conf. Center

Twin Rocks Friends Camp - Aug 2007

We were at Twin Rocks Friends Camp (TRFC) in Rockaway Beach, OR during the month of August. The weather was beautiful and we'd have to say that the working conditions were absolutely perfect. The soil was soft and free of rocks, ground water, and utilities (in general). Darren had consistent assistance through the entire project with the help of the camp's maintenance staff. The weather was PERFECTION for working outside. It was a little cold for swimming, but perfect for sweating in a trench!

We are impressed with how much the Lord allowed us to accomplish on this project. The perfect soil and working conditions were instrumental in the following tasks completed in FOUR WEEKS.

1. 275' Sewer line installed
2. 350' Rain drains installed
3. 1200' of 2" water line installed
4. 5 concrete underground utility vaults installed
5. Built a 50' turnaround roadway for vehicle access to cabins
6. Re-graded 100'x200' ball field
7. 1200' underground power conduit installed
8. 700' of 6" water line installed with a tap into water main
9. 200' underground boring for utilities (to avoid tearing out sidewalks and trees)
10. Crossed underground utilities 20 times
11. Repaired all the land after trenching & installing (ready for grass seed)
12. Graded roads

That's quite a list! Darren worked an average of 45 hours per week August 1 to Sep 6. He used all our own equipment plus the camp's dump truck and loader. No outside equipment was necessary for this work. The camp provided staff assistance whenever needed which helped to get the pipe laid and glued and the camp staff did all the materials runs.

Here are some pictures:

Underground utilities -- adding a fire hydrant

Water Line -- Tapping into the Main

Horizontal Boring



Underground Utility Vault


While we can't guarantee these results on every project, we thought it would be good to demonstrate the amount of work HighTouch Ministries can accomplish with good support from the ministry and with God's help. We praise God each day for job safety!

The TRFC Executive Director, Ken Beebe, said we saved their ministry $20,000 -- PTL!!