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
