Potter's Inn at Aspen Ridge News

August 21, 2005

There's much to be done in the journey ahead in order to secure this wonderful property for our retreat center. It's a complicated process that lies ahead of us navigating between asking donors and interested people to help us raise the money to buy the property. We meet with City Planner to begin the process of applying for our "Conditional Use Permit" the week of August 22. Details are being brought together now, to help us "tell the story of the Potter's Inn" by preparing an attractive booklet which will contain pictures, stories of people who have benefited from the ministry and a straight forward appeal for donations.

We would ask for you to help us get the word out and that you keep checking this BLOG for the latest information. Pray for God's blessings on this tremendous opportunity. Our goal is to raise the contracted price of $435,000 in commitments by donors. We will need an additional $65,000 for legal fees, renovation of the Barn and contruction of an outdoor pavilion/fireplace on the summit.

Tenative Schedule:
-homework on development plans; master planning and working with County officials now through December.
-Major Fund raising appeals begin September 1.
-Donations received by December 1, 2005
-Close on property December 13, 2005
-Renovations begin in 2006.


All blessings,

Steve and Gwen Smith

Potter's Inn at Aspen Ridge

• Imagine as J.R.R. Tolkein did in The Lord of the Rings when he described a wonderful place: "A perfect house, whether you like food or sleep or story telling or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all. Merely to be there was cure for weariness, fear and sadness."
  
  We believe Potter's Inn at Aspen Ridge is such a place. In 1988, Steve and Gwen Smith envisioned a place that would become a center for spiritual transformation. This special place would be a place for spiritual renewal, and soul care. Now, after a "hunt" in many places, States and possibilities, we believe such a place has been found.
  
  Potter's Inn at Aspen Ridge is our working title for this place. This unique property has:
• 35 acres of meadow, Aspen groves, trout stocked pond, and treed forests
• 2 log cabins fully furnished
• 45 minutes from Colorado Springs, CO
• A perfect building site for a larger "Inn" to be built later
• A large barn suitable for day meetings, bunk room. Partially heated now with kitchen, shower, etc.
• A spring on the property producing year round water as well as a domestic well, as well as the mountain pond.

We're told in Psalm 127:1, "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." God has given a unique vision that has been unfolding for several years. Now, we are excited to share this news and to ask your help. There are many needs:

1. People to commit to pray with us about this.
2. To raise the necessary funds to purchase the property. $435,000.00 is need to close plus additional funds for legal fees and permits. We would like to raise additional fees to create a meeting room and bunk room in the barn and also build a large gazebo and fire pit on the high summit for dramatic views and enjoyment.
3. Skilled volunteers to help in the renovation projects.
4. Help build a network of people who will help share the vision with us and bring it into reality. Do you know of anyone who may be interested?

Please contact us if you share in a vision like this or you want to help in some way. Specific information will be available September 1, 2005 regarding how to help now. Our projected closing date, God willing, on the property is December 15, 2005. Do pray for God to build the house!