Dawsonwood Mission Camp and the people who made it happen

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV

Over the past fourteen years, God has used many different people to support the ministries of GAP. This support has come in many shapes and forms — financial contribution, donation of equipment, food, diapers and the list goes on and on.

Our friends Steve and Alicia Dawson are successful business owners in McDowell. They set a great example for giving back to the community. They provide services as well as precious employment with excellent wages. They are generous with their possessions and quite charitable with their money. They have provided scholarships to the Autism School, housing for exchange students, sponsorship for school and community events and have loaned their personal vehicles for youth trips and other activities.

GAP has been the beneficiary of their generosity on many occasions. We are still using the 2001 Ford F-350 that was donated in 2002 with only 34,000 miles. Most of those miles were from picking up loads of food for GAP. The truck came after the purchase of the warehouse. One third of the purchase price was given to GAP by Steve and Alicia.

Years ago, Steve approached Lynn concerning a piece of property. There were several ideas for the property and at one point, Lynn offered the land back to the Dawson’s because it didn’t seem as though anything we planned for it would work. Steve was confident that the Lord intended for GAP to have the land and that He would use it somehow, someway.

Today, the Servant’s Heart Lodge sits on that property as well as the Dane Sanderlin Pavilion and a tool shed. Countless volunteers have stayed there as they worked in this and surrounding communities. Because two people were willing to give, many others have been able to serve. Only God knows the eternal impact that has been and will continue to be made because two people were willing to give. Steve had a saying, “You can’t out-give God.”

In honor of Steve and Alicia Dawson, the property was named Dawsonwood Mission Camp in 2007, when the Lodge was dedicated. The sign has been in the works for several months and was recently completed. May God’s blessings continue to abound on the Dawson family and on all who stay in the Servant’s Heart Lodge.

Board Expresses gratefulness for the Wagoners’ service and begins the search for interim Executive Director.

“Dear Friends and Partners of GAP,

We the Board of Directors of God’s Appalachian Partnership (GAP) want to extend our gratefulness to Lynn and Angie Wagoner for their faithful leadership these past 14 years. While we are very sad to see them step aside we fully support their decision to follow God’s leading into the next phase of their lives. Our prayers and friendship go with them.

During this time of transition the board is actively pursuing an interim executive director to immediately fill the position. We have two serious prospects at this time and we will be  making a decision shortly. The appointment of an interim executive director will give adequate time to find a permanent director.

GAP continues to have a dedicated staff and volunteer base who will fill in where necessary. The vital work of God’s Appalachian Partnership will continue.

We understand that you may have questions or concerns about this time of transition. Please don’t hesitate to contact us (GAPdirectors [at] gmail.com) and we will do our best to get you the information that you need. We will also be sending out regular updates as this progresses through email and on the GAP website.

The board of directors is excited about the future of GAP and believes that our best days are still ahead. Our future is in God’s capable hands.

Sincerely,

Danny Bauer
President, Board of Directors
God’s Appalachian Partnership”

After 14 years of service the Wagoners’ will be stepping down from the leadership of God’s Appalachian Partnership. The following is a letter announcing their departure. You can read a statement from the Board of Directors here.

Angie & Lynn Wagoner

“Dear Friends,

August eighth 2013 will be Angie and my last day leading God’s Appalachian Partnership (GAP). After months of prayer and seeking God’s will, we believe the Lord has made it clear that we have completed what He sent us to Eastern Kentucky to do. He is directing us to give the leadership of God’s Appalachian Partnership to another and pursue a different direction with our lives.

We are filled with overwhelming hope for the future of GAP because the vision and story of the organization has always been bigger then the two of us. It is God’s vision and story.

Over 14 years ago God laid His vision on our hearts to leave our suburban Florida lifestyle and help repair broken lives by sharing the salvation story through service in Appalachia. The story of what happened as we stepped out in faith is simply miraculous. God moved in powerful ways providing the resources and the people to make His vision come alive.

Knowing that the story of GAP started in the heart of God and is an extension of His love for His creation; we have confidence that what He began He will see through to completion.

We will be returning to Florida where Angie will be starting classes as she pursues a degree in biblical counseling. Through our ministry at GAP we saw how much of a need there was for biblically based counseling to help individuals and families find lasting answers.

As for me, I am seeking God’s direction concerning a ministry to pastors and missionaries. This is something God laid on my heart years ago because of the love and encouragement shown to us in difficult times. I am also actively looking for employment in the central Florida area. I am certain that one of my main purposes now will be to support Angie as she prepares for future ministry.

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of McDowell and the surrounding area for these past years. We are deeply grateful and humbled by the hospitality and love that has been extended to us.

As this chapter in our lives comes to a close please join us in prayers of praise to our wonderful Father for his faithfulness and the gift of His Son as our Saviour. Please pray for the Board of Directors as they continue to lead GAP into the future God has planned.

In His love and service,

Lynn Wagoner”