paul wrote:Rambo, thanks for the tour......Been many many years. I was saddened that so many of the markers seemd to be in much need of repair. While I watched it, it just seemed like and Era so long ago that passed. That is not meant to be demeaning in any way...... I still have fond memories with my wife and children at some of the services there.
BTW: do I send you my $5 for a c.p.m.a. card ?
Continue to pray for the situation in Iowa.......
it's $10 now.
and yes, sadly - ther eis much in disrepair. the concrete used is disintegrating in many places, especially the 10 commandments laying on the ground.
I don't think that concrete is the best option for that kind of thing, but then, when it was built, maybe a plastic/resin/fiberglass wasn't really an option.
the lambs at the sides are nearly indiscernible as lambs now
the stucco on teh back of the Big Bible at the top of the 10 commandments had blown off apparently from some high-winds recently.
speaking of the annual membership, I am not fully privy to all the financial issues of the wood, but I understand that the membership has declined so much that it is very difficult to just keep going forward, let alone any kind of retrospective repairing, and maintenance (even with local volunteer).
I am saddened myself at the disrepair, and especially at some of the markers that "remain", even after some of the recent changes in the COGOP.
This being my choice in heritage, I understand the history, and the beliefs. I am still saddened that some of these markers still exist - or better yet, maybe a disclaimer or something similar added, so as to not change the initial/original markers.
just because I choose this organization, doesn't mean I agree with it's past (as they wouldn't even have me!), or even some of it's current stands. This is where GOd has placed me and will continue working through as I learn and as we all do our best to walk in the light of God's word as it is illuminated to us.
I believe that these acres could be used for other things, that could make it "pay for itself" more than relying on donations from people that will never see it, or never visit it.