I would like to thank Pastor Johnston for posting a picture of our new sign.
The sign is a part of our ongoing effort to better market the park and make it easier for travelers to know whats beyond those arches.
It is a misconception that the Church of God of Prophecy is pouring money into the park. While Fields of the Wood is a budget item (under Heritage Ministries), its primary funding is from Association Memberships, donations, and gift shop/cafe sales. The budget simply makes up where these fall short.
My goal as director is to see the park become financially self sufficient where donations, sales, and memberships are enough to maintain the park. To do this, we will need more than COGOP support, to get that outside support, we must do a better job of marketing ourselves. The sign, ads in various publications, efforts to connect with tour groups, improving our online presence, signage, and etc. are efforts to get the park where it needs to be financially and to provide opportunities to minister to even more people.
While the park has historical value to the Church of God of Prophecy, it is now recognized as a significant historical marker for the pentecostal movemen in general. It is also a gathering point for a number of church groups and denominations. It has also become a significant place of ministry with souls being saved, people baptized, and ministries renewed on a regular basis.
It is true that everyone will not be able to visit the park, but some folks will and it is our hope that they will be ministered to while they are there.
One day a husband and wife pulled into the park while arguing. When the husband realized they were in a Christian park, the argument escalated. On the top of 10 Commandment Mountain, he looked down and saw some shrubs that spelled out "Jesus Died for Our Sins." He came under conviction and surrendered his life to Christ. He and his wife now serve as missionaries.
A man pulled into the park in October of 2000. His life was a mess. In that environment, he found God. He now comes back every October to celebrate what God has done in his life. He also pays his $10.00 and joins the Association, but that is another story.
These are just a couple of stories, but there are so many more.
I hope to see the park become more relevant. One goal that I have is to construct a new marker. This marker would be all about the gift of salvation - guiding visitors through the plan of salvation in both english
and spanish.
Over the past few months, I have seen a renewed interest in our Heritage and Fields of the Wood. I am working with the Youth Dept to begin introducing our Heritage to the young people. June 13 will be quite different at the park this year as our youth will play a signifcant role in the activities.
To keep up with what's happening, feel free to check out my blog at
www.heritageministries.blogspot.com.
I hope this helps bring a little clarity to what we are trying to do and how we are funded.
I want to commend our staff. They do so much with so little. They work hard not to waste a dime.
Blessings,
Paul Holt
Heritage Ministies Director
.......(and ditto on the pedigree.)
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![[amer-ribbon90.gif]](/images/amer-ribbon90.gif "Remember our veterans and troops currently serving today.")
