October 2009 Update

Three Trails Ranch – Progress Report 

October Update – 09

   Each day there is progress, but it is a huge project. I think that most of the surprises of what has to be fixed is over. I have come to conclude that this place must have all the infrastructure redone which includes the water system, septic system, phone lines, electrical service, commercial kitchen and all the buildings brought up to code. It is quite the challenge and winter is coming soon, which will shut down all the outside work. 

Here is some of what has happened in the last month:

• We have stained three of the five buildings. It took 100 gallons.

I will need to order another 100 gallons to finish.

• We bought two 40 foot zercon storage containers so that we could organize all the building materials and tools that were scattered everywhere in various places. For example, we now know where all the plumbing parts can be found, etc.etc. This will allow us to be a lot more effective and to use what we already have.

• We just completed the water diversion dam on the creek that gives us all our water and will help us to preserve our precious water rights. It took 16 yards of concrete, two head gates and is now hooked up to the pipe that will bring the water to our larger pond.

• The pond is presently empty so that we can clean and expand it to hold more water. We have taken 500 yards of dark rich sediment soil out and will probably take out another 500 yards before refilling the pond, which we hope to do soon so that we can play hockey and broomball with the college students this winter. What a great evangelistic tool that will be for our students to invite new people.

• We finally got the repair permit for the Hotel (the adult guest house), so we have just done the first pour which took 21 yards of concrete. We will need to do 5 more sequential concrete pours, which we hope to do in November.

• Steve Burch, the vehicle mechanic has now resurrected a total of 6 vehicles; they are all running including three buses.

Thanks for believing and praying that God can build this place into a Great Commission Discipleship Center that will be able to train and sent Christians to spiritually multiply around the world. Please see the attached pictures.

Sincerely in Christ,

Russ Akins

August 2009 Update

THREE TRAILS RANCH – PROGRESS REPORT

August Update – 09

   Four weeks ago, we purchased this isolated property which includes 17acres with five buildings and a large pond located above the Lemon Dam with US Forest access. There is a lot of work needed to bring the place up to all county codes before it can become operational as a Great Commission Discipleship Training facility. Our goal is to get this place operational within the next six months or less. It is located in one of the most isolated and beautiful parts of Colorado. (Please see

attached Vision Statement and pictures)

   At this point, I am working with three engineers, an architect, three contractors, a plumber, a diesel mechanic and a bunch of volunteer college students. The students are helping with the clean-up and the staining of the main lodge.

Things that have happened so far:

• The “wall fix” for the staff house engineered by Rick Johnson has been completed and will be inspected later this week.
• The second septic tank for the staff house was installed by Roy and David Brown last Friday.
• The diesel mechanic, Steve Burch, from Empire Electric, has resurrected three vehicles which are now running including the large dump truck.
• The official drawings to fix the foundations and walkways for the 24 room hotel have been completed by Bill Birza, PE and architect Mirah. We should have the permit soon and work begun by next week.
• A new pump has been installed in the commercial well, which is now being tested for the quantity and quality of water of water to be used with a 10,000 gallon cistern to supply all five buildings.
• We are also working on the design drawings for the commercial kitchen, the Bunk House and new restrooms, the all purpose barn building with its modifications, and the staff house balconies and walkways.

Prayer request:

 - Please pray for God’s favor to be upon this place and on all the plans and workers.

 - Pray for our introduction to the people who live in that area that they will see an 

   authentic credible Christian testimony by what we do and how we relate to them.

Sincerely in Christ,

Russ Akins, Master Plan Ministries – 970-769-7620

   

May 2009 Update

Dear Praying Crew,

Here is the latest news on the developing story of Three Trails Ranch.

1. Last week, I took Roy Brown, Brown Brothers Consturction up to see the place. He wants to do the Septic systems and the water system.

Roy is a great Christian man; I have worked with him on several large projects as Cascade Lodge.

2. Gerry, I had Roy look at the pond as to expanding and deeping the pond with an excavator. Roy did not think he would have a problem getting his machinery in place and adding 25% more volumn to the far end of the pond.

3. I took pictures of the cracked hotel foundation and showed them to Nathan Zick, a concrete contractor, who thinks we can pull out the old blocks and replace it with a poured wall. Dave Pearson was talking about 

pouring at least two footers lengthwise and putting up  "pony" walls to secure the building before doing the cracked foundation. I am sure this will take alot more thinking and good organization and maybe a few jacks.

4. Nathan Rambo is now living up there in the staff house. The gate is locked when Nathan is not there. This seems to be working out just fine.

5. We received the Appraisal finally - here are the figures:

    - As is - $915,000

    - Once it is fixed up - $ 1,515,000

   We have presently received $61,000.

6. Nate and I continue to talk share the project with people from across the country and in Durango. We have gotten the word out to alot of places and have talked with a number of people that could help in a big way if God works on their heart and mind. Please continue to pray for God to make His will easily seen. The Grant writer is also writing on our behalf to many foundations for one million dollars.

7. This week-end is the May Men's retreat up at Cascade Lodge Friday night and all day on Saturday ending around 9pm. It will be on sex, money and power. We are expecting 60-80 men. Please join us if you can.

For God's glory and future eternal fruit,

Russ

April 2009 Update

Dear Everyone, 

1. We have come up with a new name for the place: Three Trails Ranch, which has a hidden meaning and has a western sound. The hidden meaning is all about spiritual transformation which is the internal spiritual purpose of the place. Everyone will come to the ranch riding on one of three trails (in life). The first trail is the basic non-Christian trail looking for answers, the second trail is the defeated Christian walking in the flesh and really needs get to the third trail, which is the Christian that is growing and bearing fruit and seeing Christ live His life supernaturally through him. What do you think?

2. The Appraisal should be done this week.

3. Roy Brown, who wants to do the septic work wants to go up and see the place this week.

4. Gabe and Darrin who worked on the place along with Dave and myself hope to go through the place together and get a better idea of what they did and where we can pick up some of their ideas.

5. Nathan Rambo should be moving up there this week as the snow is melting out fairly well. He will act as security and keep the gate locked.

6. Every Saturday I am hosting a tour for interested people to get the vision of what this place can and will become. It will begin at 10am at the place. Have anyone you invite call me so I know they are coming.

7. Financially, we have received or have pledged $60,000. We hope to see that increase alot this week.

8. The grant writer wrote today and said that he is applying to 60 -70 foundations on our behalf. He said that he would not take our project if he did not think that he could raise the total amount. But is not sure that it could be done before the May 31 deadline.

Lastly, we are in the position to only trust God to bring in all the funds even though He will probably use us in the process, so let us all keep it before the Lord everyday in focused prayer. I really believe that thousands of young people will be directly affected by the ministry training that they will receive at the ranch and many more will hear the Gospel because of their word.

Russ

March 2009 Update

Dear Everyone,

This last week ( March 22-28) has added a few more things.

1. The Code office has given permission for Nathan Rambo to stay in the Staff House, He will act as security and keep the gate closed and locked, so that no one can just drive in and poke around. This is needed.

2. On the 25th, MPM and 4 to 4 Ministries did sign an agreement to purchase the property pending MPM ability to raise the $1,000,000 by May 31, 2009. Gerry McDaniel was very helpful in this. Thanks, Gerry.

3. Nate and I have mailed out nearly 400 info packets to possible supporters around the country. Everyone is excited about the possibility that we have talked with and thinks that we should get this place. The money is just beginning to come in. If anyone needs more packets to share with others, please let me know. I will get them to you soon.

4. On Saturday, I took two appraisers up to do a walk through of the property. They asked alot of questions and were quite surprised as to what they saw. In two weeks, we should have the appraisal.

5. Nate is working on a Power Point presentation for churches. Two churches have asked for a presentation.

6. There is a growing interest for people to go up and see the place, which is quite visionary. So I am setting up the first tour on Saturday,

April 11th at 10am. If you know of people that you would like to expose to the place, tell them to call me or be at the entrance at 10am.

7. Both of our websites are finished and operational. If you have not seen them yet: www.spiritualmultiplication.com and www.CrushFear.com 

In conclusion, please continue pray for Nate and  I and several other people that are helping us to raise the needed finances. 

Russ Akins