Lorna Harper, Interim Centre Coordinator 

2021 opened with a sense of hope as we returned to welcoming groups to this special place to encounter God.   In that spirit, we enjoyed a successful first half of the year including:  

• Groups returning with enthusiasm.  
• Over 4,000 guest bed nights and 13,300 meals served.  
• New staff joining our Catering and Housekeeping Teams helping us to further sow into our strategic objective of an ever-improving venue.  
• Launch of our Guest Self-Service Portal – an online tool enabling group coordinators to organise  their booking easily.  
• Introduction of our Catering Module – an enhancement to our existing system with one stop menu planning, ordering and dietary requirements management for our Catering Team.  

Then during June, our doors closed once more and pretty much remained closed for the rest of the year.   

Yet, we have so many reasons to rejoice at God’s goodness … that does not mean it was an easy ride, or that there weren’t days when it was a fight not to be discouraged but, looking back, we are so thankful that our testimony at the end of the year is:  

• Retention of every member of our casual team.  
• Protection from sickness for every member of our permanent and casual team.  
• The opportunity to grow closer relationships with our guest groups as we navigated this season together.  
• Supernatural financial provision.  
• Extraordinarily full bookings for 2022 with God’s promise of restoration – we are in the overflow.  

So, we wonder what lessons are there for us amidst the chaos and disorder of 2021.  For us, it’s that we are here to be His vessel and His voice.  Our team is encouraged to play their part in that mission. Yes, we need to cook, clean, tend gardens and make bookings but above all we are to be His vessels.  Our guests encounter God through our service to them, being examples of the fruits of His Spirit.  We are the foot in the door which allows the Holy Spirit to get into this place and to be waiting for every group as they arrive.   

A poignant testimony from an Egyptian Christian church which stays with us every year.  Their pastor arrived and, as he got out of his car, he stood and declared “Yes, the Holy Spirit is here.”   Surely there can be no greater objective than to be a place where the Holy Spirit resides.   

Farewell Kevern Bawden  

At the end of 2021, Kevern Bawden concluded his time in the role of Director of Kiah Ridge. We’re grateful to God for Kevern’s leadership and his commitment to excellence and passion for mission. We say a big thanks to Kevern and wish him all the best in his next season in God’s service.