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Habitat House under
construction |
Kirkmont Center,
Miami Presbytery’s camp and conference center in Zanesfield (Ohio), is in
the beginning stage of developing a
World
Community Center.
This experiential site will feature housing typical of people living in
poverty throughout the world.
One goal of this project is to provide a hands-on
experience for individuals and groups to encounter issues of world hunger,
the just distribution of foods and services and the burdens of inadequate
housing. The
World Community Center will also provide an opportunity for participants
to learn about different cultures and to explore situational based
ethics. Visitors to the World Community Center will explore the issues of
global poverty and hunger while at the same time, examining their own
habits, consumption patterns and beliefs as they consider their role in
becoming more responsible global citizens.
The World Community project will be developed and
facilitated by the naturalist staff at Kirkmont and will provide
meaningful experiences for summer campers, retreat groups, school groups
and congregational mission teams, among others.
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A barrio shelter
(above and right) |
To date, Kirkmont has constructed two simple buildings
reflective of the type of homes a family in an urban barrio or slum
would inhabit living in
Colombia, South
America. Three additional housing units typical of other cultures will be
constructed at the site. 
In addition,
Kirkmont
Center is constructing a facility to serve as the classroom for the World
Community Center. This two-bedroom “Habitat House”, built in cooperation
with Habitat for Humanity, will
accommodate groups during inclement weather; serve as a resource center
for curriculum, artifacts and other classroom supplies; and provide modest
over-night accommodations for pastors and church leaders seeking spiritual
retreat. Habitat House will also provide housing for our Summer Program
Coordinators for 10 weeks during our camping ministry. The Habitat
House was dedicated on October 7, 2007.
Download the
World Community Center brochure, which includes more details about the
project and how you and your congregation can help. |
