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Dean Barley, the director of The Vineyard Camp, lost his home and everything in it, in a terrible fire on February 16th. After smelling smoke, Dean got himself, the 3 kids living with him, and all the animals out safely, but there is nothing left of his home. It was completely destroyed. While I am so thankful there was no loss of life, I'm heartbroken at the loss of this home that's been a safe haven for countless children, teens, and adults. More importantly, I'm heartbroken for Dean...losing the home he built, and everything he had (some of which were personal, precious things he can never replace). I'm also heartbroken for Greg, as he also lost his home and everything he had. Dean's home was so much more than just a home.
Dean's home has been the heart of The Vineyard Camp for as long as I can remember in my 17 or so years of attending camp and/or visiting during the year. Dean, an ordained Pastor, has lovingly, selflessly, and graciously opened his home year-round for anyone who comes to this place (whether during his summer camp sessions, conferences, retreats, visits, etc). He's opened his home to international kids, American kids, adults, or any other person needing to live with him for a bit to seek inspiration and direction for their lives, in the beautiful safe haven of this place. Some of the most precious moments I have at the Vineyard took place in this house. Staff fellowship nights, Bible studies where campers can ask questions about faith, religion, God, and life. Then there were the weekend dances, Nan's famous chocolate chip cookies with chocolate milk, the "Love Feast" at New Years, movie nights, the memorial service for his nephew whom was dearly loved by everyone....the list goes on and on. I have countless precious memories inside his home over these past 17 years, whether it was popping in to visit, volunteering for a few weeks, or being there the entire summer as a camper or staff. Memories of playing piano, dancing, drinking way too much espresso, Dean's ghost stories that almost made me pee my pants, singing songs, having deep heart-to-heart conversations, sleeping in tents in his yard looking up at the stars littered across the sky. There were countless moments of laughter, moments of tears, conversations, hugs, and powerful moments of growth, revelation, and insight in my life. We all know places like this....places where, when we walk inside, we smile and our heart suddenly feels warmer. Places where we've grown and learned. Places that have helped shape parts of who we are, and where we feel safe and at home. Dean's home is one of those places for so many of us. And he opens it up to anyone who needs it.
Dean does so much for the camp, and any financial support from us or others is usually always directed towards his ministry/the camp. This fundraiser is an opportunity for those of us who've been changed and impacted by Dean, the camp, and his ministry, to give back to him personally. It's also a chance for anyone who wants to help support him after this tragic loss, whether they know him or not. He has a tough and daunting road ahead of him in rebuilding his home, his life, and the possessions (ones he does have the ability to gain back, at least), and with the summer camp sessions quickly approaching, it will be an even tougher task. Here is an opportunity for us to show our support financially, not to the camp and his ministry alone, but to him and Greg, and their personal needs from this loss.
However, those of us who've had the blessing of knowing Dean and/or attending The Vineyard Camp, know (from the impact we've seen in our own lives) that his home is in no way a separate entity from his ministry.
Dean & Greg, we love you. Our hearts were all broken at the news today, and we want to do something to show y'all how much we care and how much we want to be able to help support you through this time.
Dean, we are so thankful for the impact you have had (and continue to have) in our lives. You've given so much of yourself to us, so here is a chance where we (and anyone else who feels led to donate) can show our support and love to you.
Dean's home has been the heart of The Vineyard Camp for as long as I can remember in my 17 or so years of attending camp and/or visiting during the year. Dean, an ordained Pastor, has lovingly, selflessly, and graciously opened his home year-round for anyone who comes to this place (whether during his summer camp sessions, conferences, retreats, visits, etc). He's opened his home to international kids, American kids, adults, or any other person needing to live with him for a bit to seek inspiration and direction for their lives, in the beautiful safe haven of this place. Some of the most precious moments I have at the Vineyard took place in this house. Staff fellowship nights, Bible studies where campers can ask questions about faith, religion, God, and life. Then there were the weekend dances, Nan's famous chocolate chip cookies with chocolate milk, the "Love Feast" at New Years, movie nights, the memorial service for his nephew whom was dearly loved by everyone....the list goes on and on. I have countless precious memories inside his home over these past 17 years, whether it was popping in to visit, volunteering for a few weeks, or being there the entire summer as a camper or staff. Memories of playing piano, dancing, drinking way too much espresso, Dean's ghost stories that almost made me pee my pants, singing songs, having deep heart-to-heart conversations, sleeping in tents in his yard looking up at the stars littered across the sky. There were countless moments of laughter, moments of tears, conversations, hugs, and powerful moments of growth, revelation, and insight in my life. We all know places like this....places where, when we walk inside, we smile and our heart suddenly feels warmer. Places where we've grown and learned. Places that have helped shape parts of who we are, and where we feel safe and at home. Dean's home is one of those places for so many of us. And he opens it up to anyone who needs it.
Dean does so much for the camp, and any financial support from us or others is usually always directed towards his ministry/the camp. This fundraiser is an opportunity for those of us who've been changed and impacted by Dean, the camp, and his ministry, to give back to him personally. It's also a chance for anyone who wants to help support him after this tragic loss, whether they know him or not. He has a tough and daunting road ahead of him in rebuilding his home, his life, and the possessions (ones he does have the ability to gain back, at least), and with the summer camp sessions quickly approaching, it will be an even tougher task. Here is an opportunity for us to show our support financially, not to the camp and his ministry alone, but to him and Greg, and their personal needs from this loss.
However, those of us who've had the blessing of knowing Dean and/or attending The Vineyard Camp, know (from the impact we've seen in our own lives) that his home is in no way a separate entity from his ministry.
Dean & Greg, we love you. Our hearts were all broken at the news today, and we want to do something to show y'all how much we care and how much we want to be able to help support you through this time.
Dean, we are so thankful for the impact you have had (and continue to have) in our lives. You've given so much of yourself to us, so here is a chance where we (and anyone else who feels led to donate) can show our support and love to you.
Organizer and beneficiary
Lewis Dean Barley
Beneficiary