Foundation Matters is a Christian Charity whose primary purpose is to build Biblical foundations in the lives of children and young people.
To fulfil this purpose, we run affordable camps at Pine Lake so that youngsters from all backgrounds can enjoy activities and learn more about the message of the Bible. We also produce and distribute resources to individuals and ministries around the world.
After being involved with children’s ministry for well over 20 years and Bible Exhibitions up and down the country, Jem and Sue Hudson thought, “How can we reach children and young people effectively with the gospel?”
A planning consultant was employed for the construction of a £2.5 million Christian camp and training centre to accommodate 60+ children and young people, as well as leaders, for weekend and school holiday evangelism and discipleship. In addition to offer mid week training seminars, events for youth and church groups and local evangelistic activities.
The site plans also included a multi purpose sports hall, a woodland walk, a lake, book cafe, staff accommodation and offices. 10 acres of land located reasonably close to the church was purchased and despite the uncertainty the South Derbyshire District Council’s planning committee voted in favour and planning permission was granted. 3 days later the Hudson’s moved in.
As a family of six at the time they moved into a caravan for three and a half years. They began to pray, looking to the Lord to provide the funds for the project.
A sizeable chunk of the house sale money was used for the construction of an access road 1/3 of a mile long to the site from the main road. 3,000 tress were planted around the perimeter boundaries. Voluntary help came from many unlikely sources.
“The Lord has brought together a great team. It has been of His doing, not ours.” – Jem Hudson
It was decided that the entire construction would be designed in log cabin style to help create a sense of open air adventure. The construction of the log buildings took 3 years until the main camp centre was completed and officially opened in the summer of 2014.
To see the first phase finished and see children and young people coming to Pine Lake on camp has caused us to look back and thank the Lord for all that he has done.
“We have some way to go, but we are trusting completely in the Lord to provide the rest of the funding.” – Jem Hudson
