The Case For Narnia

Why We’re Creating the Narnia House at Magnalia
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In God’s providence, we have come to believe that the humble piece of ground which has been our family Homestead is to be stewarded for a purpose extending far beyond our family’s use.

During the past five years, we’ve donated 12 acres of land to the non-profit 501(c)3 ministry called Magnalia. We’ve done this to create a “beacon and a shelter” for people who might be blessed by it. This modest property now hosts events, accommodations, community meals and educational programs running throughout the year – welcoming on average more than 100 guests each month.

We focused initially on supporting people with special needs, and veterans, as well as guests who desired both solitude and community. We’ve prayed over and again the prayer of Francis and Edith Schaeffer in their L’Abri adventure: “Lord, bring those who should come, and keep away those who shouldn’t.” Thousands have come in the years since we began.

Partners in ministry have rallied alongside us to provide match funding for the construction of a kind of “Parish Village” set somewhere back in time. Walden Cabin was built first, then the 22-box Community Garden, The Village Blacksmith Shoppe, The Crown & Pepper Garden House, The Pole Barn, Camp Paradise, The James Herriot Milking Barn, trails, pastures, and more. A Hobbit-hole and a small chapel called Parish House are now officially “works-in-process” as well, after clearing and constructing roads to enable workers to access the building sites designated for those projects.
At the heart of our vision is a desire to create a “Guest, Resident and Retreat Infrastructure” that can accommodate individuals as well as small groups. Guests come here for fellowship, soul care, rest and renewal. Residents are living here for a spell: they are studying and learning in community, working the farm, participating in internships — and helping us to serve our guests. All of this creates a context as well for meaningful retreats organized with churches, academic institutions, and corporate and non-profit organizations. These follow a particular approach to learning experiences that we call the Magnalia Pedagogy:
The interplay between the residents and guests — combined with those visiting for community events and activities — will, we believe, create many unique and life-changing opportunities.

Narnia House is central to the “Guests and Residents” vision. Designed an English Cottage inspired by the only home of Christian author C.S. Lewis, this 2,400-square foot guest residence will have three beautiful rooms for boarders, a full-service kitchen and small dining hall, a gathering room, and private as well as public bathrooms (to support events scheduled in the adjacent 1850’s-era Village surrounding Narnia House.

In addition to artifacts and books connected to the life and literary legacy of C.S. Lewis, Narnia House will feature magical reading nooks, a large fireplace, a wardrobe-fashioned entry into a Tea Room, a private English-style garden, a gas lamppost in the nearby forest, and many other Narnian delights and glimpses into the world of Clive Staples Lewis.

Ministry guest scheduling will include a mix of people needing soul care, rest and renewal, pastoral and study center residents, veterans, and friends who are part of the special needs community. Additional guests will come through AirBNB and VRBO bookings. Those guests will help strengthen the financial sustainability model for Narnia House, and also present ministry opportunities based on our experiences with Walden Cabin to date.

Our family and other friends of Magnalia have helped to secure the financing for the “structural costs” of Narnia House. The goal of the Foundation is that Narnia House will be entirely self-sustaining financially, and we hope to pay off the mortgage entirely in 7-10 years. We project a minimum net of $5,000/month from AirBNB and VRBO rentals (from an average of 10 nights of rental activity each month @ $500/night for the three rooms). This will cover the mortgage, tax and utility payments, and basic housekeeping services — while allowing us to offer Narnia House for ministry use at least 10 other days of the month (some of which may result in incremental donations to the ministry as well).

The current challenge is the “finishing costs” of the project. We are still thousands of dollars short for additional painting, furnishings, bedding, appliances, lighting and Narnia-related art for the house to make it “guest-ready” some time this month. We invite you to help bring this life-changing project to life!

All donors who desire it will be credited on a sign near Narnia House, and on the website, and will be given a room night (or nights) to gift to a ministry friend or third party of your choice.

Donate to Narnia

We pledge our utmost to make this an “experience destination” that points people to the glories of the gospel and the contours of biblical worldview, in the context of warm Christian hospitality.

“Further up and further in!”|With love,

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