OK……this is the most exciting blog I think I have ever written………yes it is awesome and I can barely contain my excitement!!! I am overwhelmed by the provision of God today, and I hope my letter conveys the last couple of weeks at Sk8 Church.

I am writing to you NOT from my cold, lonely basement office like usual, but to the beautiful sound of multiple skate boards, excited shouts, cheers, sk8 church kids sweeping and cleaning trash out, scraping old decals off windows, and building a ramp. I am watching Buck skateboard while he talks with the kids here, my own kids are covered in drywall dust rolling around on a skateboard, Hunter has fallen and smacked his hip, Buck is limping and it is almost a perfect day in our new indoor, Sk8 Church, Sk8 Park/Youth Center building!!

THE VISION

When we started sk8 church 5 years ago God gave us an amazing vision for a place in Steamboat Springs that would give the youth a positive, sober place to belong and be encouraged in their sport of skateboarding. A place that anyone in our community can go to find help, hope, love, teaching, encouragement, and a friend. A place that is for youth, built by youth, where they can find rest for their souls and a break from their burdens. A home base for Sk8 Church. An office out for the basement for me, additional Bible studies, youth recovery meetings….oh the list goes on!!

For a long while we wrestled with the fact that God had not brought this place, and eventually settled in to the fact that we just did not know when it was going to happen. We moved forward, and have had an incredible time, with meeting in our home, local hotels, wherever we could, steadily building our community of friends, and continually praying for that sweet vision God gave us.

Even though we did not know when it would happen Buck was always faithful in searching out EVERY commercial spot in town over the years. He has passed out countless numbers of our vision packet to almost every realtor in town. Many, many times this proved futile and even frustrating over the last 4 years, until recently……….

THE BREAKTHROUGH

3 months ago, on his never ending quest, Buck gave one of our packets to the owners of Steamboat Powersports, explained the mission of SK8 church and went on his way. Two months later, out of nowhere, we received a call from the owners expressing an interest in meeting to discuss sk8 for one of their properties.

After many meetings, much discussion, and generosity that ONLY can be explained by God’s intervention, we have a home for sk8 church!! 4,800 square feet of home! Located at Riverside plaza, this space allows us to have 2000 square feet of skate park. 2400 square feet of lounge/gaming area, lots of food, video games, pool, ping pong, music, offices and enough space to minister to many more kids. The space is on the bus route and located in an easy to get to plaza, but out of the way enough that we won't be bothering too many people!

So what does this mean??

It means that in the coming months all of you have an incredible opportunity to help impact this community with us! It means that you will get a chance to use your gifts and skills to help us help kids. Imagine a young man or woman from a fatherless home (the majority of our group) having the opportunity to work side by side with a father figure. Being able to learn a skill, be praised for a job well done, and have the feeling of accomplishment. I am excited!!

So here is how you can help right now………..COME SEE US!! Let us show you what we are so passionate about!!!! Verticle Arts has blessed us with an incredibly, detailed drawing for us to show you and to work off of. We are in the Riverside Plaza, behind Pisa’s restaurant! We have a small list posted of things we need now, like paint, carpet, plywood, 2x4s, printer/fax machine, trash cans, light fixtures, chain link fence, snacks and drinks for everyone working, homemade cookies (you know who you areJ) and your prayer and encouragement!! If you are going to the lumberyard give us a call and maybe you can pick some things up for us. Do you have some extra lumber at your house or job site that you need to get rid of? Time on your hands and some skills?......we need it all! I promise you an experience that will rock your world and inspire your heart.

COME SEE FOR YOURSELF………..IT IS AWESOME!!!

I am so thankful to be able to share this exciting time with you!! We will share details as they come up!!!!

Praising and loving God,

Tara Chavarria

Christ for Life Sk8 Church