The Bridge

For one hundred years, the Mission Springs Bridge has been the gateway to ministry at the conference center. Crossing the bridge meant more than just arriving at camp; it was entering a place of renewal, fun, friendship, ministry, and rest. 

The original bridge across Lockhart Creek was just strong enough to carry automobiles and trucks. Volunteer workers harvested timbers from west of the spring and hauled them to the site where they were set across the planks and hardware forming a strong and sturdy bridge. The initial construction of the bridge cost less than $300. 

As the construction of cabins steadily increased, bringing truckloads of lumber, it became necessary to build a stronger bridge. Timbers, purchased from a mill in the Northwest, were delivered by boat to the dock in Santa Cruz, and from there hauled to Mission Springs. The bridge was dedicated in 1935. Since then, the bridge has been fortified and rebuilt in 1952, 2007, and 2011. In 2008, Mission Springs dedicated a second bridge called “The Tabernacle Bridge.” Together, the bridges cost a total of $2,400,000 and transformed access to Mission Springs. 

Today, the bridge continues to be that gateway to all that Mission Springs offers to guests.   

Prayer

A Prayer of Ministry and Mission 

Lord, as each person crosses this bridge, may they renew their wonder, revive their faith, and refocus their purpose in Christ. Jesus, please meet people where they are for life transformation. Equip Your people for works of ministry and send them as ambassadors of Your kingdom. Lord, hear our prayer.

Scripture

Ephesians 4:11-13

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.