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KDG recently supported our project architect See Jia on a ten-day mission trip to Cozad, Nebraska as a volunteer with Engineering Ministries International (EMI). It was a precious opportunity to partner with EMI and work with Comeca Camp and Retreat Center to develop a masterplan for their current site in order to expand their outreach to more of God's children. Comeca Camp is committed to providing an excellent atmosphere for their guests to experience Christ by offering a wide range of activities that are designed to nurture spiritual growth, encourage personal development, and foster community building. A big shout-out to the camp director Justin and all the staff, and also to the amazing architect and engineer missionaries at EMI who make non-profit design services available to ministries who need them!
Continue reading to see what See Jia has to say about the experience: 
Outdoor Chapel
Q: How did you come to hear about EMI and the project trip?
See Jia: Our principals John and Seth connected with April Heredia, an architectural lead at EMI, at one of their annual conferences. When she was looking for a volunteer architect for this trip, they referred her to me. Q: Is this mission trip what you have expected? SJ: I had gone on traditional outreach mission trips before, but never with architects and engineers on a design project like this one. It's a unique experience to work with other professionals who are of the same faith, and to see how our skills could be used to fulfill the Great Commission. Q: What is the most spiritual aspect of the trip? SJ: Hearing about the story of Camp Comeca and how the current director Justin and his family trusted in God and took over a broken culture and nurtured it little by little into the thriving atmosphere that it is today, and seeing the actual fruits of that in the warm and welcoming staff and the tangible atmosphere of peace over the camp - that has been the most impactful thing. I'm grateful to be part of preparing the camp to receive even more children and adult guests to give them a memorable encounter with the Lord. Q: What are some of your greatest takeaways? SJ: I have a new-found appreciation for how architects and engineers work together as a team, and how we could use our skills to serve the needs of ministries who are doing the work of the Great Commission. I'm also deeply impacted by the faith walk and life stories of the members on the team - everyone may have different backgrounds and histories, but one thing is clear, that the Lord works in deep and marvelous ways to fulfill His plan of redemption and love. 
The architectural team pored over site contour maps to determine locations and orientations for the new facilities.
The civil team studying an old blue print.
Holes were bored around the camp sites by the civil team to investigate water and soil conditions.
Most cabins on site were built with bare exposed blocks and concrete flooring, with retro-fitted heating elements. Many of these will be upgraded in future phases.
One main design goal is to expand the dining area to fit a projected 300 campers.
The team gathers each day to discuss project findings, and also to share life testimonies.
Presenting the masterplan that includes 3 separate camp sites.
A 3D site plan of the central camp site.
A view of the scenic camp grounds.
The team.
KDG is thankful to be part of this mission. As the Scriptures say, "Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. (Psalms 127:1)" It is the Lord who builds, and we are honored to have been a small part of Comeca Camp. Thank you to Justin and his family, and to April and the team at EMI for this meaningful collaboration!
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