October 12, 1991, marked the beginning of a new era in Mississippi ministry, when the Duncan M. Gray Conference Center was dedicated in Canton. Mississippians from throughout the Diocese gathered for the celebration of the new conference center—situated on the North Side of Way Road, across from our iconic Camp Bratton-Green. Over the course of the next 30 years, the Conference Center hosted many a Cursillo, vestry retreat, clergy conference, and gathering of Episcopalians. Weddings and baptisms were celebrated at the Chapel. The Conference Center has been beloved among us.
In time, the Conference Center began to show its wear—and revenues could not keep pace with expenses. The Conference Center closed—and as stewards of a property that had served us well, we committed ourselves to shepherding a property that seemed ready for new life into the hands of its next steward. I prayed that God would reveal that next steward to us; I also prayed that the next steward would be a ministry that would be complementary to our diocese’s ministry.
God’s revelation came in a phone call from Martie Kwasny, Executive Director of Quiet Waters, who called to introduce her ministry to me and to inquire about the property. Quiet Waters is a Christian ministry dedicated to serving all who are suffering with disease, disability, and disorder. Martie explained that the ministry was traveling a pretty far distance to have a space to serve, and the team wanted to be at home in Mississippi. The Conference Center seemed a perfect location.
Over the course of the next few weeks, we learned that God’s plan for ministry at that holy place on the North Side of Way Road does indeed continue. The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi entered into agreement with Quiet Waters for the purchase of the Conference Center. Quiet Waters’ ministry will be a welcome neighbor for Camp Bratton-Green. With its vision “for the world to see Jesus,” Quiet Waters “offers gospel-driven retreats, respite, and restoration to all who are suffering.” Its ministry clearly complements the work already being done in the Diocese to help make all of God’s people visible and included. With an accessible ropes course and other camp improvements designed to help make the Camp Bratton-Green experience more accessible to all persons, our prayer is that our two ministries will find ways to share in service.
The Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray III, along with a number of Episcopalians from throughout the diocese, were on hand for the deconsecration. Additionally, several of Quiet Waters’ Board members were present. We not only gave thanks for the years that the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi enjoyed the gift of the Conference Center, but we also prayed for the ministry ahead:
O God, our creator and preserver, we humbly pray for all of your people made in your image and likeness, as we all stand in need of your grace and favor. On this day, we commend to your never-failing love the ministry of Quiet Waters. We ask your blessing upon those who serve this ministry: May they be given the grace of your wisdom and discernment, and your enduring strength, and may your love abundantly pour from them as they serve your people. We ask your blessing on those who are served by this ministry: May they know the comfort of your healing presence and the joy of your saving help. Continue to breathe the breath of your possibility into that which seems impossible. Draw us all ever closer to you and to one another; help us grow in cooperation and collaboration to serve you in unity, concord and peace; help us always to seek your healing, justice and righteousness. All this we beg for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
