Windstone Farm Community
Our Story
Over ten years ago, founder Kirstin Jeffrey Johnson began cultivating a community of neighbours and friends, who connected over a shared place, home-cooked meals, Bible studies, and the realities of rural life.
Today what began with neighbours gathering around the fireplace has evolved into an internationally recognized community at the epicentre of theology, ecology, and the arts.
As we embark on the next chapter of our story, the Windstone Community has grown beyond our current capacity and requires increased financial support to continue welcoming people into our shared space.
In Just the Last Two Years:
Hundreds of students, chaperones, and other visitors
have discovered the delight of personal engagement with creation.
Scores of events have been hosted,
including house concerts, book launches, bonfires, and the signature ‘NovelNights by Candlelight’.
Every Linlathen Conference has sold out,
each hosting over 125 attendees at the public lectures, book clubs, and conferences combined.
10+ academic and ministry institutions have partnered
for on-site retreats and educational experiences.
More than 100 clergy or ministry leaders
from more than 15 denominations have conversed, studied, and held retreats at the farm.
More than 100 published writers, musicians, and artists
have learned, rested, and created at the farm.
More than 30 A Rocha staff/interns/long-term volunteers
have come to Windstone for education, respite, or both.
More than 1,500 species have been recorded
on Windstone’s 190 acres, including almost 50 Threatened Species. Some of these have returned due to ecological restoration.
1 inspirational 'headwater stream’ restoration in progress,
part of Ontario’s most vulnerable watershed capillaries.
Stories
Challenges & Opportunities
Current Challenges:
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Continued growing interest leading to regularly maxing physical and administrative capacity
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Available leaders/staff to facilitate events and groups
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Lack of capacity for tracking, reporting, and resourcing participation and progress on projects, partners, bookings, and events.
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Inadequate time and oversight in managing the land (both wild and arable)
Opportunities with Funding:
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Growing impact on Christian ministry leadership in Canada
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The establishment and expansion of programs, capacities, and partnerships
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Historic log cabin restoration for overnighting university groups
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Support and resources for increased logistics and needs of keystone events
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Engage new restoration project(s)
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Trial and model sustainable agricultural practices for the community
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Model farmers and environmentalists working together, in faith-informed practice
The Campaign
As Windstone matures into a full fledged organization, the need for funding is critical for building the structures, systems, and resources that will allow more people to engage with theology, ecology, and the arts.
Windstone aims to raise $750,000 over the next 5 years to support a full time Operations Director and provide critical funding support to existing programming and resources for continued growth.
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Your support will make it possible for:
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more people to explore the re-integration of faith, theology, ecology, and the arts in Christ-like community.
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others to learn how to grow communities of hospitality in their own places, expanding the influence of Windstone’s Christ-centered hospitality across Canada and beyond.
A very generous matching grant of $25,000 has been gifted by a donor who wants to encourage you to consider how you too might support WFLS.
Would you give a gift and help grow roots at Windstone Community so more people longing for deep connection, purpose, and love, can experience, explore, and share their faith through Christ-centered hospitality?
Ways to Give
Pledge a gift
Future one time or installment gifts mean Windstone can focus on growing programs and reaching more people. Email the Windstone Board.
One Time Gift
Your one time gift helps build resources for hiring critical staff support now.
Monthly Support
Your monthly gift helps strengthen the long term sustainability of Windstone.
If you have questions or wish to speak with a board member about a gift in support of Windstone Community, reach out using this form.
All financial contributions will receive a charitable donation receipt through our partnership with One Way Ministries.