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The Story Behind
Our Ministry Name:
ArkHaven
Subscribe to Our
Acts
Model Community
ArkHaven is a reference
to the Ark of the Covenant
and to Noah's Ark. Both of these Arks were
places of God's promise, protection, and provision. The ultimate
and future goal of ArkHaven Ministries is to form a Christian
community—a haven for end-time ministry purposes.
The original name was Ark-Ten, but God
allowed me to change it to a more understandable name—ArkHaven. When
the Lord first told me the name I mistakenly assumed that "ark" was an
abbreviation for Arkansas, and that "ten" was a colloquialisms for
"town," or Arkansas Town.
But the Holy Spirit quickly corrected me.
He said that this community is an "Ark" as in Noah's Ark and the Ark of
the covenant, and that "ten" is the number 10. I had to look up the
number 10 in Bible symbolism to see what it means.
Ten implies completeness of order, nothing lacking and nothing over. It
signifies that the cycle is complete and that everything is in its proper
order. Thus ten represents the perfection of divine order.
When we combine the two words (ark + 10)
we get this definition: God's place of provision protection and promise,
nothing lacking, until
completeness of order is seen.
The
ultimate and future goal of ArkHaven Ministries is to form a totally self sufficient
Christian community
of intentional neighbors for end-time ministry purposes.
It is no coincidence that the Acts model
lifestyle we see in the first century church is also the best
preparation a Christian can make to sustain life and continue in
ministry even in the hardest of times as well as in the best of
times.
As Christians in China and many other
countries have found out, the church can suffer terrible tribulation
today. In fact there is more martyrdom and persecution in the
world today than in any time in history. And to think it can not
happen in America is not realistic.
2 Timothy 3:1 “But
realize this, that in the last days
difficult times will come.”
Also, a combination of
natural disasters and man made disasters could throw our nation into
desperate times.
Should we not be ready for such an
eventuality? Are you among the many whom God is leading in this
way?
How to contact Ken Uptegrove:
To
send an email,
Our
phone number,
To
set up a speaking engagement,
to
make a contribution
The Lord impressed me to call North West Arkansas a "Green island of
survival."
I believe there are probably other such green islands, but the Lord sent me to
this specific one. There have been many prophecies and visions
that show this is indeed a green island of survival. Such
notables as Corry ten Boom who had a dramatic open vision
while here that told her this is a divinely protected place. The
only other place that I have had a number of confirmations on is in
the Montana area where Chuck Baldwin moved to.
CLICK
HERE TO SEE A
REAL ESTATE LISTING OF LAND IN NORTH WEST ARKANSAS
If
God is calling you to move to North West Arkansas to prepare for the
times we are in, see This listing of properties that are well suited
for your needs.
The
Acts Model for Sharing among Believers
32And
the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul;
and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his
own, but all things were common property to them.
33And
with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them
all.
34For
there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners
of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the
sales
35and
lay them at the apostles' feet, and they would be distributed to
each as any had need.
36Now
Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by
the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement),
37and
who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid
it at the apostles' feet. (Acts 4)
1But
a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of
property,
2and
kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife's full
knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the
apostles' feet.
3But
Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to
the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?
4"While
it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was
sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have
conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to
God."
5And
as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last;
and great fear came over all who heard of it. (Acts 5)
Jesus taught this brotherhood concept of giving to
His Apostles, and they continued in these teachings. (Most scholars
agree that the common purse concept seen in Acts 2 is not a doctrine.)
The Acts model for Christian life style is very hard
for our society to comprehend or accept ... in fact it is flat-out
rejected by most
of Christendom!
We cannot duplicate the first century Christians culture but we do
have the teachings of Jesus that He expects us to make a part of our
life style. He set the precedent for the model we see in Acts
4: 32-37 and in 1 Corinthians 14: 20-40.
Instruction for the Church
20Brethren,
do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but
in your thinking be mature.
21In
the Law it is written, "BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS
OF STRANGERS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE, AND EVEN SO THEY WILL
NOT LISTEN TO ME," says the Lord.
22So
then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to
unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to
those who believe.
23Therefore
if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues,
and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you
are mad?
24But
if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he
is convicted by all, he is called to account by all;
25the
secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his
face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.
26What
is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a
psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an
interpretation Let all things be done for edification.
27If
anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most
three, and each in turn, and one must interpret;
28but
if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and
let him speak to himself and to God.
29Let
two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment.
30But
if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one
must keep silent.
31For
you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may
be exhorted;
32and
the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets;
33for
God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches
of the saints.
34The
women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not
permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law
also says.
35If
they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at
home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.
36Was
it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come
to you only?
37If
anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that
the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment.
38But
if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.
39Therefore,
my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to
speak in tongues.
40But
all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.
(Emphasis added)
We see the key
to the Acts model for community and the church in Acts 5:4
where Peter said:
"While (the land) remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And
after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you
have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but
to God." So, the congregation of believers could chose to sell their property
and laid all or part of the money at the apostles feet. The
catch was that you could not lie to the Holy Spirit about what part
of the money you are giving to the apostles. So the Holy
Spirit was backing the apostle's teaching, and as we know, the
apostles were simply practicing what Jesus clearly taught them.
This self sufficient community will be
a village of "intentional neighbors" where everyone is of
one heart and soul, and everyone controls their own finances and affairs,
but all things will be common property to us (Acts 4:32). Common
resources, common purpose and mutual service will be our way
of life.
Our purpose will be to go into
local towns
to minister Jesus Christ to all who are in need. Our service will be to
meet all the needs within our community by serving each other.
There will be a diversity of ministries, professions, skills and
crafts present.
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Subscribe to Our
Acts Model Community
You are invited to join a new forum called the Acts Model
Community, put up by ArkHaven Ministries.
We see the need to prepare our families (physically, mentally,
and spiritually) for the hard times we see rushing in on America and the world
… very soon.
Worse yet, we feel alone and misunderstood. The church, our
family and friends, and indeed the whole world, seems to be asleep and
oblivious.
We are looking for like minded Christians who are being led of
the Lord as we are (being like minded), so we can encourage and assist each
other. We encourage those of other mind sets to form their own forums and
stay out of this one.
To minimize disagreements and maximize the potential of helping
form communities (including our own), we will continue to be like the Bereans,
and study the scripture daily. Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower
fades, but the word of our God stands forever.
We believe in the whole counsel of God, that the Word of God
reveals Christ Jesus and His character and nature. We find it hard to improve
upon Chuck Missler's description: "The great discovery is that the Bible is a
message system: it’s not simply 66 books penned by 40 authors over thousands
of years, the Bible is an integrated whole which bears evidence of
supernatural engineering in every detail"!
We do not identify with, nor accept the aberrant doctrines of
Dominionism, the Emergent Church, New Age philosophy, Hyper-Charismatic,
Preterism, or Replacement Theology. Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except
they be agreed?
See footnotes for a definition of these
doctrines.
(We are basically conservative Pentecostal, however have no
definite denomination that we adhere to).
The ultimate and future goal of ArkHaven (and perhaps you) is to
form a totally self sufficient, “Acts model, Christian community of
intentional neighbors” who live off the grid and farm the natural and organic
way so we can provide food for ourselves and for the poor and needy. We call
this "getting off the grid before the grid goes off."
We see that Christianity without community is not Christianity as
the Apostles taught. It is no coincidence that the Acts model lifestyle we see
in the first century church is also the best preparation a Christian can make
to sustain life and continue in ministry even in the hardest of times as well
as in the best of times. By "Acts model" I am referring to the entire book of
Acts. A Christian does not have to practice this concept of Christian
community to be saved or to continue in ministry, but we argue that it is a
good gift from God to us. Jesus taught this brotherhood concept of giving to
His Apostles, and they continued in these teachings. (Most scholars agree that
the common purse concept seen in Acts 2 is not a doctrine.)
We hope you are one of those we would love to have join us.
Shalom
Ken Uptegrove
us.groups.yahoo.com
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Self Sufficiency
We anticipate that we
will need our own utilities, food source, housing, and everything else
needed to sustain a healthy life style. Why? Because we
anticipate that the economy will collapse to such a degree that only
those who are ready for such a time with a totally self sufficient
community (reminiscent of the Amish life style) will be able to not
only survive, but be able to take in refugees and meet their physical
and spiritual needs.
We each will give of our services without
charge. All of us will obligate ourselves to do our part to
serve as unto Christ (Mat. 25:31-46). That means that the farmers grow
the food for all, the mechanics keep all the machinery operational, the
doctors treat all the community, etc. Money to finance every aspect of
the community will come from people within and outside of the community who
will operate business throughout the world.
How This
Community Differs From Most
Most Christian communities function as a family that meets the
needs of the family, has their own church on their property, and has
one strong leader, and practices common purse economics. They
always have a business that supports the community family members.
They are susceptible to becoming an ingrown cultish group.
This is the vision
behind the ministry name of ArkHaven.
What ArkHaven Is Not
ArkHaven is not
a paramilitary armed camp of survivalists or a bunch of secluded, hiding pacifists.
Our protection will be divine or none at all. Our prayer
warriors will keep up a prayer hedge about us at all times. The
camp that is armed is depending on their own numbers, training, and
equipment...the arm of the flesh. But there is always some group
out there that can outgun you. It is God's way to offer a vision
of long term provision and peace to a militant band of potential
raiders as opposed to a bloody shoot out at OK Corral.
ArkHaven is not Amish
or Mennonite in its theology, even though their self sufficiency and
community concepts will be very evident on the ArkHaven campus.
I like to point out that if you had asked an Amish farmer how he was
faring the depression back in the 20's he would have asked, "What
depression." Someone within the community makes or grows everything needed within the
community. They are survivors, not survivalists.
Survivalists (as a
general rule) horde food and supplies and arm themselves to protect
their stuff. Survivors are able to peacefully bring themselves
and others through good and bad times by growing and making everything
they need on their own property. They know how to be totally
self sufficient while at the same time be totally dependant on God to
lead and protect them.
ArkHaven will run much
like a YWAM camp. (That is an acronym for Youth With A Mission.
Youth With A
Mission is an international movement of Christians from many
denominations dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world.)
By that I mean we will equip our people to minister so that
we can better reach out into the surrounding community to serve.
And like YWAM, we wont have a church that we expect our community to
attend, but prefer to have our people go to churches of their choice
in the nearby communities.
My
testimony as to why we moved to north-west Arkansas from Illinois in
1985 is so unusual and so
miraculous that you may have a hard time believing it.
If you believe that
God has moved you to North West Arkansas as well, our testimonies may
confirm to each other that God did indeed move us here.
In 1982 the Lord began
telling me to move my family to north-west Arkansas to start my
end-time ministry. He said He was opening the doors for me to become
established there. He told me this area was "a green island of
survival," and He called the community concept "a community of
intentional neighbors."
At the time I was a
civilian employee at Scott Air Force base in Belleville, Illinois,
serving as a computer programmer. Our testimony of how God moved my
family here from Belleville, IL is as
inspiring as they get. God put together a series of events that made
the move come together in minute and miraculous detail.
Here is our testimony.
On one of my trips to Arkansas in
1983 I felt led to stop at a real estate office. I asked the
agent if there was a small natural and organic farm for sale. She
told me all about a four acre Blueberry farm, but the information was
useless to me at the time. I felt foolish as I walked out of that
office.
Then I felt led to go to Green Forest,
Arkansas
to see if a friend of mine still lived there. He was a
Chiropractor I knew back when we all went to church together in St.
Louis years before. Well, I found his clinic, and he invited me
to spend the night so we could talk. Over dinner I told him
about the natural and organic Blueberry farm in Springdale that was
for sale. It turns out that he knew all about that farm.
The owners traded Blueberries for Chiropractic treatment, and they
were Christians. The next day I went
to visit that farm, but this was just a far-fetched dream at the
time.
The only government job I could
transfer to in my profession was at the Veteran’s Hospital in
Fayetteville, so I filled out a job application there and went home.
A year later the Veterans Hospital in Fayetteville asked me to come
for a job interview. The interview went well, and before I could get
home they had already called ahead and said I was accepted.
I called the Blueberry farm to find
that the owners had moved to Georgia and left a young couple to run
the farm. So I called the owner in Georgia. He was glad to hear from
me because the young couple had also accepted a new job, but in Kansas
City. And his reporting date was August the 5th. My reporting date at
the VA Hospital was—you guessed it—on August the 5th as well. For
this reason I am convinced that God did in deed move us here.
How to contact Ken Uptegrove:
To
send an email,
Our
phone number,
To
set up a speaking engagement,
to
make a contribution
FOOTNOTE
Acts Model
Community Forum Links
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