By Grace Alone

To celebrate 50 years of Bodenseehof (in 2018), we collected significant moments and milestones in the history of Bodenseehof as well as numerous testimonies from people who have passed through these doors during those five decades.
If you would like to purchase a copy for 5.- € (plus shipping), please write an email to buchhandlung@bodenseehof.de.

God's history with Bodenseehof

December 31, 1961
1961

December 31, 1961

Charlie Moore, Rolf Sättler, and Pastor Fritz Müller see the need for an evangelical place for young people. In the process, their attention is drawn to the Kast's farmhouse in Fischbach.

March 25, 1962
1962

March 25, 1962

Pfarrer Fritz Müller, Reverend Charlie Moore with his wife Anita, Hans Steinacker, Pastor Heino Tangermann, Elisabeth Diener, Inge Remppis and Horst Rautenberg are founding the association „Christliches Jugendzentrum Bodenseehof e.V.“ (Christian Youth Center Bodenseehof). They suppose Bodenseehof to be a work of faith, build up without any donation appeals, only relying on God's grace and provision.

November 1962
1962

November 1962

Bodenseehof's application for non-profit status is being granted.

July 21, 1964
1964

July 21, 1964

The city of Friedrichshafen gives written consent, allowing the construction of Bodenseehof.

August 17, 1964
1964

August 17, 1964

Construction of the dorm begins

March 2, 1966
1966

March 2, 1966

The first 3-B-Holidy (Beten, Bauen, Baden: pray, build, bath) begins. Volunteers complete the shell by the beginning of September. More than 100 friends of Bodenseehof work for 11,300 hours on the construction site.

Oktober 29, 1966
1966

Oktober 29, 1966

The roofing ceremony for the newly constructed dorm takes place at 6 pm.

Easter 1967
1967

Easter 1967

The first holiday, with 30 guests, takes place in the rented Kast's farmhouse. The day rate (lodging and three meals) is 8,00 Deutsche Mark. Overall Bodenseehof hosted 217 guests in 1967.

Easter sunday 1968
1968

Easter sunday 1968

Bodenseehof is being commissioned to its true purpose and work. Many friends of Bodenseehof celebrate a festival service in the church in Manzell. In the afternoon speeches take place from one of the balconies in the dorm. One thing becomes evident: God deserves the glory.

Summer 1968
1968

Summer 1968

The holiday work starts but the financial situation gets tougher with time, and the trust in God's interference is needed more than ever. At the end of the year, Bodenseehof has unpaid bills with the value of 161,412.52 Deutsche Mark.

June 18, 1969
1969

June 18, 1969

After God has given clear signs for it, Torchbearers help Bodenseehof in financial need. Under the leadership of Major Ian Thomas Torchbearers enter the work of Bodenseehof permanently. Rosi Berger, Major Thomas, and Charlie Moore become permanent board members.

Winter 1970/71
1970

Winter 1970/71

At the suggestions of Major Ian Thomas, Bodenseehof starts a Bible School course in 1970, parallel to Bible School Capernwray Hall in England. In the first year, 48 students from 10 nations attend Bible School.

September 1973
1973

September 1973

The new administration building with the lecture hall, kitchen, and dining hall is being inaugurated. Bodenseehof now has 90 beds for guests.

June 1983
1983

June 1983

The farmhouse which has been bought and taken down in 1977 is being replaced with a new staff house. The bed numbers rise to 104.

February 1995
1995

February 1995

Charlie Moore, Director of Bodenseehof, passes away unexpectedly.

June 1995
1995

June 1995

Herb Brasher becomes the new director.

Fall 2000
2000

Fall 2000

In a major building project (“Elisha Project”), the main administration building is extended.

June 2001
2001

June 2001

Herb Brasher and Scott Countryman say goodbye to Bodenseehof. Heinz Spindler becomes the new director, the new principal is Peter Reid.

Summer 2007
2007

Summer 2007

A new extension to the dorm provides space for additional showers, toilets and two tea kitchens.

Summer 2011
2011

Summer 2011

The dorm building is remodeled in long and intense weeks of hard work.

March 2014
2014

March 2014

Heinz and Ute Spindler leave Bodenseehof to serve in Serbia. Peter Reid becomes the new director, Steve Volle the new principal.

October 2016
2016

October 2016

After a year of construction, the new entrance area and offices are dedicated.

April 2018
2018

April 2018

50 years after opening the building, Bodenseehof welcomes many (former) staff members, students, guests and friends to celebrate this anniversary with a great ceremony.