“What better place to do God’s work than on the Holy Cross River?” Derek said. 

The Meek League is the name of the nonprofit behind the acquisition, started by the Nelsons and spiritually strengthened by several pastors in Minnesota. Part of the Meek League’s mission is to support a meek style of leadership, which adheres to Christian principles. 

“There are people unfamiliar with the word meek that think it has to do with weakness and someone who’s really quiet,” Derek said. “It’s actually a strong, humble strength, and that’s what I think our society needs more of. We just think of sacrificing more, being more humble, watching the words that you say, treating people with respect, being friends of sinners. We always say that we propose, we don’t impose, and that’s what a Christian should be doing constantly. Showing people what Christianity is just by serving others, so that’s where meek stood out.” 

Thy Holy Cross Mission will give the Meek League a chance to share their message and enjoy God’s creation with the wider community.

“The meek are supposed to inherit the earth, so we may as well take care of a piece of God’s earth right now,” Derek said. “So we decided that we’re going to dedicate this piece of land to God, equip others in using it but open it up so anybody can use the facility.” 

“We’re Christ-centered, and we want to be able to have a community gathering place,” Carol said. “There’s not really any kind of community gathering places in this area.”

The boat launch employs quite a few youth from around the community, and Derek said that all of them will keep their jobs with the transition. 

“If somebody came in and were to buy it and make it a private residence, it would eliminate 20 jobs,” Derek said. “We don’t just want to help and encourage youth in their Christian faith, but we also do it in employment. And that’s just a great way to mentor as well.”

He hopes it will also provide an accessible place for underprivileged youth to spend time close to nature.

“It’s a united-in-Christ kind of mission,” Derek said. “Our denomination is anything associated with Christ. Our church is St. Peter Lutheran Church in Afton, but there’s only so much you can do at a church like that. A lot of churches have a lot of empty space that doesn’t get utilized as much – I’d rather have an outdoor church. And a lot of water. That just sounds like what I’d like to do. I’d like to fish with the eagles and do Bible study on the water. And let youth who don’t get the opportunity to see the outdoors and nature like this be able to utilize it.” 

Originally from Minnetonka, Derek was an entrepreneur for 25 years. He owned a technology recruiting firm and served as president of a private equity firm, but decided to give it up and turn his business acumen toward serving God. Carol, originally from Albert Lea, graduated from the University of Minnesota with a biological sciences degree, and later became office manager of a small manufacturing company. Derek moved to Afton in 2007. 

Civics, outreach and conservation are three of the items the Meek League will focus on while it develops the place. Accessibility for all is also important.

“Nobody should ever have to pay to have access to the holy cross river,” Derek said. “So one of the first things that we’re doing is that you’ll never be charged to launch your boat on the river ever again at this site.” 

The property includes three structures: a house, a general store and a four season cabin.

“We’re hoping that we can open it all up,” Carol said. “The house won’t just be our residence; it’ll be an open house.” 

They hope the space will offer resources such as healthy snacks, faith-based reference materials and more, but most importantly it will provide easy access and a space for community members to celebrate faith in a unique way.

“We’re open to ideas and suggestions; it’s for everyone,” Derek said. “We’re just managing it for God. The rest is just going to be a lot of fun and solace. Anything we can do to help people’s soul. This is going to be a place where liberty and the Holy Spirit thrive. We’ll do everything we can to honor that.”

If your church, located anywhere in the world, would like to adopt or sponsor the mission, or you are an individual wanting to provide a donation, contact the Meek League at carol@themeekleague.org orderek@themeekleague.org. A website, www.meekleague.org, is currently in development.