INTENTIONAL COMMUNITIES, SOME INSIDE VIEWS

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In 1970, after more than a decade of working with the poor and troubled, Galeb and Rachel Ashurst dedicated their home and property to those in need and called their place Roandoak of God. Since then, thousands of people (around 800 a year) of all ages, national origins, and backgrounds have come here: the defeated and the demanding, the meek and the angrily desperate, those seeking a meaningful life-way and those wanting a temporary helping hand. But all are somehow in need, and we at Roandoak are privileged to share what we have with them.

Immediate needs are met first: a meal, a shower, a clean bed, fresh clothing, someone to listen and be concerned, and—for specific problems, such as alcoholism or drug addiction—special care. Whatever obstacle an individual faces, there will most likely be a man or woman here who has struggled with the same thing and overcome it.

But that's just the beginning, because Roandoak of God is not a flophouse for professional idlers. Rather, it's a Christian commune, and—for those who stay here for any length of time—there's a fairly regimented lifestyle. At 6:00 AM our bell announces reveille. At 6:30 it's rung for breakfast, and again at 7:15 for work assignments. At noon the bell signals lunch, and at 5:30, dinner. At 7:00 PM the bell sounds again for church service. Noise curfew is at 10:00 PM, and lights must be turned out at 11:00 PM.

All children who are old enough spend the greater part of the day at grade school, where they're taught by qualified commune members from a nationally used Christian curriculum. Younger children are able to attend our preschool or nursery care center during the day. Most enjoy learning the Bible at Children's Church in the evenings. Here, puppets, costumes, art projects, and more combine to give the children a happy and meaningful conclusion to their active day.

Many facets of daily life at Roandoak of God remain fairly communal. For example, everyone lives on the mission property, and all meals are served in the communal dining hall. Laundry is done in the large commercial wash room by appointed laundry stewards. Attendance at church service is required on Sunday and Monday nights, while the other four weeknight services are on a voluntary basis. Donated clothing is stored in our big red barn, which also houses the woodworking shop, sewing room, supply storage, and commune library. From there, garments are distributed according to need.

All those who are capable of work are expected to do it, and our work programs center upon four basic functions. The first is therapy. It's a well-known fact that getting a life in order requires leading a well-ordered life, and that to feel worthwhile it's necessary to do useful and worthwhile things. Some of our newcomers have never before experienced constructive and productive activity. For others, work becomes a welcome distraction from habitual brooding, self-criticism, and regret. And for all, we've found labor to be a social, meaningful, and therapeutic activity.

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