The Story

L’Arcada, which means the archway, is located in the valley of Sant Miguel de Campmajor in the Girona province (Northeastern part of Spain), and recently celebrated it’s 30 anniversary​. While many people have already experienced the wonderful atmosphere of this special place, we wanted to revisit the story of how L’Arcada came to be for those who have not yet been there or for those who have forgotten.

After several years of relatively unsuccessful church planting efforts, Dave and Debbie Frank felt God leading them to take a different approach and develop a camp and conference center in the northeast corner of Spain. After receiving GEM (Greater Europe Mission) approval, they began to search for a suitable property, one with specific characteristics and enough room to expand into this new strategic vision.

After a somewhat discouraging five year period of waiting on God, working through local and legal challenges, and shortage of funds, they found a property that fit their needs and more for sale in the valley of Sant Miguel.

So David and Jordi Vilahur, drove up to the property and walked over much of it (about 750 acres) giving thanks to God for leading them this far and prayed, «Lord, we claim this beautiful place of Your creation for Your glory here in Europe, and ask for Your guidance in the purchase negotiations.»

There were many things that happened (and cultural influences) through the process that made it obvious that God was leading the way. From the original sale price being over one million dollars, to the final price being negotiated down to around $500,000, to the owner allowing part of the balance to be paid over time without interest, it was obvious that God guarded this property for this work to go forward.

The first camp opened in 1991, and we pray God continues to make things grow.