This summer did not unfold quite the way we expected.

We had been preparing to send out a summer update when the Spokane Complex fires began, and Living Springs Ranch found itself right along the edge of the Level 3 evacuation area for the Autumn Lane Fire. Plans changed quickly, guest stays were interrupted, and for a time our attention shifted from the normal rhythms of hosting and ministry to watching the fire, helping neighbors, and preparing for what might happen next. Now, with the immediate danger behind us, we are especially grateful to look back at all God has done at the Ranch this year.

Since opening the cabins for the season on April 1, we have welcomed 24 families — 60 people in all — for 108 combined days of retreats.

In addition, a men’s group and their families brought about 30 people to the Ranch for a three-day campout near the top of the mountain.

And the season isn’t finished yet. More than a dozen additional guests are already scheduled over the next couple of months, with more dates still being filled before we close the cabins for winter in November.

Each number represents someone who has had the opportunity to step away from the demands of everyday life and ministry for a little while — to sleep, pray, explore, spend time with family, sit quietly, or simply breathe. That continues to be the heart of Living Springs Ranch.

Notes like this remind us why Living Springs Ranch exists. Rest is not simply an escape from ministry—it can be the space God uses to restore, redirect, encourage, and prepare His servants to continue.

We also welcomed a group of about 30 people for a three-day family camp on the top of our mountain.

The now-annual gathering began several years ago as a men’s group campout started by an instructor connected with Moody Aviation. In recent years, the men have begun bringing their wives and children as well, turning the weekend into a family gathering.

There were campfires, outdoor activities, four-wheeler rides, and plenty of time spent simply enjoying fellowship and time together. One of the men shared with us that, “as a group, we can trace significant spiritual growth from conversations around campfires here at Living Springs Ranch. Where else in this busy life do you get to sit and talk for hours?”

One of the blessings of having 140 acres is being able to share the Ranch in different ways. Sometimes ministry here looks like one person quietly sitting on a cabin porch with a Bible and a cup of coffee. Other times it looks like 30 people gathered around a campfire.

We’re grateful for both.

One cabin became temporary housing for a family whose home was directly in the path of the fire. The fire burned all around their property, but thankfully their house was saved.

We were also able to provide a place for another neighbor who lives only about half a mile from where the fire eventually stopped and changed direction.

For a ministry built around providing a place of refuge and rest, it was meaningful to see the cabins serve that purpose in a completely different way for a few days.

We thank God for His protection over Living Springs Ranch, our neighbors, and so many homes in our immediate area.

At the same time, we know that many families were not as fortunate. Homes, property, forests, and years of work were lost. We are deeply grateful for God’s protection while also grieving with those who suffered so much.

The fire was also a strong reminder that living and ministering in the forest comes with responsibilities. There is more we would like to do to make Living Springs Ranch better prepared for future wildfires.

One of our biggest needs is improving our water system and well capacity. At present, we cannot run substantial irrigation or sprinklers for very long without quickly drawing down the well. Being able to store and move more water would help us keep areas around the cabins and other structures greener and would give us another tool for protecting the property during fire season.

We also want to continue improving the landscaping and defensible space around our buildings. And, of course, there is the seemingly never-ending job of thinning, trimming, and removing brush throughout the forest.

There are still several weeks left in our 2026 guest season, and we already have more than a dozen people scheduled to stay before the cabins close for winter in November.

Please pray for each person and family who comes through the Ranch — that their time here would provide genuine rest, encouragement, and renewed connection with God and with one another.

Please also pray for wisdom as we plan future improvements, especially those related to wildfire preparedness, our water system, and the continued development of the Ranch.