It’s been a little bit since you have heard from us here at Sanctuary Inn. We’re still here!

In January we faced the challenges of below freezing temps, power outages, water outages and bursting freezing pipes in the women’s restroom area of our Lodge. It was a team effort to turn off the water, manage the flooding and clean-up the mess. In managing the crisis Steve Price showed his hidden plumbing skills. We are grateful to report that the damage has already been repaired, new carpet installed, and Lodge rental groups have continued to come; we’ve had 5 groups already this year since the damage occurred. It’s been a busy season!

Despite the havoc of the winter storm and ice, our team once again made it to Mission Connexion on, January 19 & 20, where we had a booth and taught a couple Member Care workshops. We made many great connections with interested individuals in the ministry of Sanctuary Inn. Joann Price’s chocolate chip cookies were also thoroughly enjoyed by those who stopped by to see us. It was an encouragement to see so much interest in the work of missionary care.

Dan Abbott, Steve Price and Kara Githens at our Mission Connexion Booth.

Our year is off to a good start as we host various missionary guests, many for short stays to rest, unwind, and debrief. A family just arrived who will be staying with us for a while; they have left a long-term assignment overseas and are in the thick of cross-cultural transitioning. Please pray for them as they grieve the losses of leaving the life and ministry they had for a decade and prepare to begin a new season of ministry here in the United States.

In the midst of the challenges and unexpected here at Sanctuary Inn the one thing we can count on is that God is at work! We are encouraged by the testimony of a recent short-term guest.

“The opportunity I had to spend time at Sanctuary Inn was quite literally an answer to prayer. After recently returning from short-term outreach travels, I was feeling overwhelmed by the noise and busyness of the world again and was desperately seeking solitude and space to connect with the Lord. Everything I experienced at Sanctuary Inn welcomed me into a place of peace and relaxation.

Steve & Joann provide a very natural family style welcome; from arranging all the special details of the room they set up for my stay, to an open invitation for dinner each night where I enjoyed being able to join right in with them and their family.

Kara’s kindness and true empathy walking me through my debrief session was very helpful and set the pace for the healing discovery I would process over my time there.

Good coffee, beautiful weather, peaceful walks through the wilderness and along the river …as well as a cozy bed and the tranquility of my surroundings, left me feeling the closest I had to God since returning from the mission field!

I’m very grateful to Sanctuary Inn and the personal care they offer. I look forward to being able to return again soon!”

This month we are also excited to report that we only have $19,000 left to pay on our property loan payment. There is so much to celebrate! God continues to care for His people and provide for their care too!

Thank you for your partnership in the ministry of Sanctuary Inn. We are looking forward to all that God is going to continue to do here at Sanctuary Inn in 2024.

Blessings,
Kara Githens and the Sanctuary Inn Team