News From the Inn - Spring 2024
The earth is waking up from its winter slumber - the birds are singing, the temps are gradually warming, the frog pond chorale has begun its daily twilight rehearsals, and we all seem to be getting a little pep in our step. As I swap out our clothes from winter to spring, it feels like I am drawing a line in the sand and daring winter to cross.
As I write this, we are on the edge of a new season, and I am finding it hard to believe it has been three months since Christmas. Time flies when you’re (still) renovating! As Christ followers, we are looking ahead to Easter as we reflect on and remember Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross and celebrate His resurrection and His victory over death and the grave. Hallelujah!
We have had a busy start to 2024, including 8” of snow in mid-January. While the snow, followed by several days of rain, forced us to push pause for a few days, we have definitely made up for lost time since then.
All the flooring downstairs has been installed with doors and trim currently going in; final plumbing has been completed; glass shower doors have been installed in all the guest baths; new concrete has been poured, including porches, sidewalks, a foundation for a fifth guest room and a patio at the carriage house; and new covered porches for the main entrance to the Inn and at the carriage house have been built.
In between all of these final renovation details, we’ve had the honor of hosting several ministry couples and missionaries, and we have loved every minute of it! We are on course for opening all four Inn guest rooms in May.
Being able to provide the ministry of Shepherd’s Inn has shown us how disorienting it can be for people in ministry to be served. It is hard to receive when you are used to being the one doing all the doing. We even have a hard time convincing guests to leave their dishes on the table after they have finished eating!
At the same time, we have also found that Shepherd’s Inn is providing for guests exactly what the Lord intended - rest, for a weary soul, mind, and body; renewal, to be able to reengage in ministry; and care - it’s amazing what a comfy bed, good food, encouraging conversation, and time in fellowship with the Father can do. Glory to God!
We will host a big outdoor volunteer day on Saturday, April 20th, from 8 AM to 2 PM. This will be our final work day before our grand opening in May! We have several outdoor projects that we hope to tackle including:
landscaping - laying sod in the courtyard area and planting flower beds along the exterior of the Inn
pressure washing and painting the exterior of the carriage house
completing any trim painting that needs to be done on the Inn
paint the fence, Daniel-son
limb pick up and tree trimming along the front of the property
Lunch is provided. If you’d like to volunteer, please click here. We hope to see you on April 20th!
Stay Share Sponsorships
One of our biggest practical needs at the Inn is provision for ministers and missionaries to stay at the Inn. We never want cost to be a hindrance to receiving this life-giving ministry. A Stay Share sponsorship provides an overnight stay(s) at the Inn for a minister or missionary and helps us provide the ministry of rest, renewal, and care at little to no cost for those who need it. Each stay includes all meals, lodging, and care for an individual or couple.
Use the Stay Share link below to sponsor a stay at the Inn for those who need it. If you would like to sponsor a minister or missionary directly, please contact us here.
If you are a minister or missionary (or know one) who needs a visit to Shepherd's Inn, you can now reserve a stay at the Inn. We're excited to officially announce that beginning in May we will be open full-time(Thursday thru Sunday nights) for up to a four-night stay, and you can apply now for upcoming dates.
To find out more information and to apply to stay, click here.
Please be in prayer for us as we make the final preparations to be fully open in May. Pray for wisdom in decision making, and pray for the ministers and missionaries we'll be serving. We've been affirmed time and time again over the last six months of how great the need is for places of retreat like Shepherd's Inn. We are excited to begin offering that ministry full-time.
Thank you for continuing to be a part of this journey with us. We are grateful for you!
In Christ,
The Shepherd's Inn Team
