Ranch History: The Ski Lodge

In the early 1980’s Christian Encounter was in expansion mode. Nearby ski areas were booming, and we dreamed of developing a winter wilderness and retreat ministry.

A dream-come-true lodge just off Highway 80 in Kingvale was located, and we leased the property for two winters. The programs were successful spiritually and financially.

The owner was anxious to sell and offered a bargain price. The staff and Board of Directors asked the Lord for specific guidance.

​All the Ranch property would have to be at risk, used as collateral to finance the purchase. We notified donors and set a thirty-day deadline to raise $10,000 for the down payment as a sign of God’s approval (like Gideon’s fleece), promising to return the money if it wasn’t all in within 30 days.

Enthusiasm was high and money started pouring in. But in the end, we were a measly twenty dollars short. The temptation to ignore the tiny shortfall was enormous. But the deal was off! The property owner couldn’t comprehend such picayune business dealings. Yet the wisdom of following God’s leading soon became evident: within the year the septic system failed and the state required a million dollar replacement! Worse, California entered a period of drought and the snow failed to fall. Nearby ski resorts lost millions of dollars, and the demand for winter retreats ceased. Christian Encounter was saved from financial ruin! Praise God!

Marion Parker, Former Staff