Our Move to the Mountains

     Last summer, our family had three different opportunities presented to us.  They weren’t just coincidences, they were ‘God-i-dences’!  Each one of them involved moving from our Satus home.  God closed the doors for two of those and continued to open doors and give confirmation for us to pursue this ministry opportunity. 

Bethel Ridge Retreat is nestled at the foot of the Cascade Mountains.  There are two houses on the property for the volunteer staff.  So at the end of September, we moved from our “Satus house” to our “Mountain Cottage”.  We are serving here at Bethel Ridge Retreat as volunteer support staff. 

"The Mountain Cottage"

We moved up to the Mountains, and continue to marvel at God's wonderful creation.  The evergreen trees, the nature all around us, it's just a vast difference in where we moved from in the Satus basin.  Desert, sagebrush, dusty, fine soil(dirt), hot, not much wildlife..

 Patio with steps to the backyard. 

 East facing view

 North facing view

Gregg and Glenna Hires started this ministry to provide and equip couples, families, and individuals with the tools they need to build and maintain healthy families and relationships.  Both have experienced the death of their first spouses, single parenting, and then the blending of their families.  They both have counseling degrees in several areas, including Grief & Loss and Marriage & Family Counseling.  They have a faith-based, not-for-profit office in Yakima at Bethel Ridge Family Resources.  There are two cabin style lodges here in the mountains with 3 bedrooms each, living room with fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, and hot tub on the deck. These cabins are used for private counseling, marriage & ministry retreats, respite for pastors & missionaries, romantic getaways, and special gatherings.  Also, marriages or families in crisis situations can come to the cabins and get intensive counseling for a few days.  There is an Intimate Marriage Weekend Retreat about once a month.  It’s a great place for maintaining your marriage and learning new communication patterns.  Kind of like getting the oil changed in your car.  Being purposeful about ways to better your relationship and communication skills.  It’s also great for newlyweds or engaged couples!  Shane and I attended the last Marriage Retreat and definitely learned new tools for our tool box!  

Gregg & Glenna Hires

Another couple moved about 4 weeks before we did, and are also volunteering here at Bethel Ridge.  Barb takes care of the office work, prepping the cabins, and checking people in.  Dennis does some of the grounds maintenance & hot tub maintenance. 

  

Dennis & Barb Elder- Volunteer Staff