Our Week at the Gaius Ranch
Pastor Jim and Joy Tucker
Valley Baptist Church
Brawley, CA

September 8 – 16, 2006

We traveled along the scenic Columbia River Gorge to our destination getaway! Praise the Lord, the cell coverage quit about 20 miles from the ranch! Are we really this far away from the noise and bustle of the ministry back home? Every where you look it’s a postcard. Breathtaking!

Driving into the retreat, we climbed up a curvy steep road above the river and through the gate, and then immediately felt the presence of our Creator. Greeted by our hosts, Loyal Friesen, Gerry and DeeDee Eikerman, and Scott and Karen Stoyan, we were welcome from the start! What sweet servants with a desire to make our every moment perfect. They succeeded!

Our little cabin was comfy and stocked with all the essentials. All we brought were clothes, fishing gear, swimsuits, and food. Our marriage was enriched as we enjoyed each other without distractions. When it was time for fellowship we BBQ’d on the deck with our new friends and talked about the Lord. These precious servants have the knack for “being there” or “not being there” depending on what your need is. What a vision! What a refreshed Pastor and his wife! Thank You!

The adventurous side of us took over for a couple of days. We enjoyed horseback riding, golf, shopping and dining in British Columbia, exploring the back-roads and fishing in the streams. The trout and smallmouth are abundant here! We even kayaked down the Pend Orielle River. We saw a moose, a bear, caught 12 fish while trolling from the kayak, paddled through an icy waterfall, and ate Jerk Chicken cooked over a fire at Boundary Dam. We finished the evenings in the hot tub while watching the deer play on the lawn.

Sunday Morning we attended Columbia River Bible Church. Great praise and worship followed by a feast in God’s Word. Pastor Randy serves up a powerful message! We shared communion. I wept.

Did I say our marriage was renewed? My wife of 22 years is so beautiful - even more so riding a horse through the woods. Yes we miss the kids and our church – but boy did we need this time alone. Thank You Jesus, for this time of refreshing!

On this our last night at this heavenly place, I look out at the lawn and see the deer grazing. I look up, and it’s as if I can touch the stars. I look in, and can tell that my Lord has energized us to go back in His strength to preach the good news! I listen, and it’s so quiet you could hear a pine needle drop. I hear His voice. He reassures me.

We’ll be back! (III John 1-6)