This is a charred leaf we found on our first visit back home after the fire.

It was sobering to imagine how it would have been burning on the way down to our lawn. Thank God for His provision.

Wow! These last few years sure have been crazy! We’ve seen fires come way too close for comfort, an ice storm that we’re still discovering damage from, and believe it or not-some sort of tornado that ripped down Molalla Forest Rd. uprooting some of our 200ft+ tall trees! Oh, ya, and a pandemic, I almost forgot about that detail. Wow doesn’t’ quite seem to cut it. We thank you for your prayers during these challenging times. God has provided through it all, Molalla Retreat still stands! It’s amazing to think this year will mark our 7th year here.

Here we are busily working our third summer at M.R.! Wow! Time really does fly! We’ve been enjoying the river in this hot summer heat! We’ve met some new faces and seen some old friends. We really enjoy the time we get to interact with our guests and so appreciate each and everyone of you that has chosen to stay here over these last few years. As it has been since day one, we hope to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment and a way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. As such we keep looking for ways to improve facilities, food, grounds, games, etc. We value your input, feel free to let us know how we can continue to improve! We are humbled by God’s goodness and grace in our lives and the fact that we get to serve here and call this place home still seems unbelievable at times. Thanks for being a part of this awesome journey!

Billie

8/6/19

It’s crazy to think that in a few short months we’ll have been here for two years! Thanks to everyone that have made these first couple of years such an amazing experience! We’ve learned so much, most by trial and error…..thanks for your patience in the errors! It has been such a blessing to meet so many fantastic people and work with some really impactful organizations. Every day God continues to remind us why He brought us here. Often He encourages us through our interactions with you, our guests! We’ve had a lot of fun this last year doing some updating of the facilities. We hope you like the changes! We truly appreciate you choosing Molalla Retreat and we strive to make your stay here the absolute best!!! We’re not super great at social media, but we’re giving it a shot! Find us on facebook, like us, post pics from your stay, tag us…you know, all those things you do on FB!!!

Thanks, hope to see you soon!

Billie Jean-for the Neely’s

6/2018

In September 2016 our little family of 6 became the new owners of Molalla Retreat! It’s been a fun journey….it all started for us way back in the ’90’s, when Justin and I were just kids. We met some friends at church, their names were Bob and Judy Loucks. In 2000 the Loucks stepped out in faith and purchased a christian retreat center on the Molalla River. It was fun to see the Loucks take that step and as we stayed in touch we saw how God blessed their faithfulness, turning what was a small private church camp into the now rather far reaching ministry that is Molalla Retreat. We are delighted to take over this work and be a part of how the Lord will continue to bless local churches and organizations through this beautiful place!

We have 4 daughters that you will see running around helping us with the daily camp chores. Often times they will help with food service and our youngest (7) really likes to make new friends with any kids that might be staying onsite. It is a joy to see them serve others!

God has started a great work here and we are so excited to see how He continues to lead our family through this adventure! Thank you for your prayers and support!

-Billie Jean, for the Neely’s

Justin, Billie Jean, Gracie, Lizzie, Bekah and Addie