A Place of Healing in the Desert: Spirit in the Desert Report

View reports for our 2026 assembly on our assembly mission and ministry stories page or in this collection of blog posts. 

At Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, ministry begins with a simple but profound act: making space for people to be received with compassion.

📄 Read the report

In 2025:

• 3,738 guests and hundreds of groups were welcomed

• Retreats supported spiritual formation, recovery, grief, and renewal

• Participants came from a wide range of faith traditions

One powerful example was a retreat for individuals with young-onset Parkinson’s, where participants formed deep connections and lasting community.

A Ministry of Presence

Spirit in the Desert offers:

• Sacred spaces for reflection and prayer

• A rhythm of rest, conversation, and healing

• A community rooted in hospitality and care

Why This Matters

This ministry reminds us that the church’s work often happens in quiet, transformative ways—through presence, listening, and shared life.