Mt. Gilead buys adjoining 38.5-acre property to expand ministry

Mt. Gilead Bible Camp & Conference Center has acquired a 38.5-acre neighboring site in Sebastopol, California, to expand its Christian ministry and improve security. The $3.282 million purchase is complete, but the nonprofit is now seeking donations, prayer and volunteers to repay the loan and prepare the property for use.

Why it matters: - The acquisition gives Mt. Gilead direct control of land next to its existing Sebastopol camp, which can strengthen security and protect the redwood setting. - The new property adds space for retreats, counseling, leadership training and other small-group ministry that is harder to host in a traditional camp setting. - Mt. Gilead still needs funding to repay the $3.282 million loan used to buy the property.

What happened: - Mt. Gilead Bible Camp & Conference Center acquired 38.5 acres adjoining its camp in Sebastopol, California. - The property, named Redemption Canyon, was purchased for $3.282 million. - The acquisition is complete, but the loan remains outstanding. - Mt. Gilead is asking churches, former campers, families, donors, volunteers and community partners to pray, give and help prepare the site for ministry.

The details: - Redemption Canyon includes two remodeled five-bedroom homes, meeting and classroom space, staff housing, a small gymnasium and an outdoor stage. - Each home has a full kitchen, a wood stove and a meeting room. - The homes can host guests who do not fit traditional cabin lodging, including older adults, families with young children, visiting speakers and pastors on renewal leave. - The meeting room seats about 60 to 80 people. - The space can support Bible studies, leadership retreats, board meetings, training programs and smaller conferences. - The property also allows Mt. Gilead to host one group at Redemption Canyon while another uses the main camp. - A two-bedroom apartment can house staff or volunteers who help care for the property. - Mt. Gilead plans to prepare the site in phases, starting with repairs, furnishings, safety improvements and accessibility upgrades. - Opening dates for each area will depend on building conditions, available funding and the needs of churches and ministry groups. - Volunteers with construction, maintenance or repair experience are invited to help. - The camp’s 2026 summer season ended July 30. - Mt. Gilead serves guests from the Bay Area, Sacramento and across Northern California. - Mt. Gilead also launched a redesigned, mobile-friendly website for registrations, retreat planning, event information, staff communication and online giving.

Between the lines: - The purchase suggests Mt. Gilead is planning for long-term growth rather than short-term expansion. - Because the property shares a boundary with the existing camp, the deal could improve land stewardship and control over access. - The ministry pitch leans on both practical needs and faith-based support, with prayer and volunteer labor alongside financial giving. - Dave Gould said the property will expand ministry opportunities, strengthen camp security and help Mt. Gilead serve people for generations. - Gould also said the acquisition was made in faith, trusting that God will continue to provide.

What’s next: - Mt. Gilead will raise money to repay the loan and outfit the property for use. - The camp will roll out ministry space at Redemption Canyon in phases as work is completed. - Supporters can give at Mt. Gilead's donation page and note “Redemption Canyon.” - Checks can be mailed to Mt. Gilead Bible Camp & Conference Center, P.O. Box 777, Graton, CA 95444-9800. - Additional giving options are available through Dave Gould at 707-823-4508 or dave@mtgilead.org.

The bottom line: - Mt. Gilead has secured the land; now the nonprofit must fund the next step to turn Redemption Canyon into usable ministry space.