The adjoining Sebastopol property expands Christian ministry in Sonoma County; the acquisition is complete, but prayer, giving and volunteers are still needed.
SEBASTOPOL, CA, UNITED STATES, August 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Mt. Gilead Bible Camp & Conference Center in Northern California has acquired 38.5 acres directly adjoining its Sebastopol camp, securing an important opportunity to expand Christian ministry, strengthen the security of the camp and serve people for generations to come. Named Redemption Canyon, the $3.282 million property acquisition was financed through a loan rather than pre-funded by donations. The acquisition is complete, but the loan remains to be repaid. Through the Redemption Canyon ministry expansion and loan repayment campaign, Mt. Gilead is inviting churches, former campers, families, donors, volunteers and community partners to pray, give and help prepare the property for ministry.
Redemption Canyon includes two remodeled five-bedroom residences, meeting and classroom space, staff housing, a small gymnasium, and an outdoor stage in a field set among the Sonoma County redwoods. The property creates new opportunities for marriage retreats, counseling ministries, leadership training, board retreats, Bible studies, team-building programs and other small-group gatherings that are difficult to host in a traditional camp setting.
“We believe this property will expand our ministry opportunities, strengthen the security of our camp, and help us serve people for generations to come,” said Dave Gould, executive director of Mt. Gilead Bible Camp & Conference Center. “We stepped forward in faith, trusting that the God who opened this door will continue to provide.”
The neighboring property had been available before, but as Mt. Gilead has grown, the need for greater security and future ministry capacity has become increasingly important. Because Redemption Canyon shares a boundary with the existing camp, the acquisition helps protect the quiet redwood setting, improve control over access and support thoughtful stewardship of the land along the shared property line.
The two remodeled homes are the property’s central feature. Both homes include five bedrooms, a full kitchen, a wood stove and a meeting room where participants can gather for teaching, meals and conversation. Together, the homes open the camp to guests who cannot stay in traditional cabins, including older adults, families with young children, visiting speakers, pastors on renewal leave and others who benefit from residential-style lodging.
A meeting room on the property can seat approximately 60 to 80 people, making it suitable for Bible studies, leadership retreats, board meetings, training programs and smaller conferences. It also allows Mt. Gilead to host one group at Redemption Canyon while another group uses the main camp, giving each group dedicated space. The small gymnasium can support recreation, worship, classes and group activities, while a two-bedroom apartment can provide housing for staff or volunteers who help care for the property and support the ministry taking place there.
“Redemption Canyon is more than land and buildings,” Gould said. “It’s a place where lives will be changed for generations through the love of Christ.”
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Mt. Gilead plans to prepare Redemption Canyon for ministry in phases, beginning with repairs, furnishings, safety improvements and accessibility upgrades. The timing for opening each area will depend on building conditions, available funding and the needs of churches and ministry groups. Volunteers with experience in construction, maintenance or repairs are invited to help as the property is prepared for use.
The announcement follows the conclusion of Mt. Gilead’s 2026 summer camp season on July 30. Its summer camps, conferences and retreats draw guests from the entire Bay Area, Sacramento and throughout Northern California. Mt. Gilead also recently launched a redesigned, mobile-friendly website that makes it easier for families, churches and ministry leaders to register for programs, plan retreats, find events, communicate with staff and give online.
Video tour
A guided video tour featuring Dave Gould introduces Redemption Canyon, explains why Mt. Gilead moved forward with the acquisition and shows the property’s homes, meeting spaces, gymnasium and staff housing. Watch the Redemption Canyon video tour.
How to support Redemption Canyon
Prayer: Pray for wisdom as Mt. Gilead stewards this beautiful property for the glory of God. Pray that the Lord would help the camp reach ministries that need and could benefit from Redemption Canyon. Pray also for God’s provision through financial partners.
Financial partnership: Supporters can make a designated gift at mtgilead.org/donate/ and enter “Redemption Canyon” in the note field. Checks may be mailed to Mt. Gilead Bible Camp & Conference Center, P.O. Box 777, Graton, CA 95444-9800. For additional giving options, contact Dave Gould at 707-823-4508 or dave@mtgilead.org.
Volunteer service: Individuals with skills in construction, maintenance or repairs are invited to volunteer as Mt. Gilead prepares Redemption Canyon for ministry.
Mt. Gilead is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
About Mt. Gilead Bible Camp & Conference Center
Founded in 1963, Mt. Gilead Bible Camp & Conference Center is a Bible-centered Christian camp and retreat center in the Northern California redwoods near Sebastopol. Its mission is “Creating opportunities for Christ-centered ministry,” and its vision is “Followers of Christ, one camper at a time.” Mt. Gilead serves children, teenagers, adults, families, churches, schools and Christian organizations through summer camps, discipleship programs, retreats, conferences and year-round events. Learn more at mtgilead.org.
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Redemption Canyon | Mt. Gilead
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