7 Years, 7 Days and 7 Hours:
How the Sanctuary at Bear Creek Was Born
On June 25, 2014, we closed on the property pinching ourselves that God brought us back to the land that we loved more than any place on earth. Sitting on the ridge where the cross now stands, with the last rays of the evening sun glistening on the water and fireflies lighting up the night with their mysterious glow, the moment was transfixed in time.
As we sat there, Bryan remembered the day we broken-heartedly moved away from the house we built next door and asked, “What was the date we moved out?”
“It was June 18,” I replied.
“And what year was it?” he asked.
“2007”
“Do you remember what time?”
There was no way I could forget, looking back as we headed down the driveway getting our last glimpse of the place that we thought we would call home forever.
“We had to be out by 1:00 pm.”
“So,” he said, “it has been seven years... and seven days...” and then looking at his watch, which read 8:00 pm, “… and seven hours since we left, and God has brought us back again!”
It had never crossed our minds to figure out how these dates would fall until that moment. Three number 7ʼs confirmed again that this purchase was orchestrated by God for His purposes.
Then a vision came to Bryan, and he said, “I see cabins dotted along the upper and lower ridges and people coming to spend time with God. I see churches bringing their staff and small groups coming to grow in love of God and one another. I believe God has separated this place as a Sanctuary where people can come and meet with Him.”
When we lived on the eight acres next door, we wanted it to be a place of blessing and security for our family and friends. But in this new season, the property was not only for our physical family but for our spiritual one… the Church.
How Did The Sanctuary Get Its Name?
As we described the woods, the creek, meadow, and state land, during the months before we closed, repeatedly people would comment, referring to it as a “Sanctuary”.
Then, in the spring of 2018 as we began inviting people to come and meet with God here, as I prepared to host our first Morning Alone with God, I felt the Holy Spirit declaring this verse about the Sanctuary,
“Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. For now, I have chosen and consecrated this house (place) that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there perpetually.” 2 Chron 7:15-16
A sanctuary in the Old Testament was a place where you would go to meet with God. It was a place He was especially close and His power real, a “thin place” where heaven is a little closer to earth.
We believe this land is set apart by God as a Sanctuary. It should never be divided or sold for private use but preserved for the generations; to come away from the noise and distractions of life, to find safety and rest and to grow in intimacy with the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and each other.
Meet Our Team
Sanctuary at Bear Creek Host, Author, Retreat Leader, & Spiritual Director
I’m still in awe that 5 sons and a daughter call me “Mom"! Pinching myself to be enjoying over 30 years of marriage with the man God knew I needed to heal my soul. Life hasn’t always been easy but has always been so good!
Played competitive badminton in high school (don’t laugh, it IS a sport!), I am the other half of a twin sister combination. There is nothing I love more than a hot drink or a good laugh!
20 years ago, Linda invited me to experience a Day Alone with God (DAWG Day) and discovered the transformation alone time with Him made in my life.
My husband, Bryan and I are privileged to be the developers of the Sanctuary at Bear Creek. It is my joy to be a life-long facilitator & Spiritual Director accompanying others on their journeys of growing intimacy with our awesome Creator!
Sanctuary Director & Visionary
I have been told one of my greatest gifts is being able to “see the big picture”. There’s nothing more enjoyable for me than imagining something, putting all pieces together and watching it come to life!
I have been blessed with a wonderful wife and large family. My heart beats for not only my physical family but my spiritual one. In this frantic world that we live in, I believe a place of rest in God will be more and more desperately needed.
I grew up in the woods of the Allegan Forest and by the water of Bear Creek. My happiest moments today are when I have a chainsaw in my hand, or my Kabota underneath me as I shape the acreage of The Sanctuary!
Say “Hello” to Roy and Linda Anderson!
Lifelong Michigan residents and Christ followers. Over 30 years ago, God began the work of leading others to grow in intimacy with God by calling Linda away from the craziness of life to times alone with Him.
Through the years as those roots grew deeper, God multiplied the work He was doing in her to share with others through her books and inspiration to open her home to other women for DAWG’s (Days Alone with God)
Lori Melton, was one of those women whose heart was pricked nearly 20 years ago by Linda’s story and invitation. She spent her first of many DAWG days as Linda opened her cozy home. Little did either of them know what was to come.
Roy, a builder by trade & one of the humblest and wisest men you will ever meet. He is the unseen other leg of the stool of the beautiful story of what God has done!
Although he’ll never bring attention to himself, you will see his fingerprints in every square inch of each of the homes that Linda has opened to others for DAWG days.
Most recently, you’ll be blessed by his work in the construction of the first prayer cabin and the writing desk in the Secret Place retreat room.
In 2014, God placed a vision in the hearts of Bryan and Lori for the Sanctuary, new growth sprouting from the seeds they’ve been cultivating for many years.
