Precious Kathie was taken home December 2, 2009 - Kathie had a God given passion for this retreat. She called it the "Sanctuary for Families Facing Autism". In memory of Kathie and with God's guidance Elijah's Retreat will continue to grow and serve those in need whom we love.

Jill Rogers, the mom of little Annie 5 years old with Autism says it best -

Historically, churches have provided a secure sanctuary for those who were in danger. This world does not often understand kids who have Autism. As parents, we are stared at and put down when our kids have a huge tantrum or melt down in public. Our children’s Autism is often blamed on bad parenting. We are asked to leave restaurants, hotels, and sometimes even churches because they do not understand our kids. It seems our marriages and families are taking a constant societal beating and, in addition, we are exhausted moms and dads who are giving it all we’ve got to help our kids.
A great part of Kathie’s vision for Elijah’s Retreat was to provide a sanctuary for families who have children with Autism and are struggling with all of these issues. I love how she chose the word ‘sanctuary’ to describe the atmosphere she so desired to create. As parents, we are in the midst of an Autism war daily. We are in the trenches fighting for insurance coverage, appropriate educational environments, better treatment options, better medical care, etc., and we need a sanctuary. We need a place to retreat to that is safe from the Autism war. We need a place where we can stop and, if only for a day or two, truly delight in our children again.
Kathie prayed every day for God to bless the retreat and He filled her with such love and compassion for all who came to volunteer, donate items, and for the guests. In everything she did, her desire was to be a sanctuary for Christ so that she would be a reflection of his hope, kindness, love and compassion. Elijah’s Retreat, in and of itself, is a beautiful sanctuary, but it was the living sanctuary Kathie invited Christ to build within her that was the greatest gift to all who were blessed to know her.
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)