Washington Family Ranch Canyon

WASHINGTON FAMILY RANCH CANYON — 1997

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19).

Antelope, Oregon

As the song goes, “Our God is an awesome God,” and though every Young Life camp story is a powerful example of His generous portions and power, there are times when He appears to want to make an even stronger statement. The story of Washington Family Ranch Canyon is one of those statements. Originally known as The Big Muddy, the 64,000-acre, 100-square mile ranch has existed in the high-desert country of central Oregon since the late 1800s. In its early years it was a stop on the Pony Express and a location well-known for ranching and mining ventures. Decades later, the ranch was bought by a cult leader from India and transformed into a commune for his thousands of followers in 1981. In the words of Jeff Chesemore, “For four long years the ‘Rajneeshees’ inhabited the land and made their presence felt to the thirtyfive residents of nearby Antelope, Oregon. In 1985 the cult disbanded after Rajneesh was deported for immigration fraud.” It would be an understatement to say that the ranch had fallen under a dark shadow, and some may have thought that its history could never be redeemed; however, God had a plan. In 1991, Dennis and Phyllis Washington purchased the land. Through a series of God-ordained connections, Denny Rydberg learned of the Washingtons’ heart for the next generation and, like Rayburn inviting Hamilton to Frontier so long ago, Rydberg invited the Washingtons to spend some time at Malibu. The Washingtons left Malibu with an appreciation of Young Life and proceeded to graciously donate the entire property to Young Life in 1997. This new northwest camp began hosting campers in 1999 and was easily Young Life’s largest, able to host 7,000 campers each summer. (MFT, p. 131)

Our God is an awesome God, and He is in the business of redeeming people and places. Washington Family Ranch Canyon is a mind- boggling, faith-growing, hope-inspiring example of God’s generous portions, and His ongoing redemptive work in and through a place, and with His kids. This story shouts that it is never too late and you can never be too far away for God to rescue and redeem. Do you feel there are things, situations, or even people in your life God cannot rescue and redeem? Take some time to present what comes to your mind to Jesus and know “He is able.”