Since our beginning, God has opened wonderful doors for us to house pastors and their families for up to a week-long period of time. During our first three years, due to the graciousness of a Christian benefactor, we were able to offer lodging at a beautiful place for up to a week's duration for a minimal fee which covered a cleaning cost and a booking fee. This ministry has come of age in many ways. And now each year, we sign a two month lease (July and August).  We do have other housing options for June or other months as well.  Our actual out of pocket expenses for the cabin lease and house cleaning have risen, and Barnabas Factor subsidizes the total amount to keep the cost for a Pastor's family at an affordable level. For the 2011 season, we are holding the price at $375. We ask each Pastor's family to pay "at least" this amount. Any additional donation would be appreciated. (But at times, we offer hardship discounts) The cabin is a three-bedroom, two-bath place. It is within a short walk from Lake Tahoe, and has use of an exclusive beach and pier! Those who have stayed there have enjoyed the beauty and the quiet neighborhood! 

Why we offer this ministry: with the stresses of ministry life, we believe that it is strategic that those in professional ministry have an opportunity to "get away" from it all. Mark 6:31 has Jesus telling his disciples to "come apart for a while" to rest. Vance Havner used to say, "'Come apart', or you'll come apart!" The point is that everyone in professional ministry faces pressures, and sometimes, these pressures are intense. What we are offering is an opportunity in one of the most beautiful places on earth to take it easy for a week, and at the same time, learn some "preventative maintenance" strategies to make it in this new millennium. What we ask prior to your visit: We ask you to fill out the survey in our "Pastor's Packet", to be completed and sent back before your visit. You will choose a topic which will serve as the basis for a one to two hour appointment during your Tahoe visit. All the rest of your week is your own, to enjoy your time in Tahoe!

Pastor Tom visiting with a Pastor and his family while staying at one of the Barnabas Factor's cabin.

While you are here: there is much to do. While we want to stress that our housing season for pastors is during the summer, only, in the late spring, summer and fall, there are hiking trails, biking trails, streams and lakes to fish as well as raft or canoe. During the winter months, skiers and snowboarders from around the world come to nearby resorts like Heavenly, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Northstar. There are also many places to snow-shoe, or cross-country ski. In short, this is an outdoor paradise. Lake Tahoe is called the "crown jewel of the Sierra". It is one of the most scenic places on earth. During the summer, we can line up free golf! We are working on other discounts for pastors. We can recommend many places to sightsee, and if desired (and our schedule allows) we'd be glad to play "tour guide".

Your temporary residence will have kitchen facilities, but Tahoe City and surrounding areas have some great restaurants. You are welcome to bring the kids, or just make it a get-away for you and your spouse.