The Story
When the Forrest family moved en masse to Pagosa Springs, CO, back in the 1980’s, we eventually landed on a 35-acre parcel where we built our homes and raised our families. When our brother and sister-in-law, who lived next door to us, decided to winter in Sun City, their home became available. Knowing down the road, our military son, and his family, would like to settle on the property, we pulled money from our retirement to make the purchase, and keep the house for them until such a time… But… until then… we wondered, what do we do with another home?
As we began to set the home up for a possible rental, it hit Bay and I at almost the same time: this house needs to be claimed and used for the Lord’s ministry. At that minute, we had no idea what that even looked like, but we began to pray about the possibilities. We took the first step in making that vision reality, when we sensed the Lord laying it on our hearts to name this home, The Ezra House.
Here’s why…
The name Ezra means “help.” Ezra, the priest, was one who “helped” rebuild the temple when the first wave of exiles returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. Once the temple and wall were rebuilt in and around the city, the Scribes brought Ezra the Word of the Lord. He read, and the people stood and listened, for an entire day! When he finished, their hearts were grieved at how far from the Lord they had wandered. Falling on their faces, they wept. Ezra called out to them, “No! No! Don’t weep. This is a holy day… rejoice… and, as you go forth, the joy of the Lord will be your strength!”
It is our hope to use the Ezra House (the House of Help) for small leadership retreats, marriage retreats, pastoral retreats, conferences, women’s get-aways, the list and possibilities are endless. However, above all, the desire of our hearts, and what the Lord has stirred within us, is for this to be a place of “RE”…Re-focusing on the Lord, Re-reading His Word (for refreshing insights), Renewing commitments, Re-building and RE-storing spiritual lives. All this, so that when folks leave, our prayer is answered that they will “go out with joy” and let the “joy of the Lord be their strength!”
The House
The Ezra House boasts three large bedrooms downstairs, each equipped with a king size bed, chair, and a place to hang clothes. There are two large downstairs bathrooms with walk in showers. The master bedroom is above the garage, complete with a walk in closet (that also holds a twin bed), small self-service kitchenette, a propane fireplace, and a bathroom with a large tub that overlooks the yard and extended pasture area, and a separate shower. For a discounted price, the master suite is available for a single individual or one couple.
There are two sitting areas for gatherings, a game room (complete with a variety of games and puzzles), and a large up-to-date modern kitchen with many amenities that will easily facilitate cooking for larger groups.
A laundry room is just off the game room with both washer and dryer.
Outside is a long porch with two tables for outdoor dining (seating 10), a barbecue, and three hammock swings. The porch overlooks an incredible back yard and pasture, where our horses graze throughout the summer.
The Ezra House has lots of nooks and crannies for quiet reflection and rest, or fun gatherings with family/friends.
The Ezra House is about 30 minutes from Wolf Creek Ski Area in the winter, and incredible hiking and fishing opportunities in the summer.
There is plenty of room for parking, and a covered car port available.
Wifi is available. There are two smart TV’s that can be used with personal passwords for apps that are available.
You can get more information on what to see and do in Pagosa Springs by visiting the website for the Visitor’s Center: https://visitpagosasprings.com/
Please contact us for availability and information regarding price. Please note that we are taking into consideration what VRBO and AirBNB rentals of equal size and capacity are going for in this area, and we are trying to set our prices substantially less. Contact us for information at this email address: info@focusministries.org
Download the brochure (coming soon)
Pictures (coming soon)
House Policies
-No pets
-Parking available out front and on left side of car port
-No smoking or alcohol on the premises
-No parties
-Please report any damages or if something is not working
-Please remove muddy or dirty shoes in the mudroom just inside the house next to garage
-Keep in mind The Ezra House is in a residential area, loud noises and music must be taken into consideration
-Other need-to-know-information regarding instructions on the house, or information on the downtown area, and the area around Pagosa, will be available on the dining room table