The Johnstone’s frequently host Inner Hope young adults on their property for weekend retreats, offering a safe space for deep conversations about faith, family, mental health and the “good medicine”  of connecting with their Creator through his creation.          

Hiking up Vedder Mountain in the rain led to a beautiful moment of spontaneous prayer by one young man.                       .

“He is homeless,” Jenn explained, “and struggles with severe PTSD and night terrors, yet in that moment he felt the courage to pray aloud, for himself and for his peers, praying to be strong, to find stable jobs, to stay sober.”               .

Surrounded by nature, these young adults can begin to lower their defenses. For some, that can mean a rocky start. “One young man had a few blowups,” John recalled. “We prayed for the Holy Spirit to hold him tight and love on him hard.”                   

As John and Jenn continue to strengthen trust with local First Nations groups, they have vision for building relationships between the youth of Inner Hope and the indigenous youth of their surrounding communities.                         .

“We are praying for a smooth transition,” they say, “and that journey and culture would weave together in a very beautiful way. This needs to involve much invitation, and be absolutely covered with powerful love.”