Dedicated in the fall of 2024, the Anderson House at Camp Shamineau has now been a place of Sabbath rest, rejuvenation, and reconnecting with God for over a year. Church leaders in the NCD have first rights to use the space and so far, there have been 33 NCD pastor reservations that covered roughly 112 days. When not booked, Shamineau used it 15 times plus twice for Fall Teaching Conference and twice for Latino camps. What a great continuation of the ministry Jim and Lois Anderson started in the NCD!
For nearly two decades, Jim and Lois Anderson came alongside pastors and their families, encouraging them to rest and helping them take hold of God’s gift of Sabbath. Beginning in 2020, through generous donations from individuals, churches, and businesses, the NCD raised funds to work with the Shamineau staff to build a tucked away place of Sabbath rest at Camp. Sadly, Jim passed away in August 2024 right before the completion of the project.
During this first year of use, many have gone and experienced just what the Andersons had hoped. Here is what some of them had to say:
“The Anderson house was such a blessing to our family. We were all refreshed spiritually and relationally in this beautiful, peaceful setting. It is so fitting that this house bears the name of Jim Anderson, because his passion was helping others find rest in the Lord and that is exactly what our family found here in this house.” – Chris Cundiff
“In the span of a couple of months we had gotten married, lost 2 grandparents (my grandma and her grandpa), and dealt with stressful conflict in the church. We knew that we needed to have some time away for just the two of us. So, with no agenda and a couple of clear days on our calendar we went to Shamineau. It was great. We walked in the fall leaves, we played games, and just talked about life. I’m so grateful that we were able to easily take the time away that we needed.” – Kelsey Oldenkamp
“I stayed at the Anderson House and had a wonderful experience. It is warm, cozy, quiet, and peaceful — exactly what I was hoping for in a sabbatical retreat getaway. The space is beautifully furnished, with thoughtful touches and modern amenities that made it feel like a home away from home. Everything was clean, comfortable, and well maintained. The setting of Camp Shamineau cannot get any better —surrounded by nature. I loved being able to step outside and explore the trails and forest on the quiet edge of the camp.” – Aaron Geise
What a joy to see eternal fruit from what Jim and Lois started! We pray that each person who walks through the door connects with God and is rejuvenated. Jim and Lois taught that Sabbath rest is a weekly time with the Lord to practice the three R’s of Sabbath rest – release, review, and remember. May we all find ways to build regular, restorative rest into our weekly, monthly, and annual rhythms. May the Anderson House be a tool that God continues to use in the NCD for generations to come.
For more information or to reserve your time at the Anderson house, visit our QuickGuide here or contact Sharon Trucker for more information.