It all started when…
God totally surprised Ryan & Elizabeth Jones with the kernel of an idea in July of 2018. They were joyfully leading Eucharist Church in San Francisco (a church they planted). But the longer they sat with the idea and the more they prayed, the more it seemed that the Lord was pulling them toward this new ministry. Things got more tangible when a property hit the market in the most ideal location in May 2021. As soon as Ryan & Elizabeth saw the listing, they knew instinctively that this was to be the location for Iona House. What followed was a whirlwind of steps that resulted in a flash-fundraise of approx. $400,000 being raised in order to purchase the first 30.5 acres and secure a right of first refusal on the remaining 40.5 acres. That opportunity came in late 2022 when the previous owners of the remaining 40.5 acres agreed to sell the land. A capital campaign to raise $1.5 in 4 months ensued. What a roller coaster ride! The last $50,000 came in on the day it was needed… truly a miracle. In the time sense the land was purchased (April 2023), enormous amounts of work has gone into cleaning, updating, forestry, and other developments.
Iona House is a labor of love and has been the story of God bringing together a strong and committed community of partners. The prayer in the midst of everything is that the Name of Jesus would be lifted high and that all who come into contact with Iona House would have their vision drawn to Him.
To be continued…