About Oak River Retreat Center

Why The Name, Oak River Retreat?

The director’s family name is Swedish. Ek-strand literally means “Oak Beach (or river bank).” But more than just a translation of the family name, Oak River symbolizes the beliefs underlying the retreat. Isaiah 61:1-3 describes the ministry of the Messiah to proclaim good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted and bestow on them a crown of beauty and a garment of praise. Because of Jesus’ ministry of salvation, his believers, “… will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” John 7:38 says, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” Revelations 7:17 says, “For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” At Oak River Retreat, we are planted to display the Glory of God, providing refreshing living water through the Spirit to restore and renew relationship in Jesus.

Who We Serve

Church Leaders

The target visitors for Oak River Retreat are Christian leaders who desire an opportunity to leave everyday concerns behind and focus on spiritual renewal and reconnect with God in a deeper relationship. Specifically, we will cater to Christian leaders who feel they have grown apart from God due to the busyness of day-to-day responsibilities and desire to reconnect with God in a natural setting with minimal distraction. Opportunity for solitary reflection or intimate interaction with a small group including the retreat directors and other Christian leaders visiting the retreat will be available.

Our Ministry Purpose

Two thousand years ago, God became man in the person of Jesus Christ. After His resurrection, Jesus sent his Spirit to establish his Church. To help guide His Church, “Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Eph 4:11-12).

Although defeated, Satan continues to wage war against the Church. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Eph 6:12). Believers are called to “Fight the good fight of the faith.” (1 Tim 6:12a). As any soldier knows, occasional rest from the battle is critical in maintaining the capability to carry on the fight. Jesus demonstrated rest from spiritual battle in his actions (“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16) and called for his disciples to do the same. (“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31). Jesus reassures us that we can “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28)

Church leaders today can be easily caught up in the busyness of modern life. The needs of the Church body can seem overwhelming with depression, addiction, suicide, and divorce all on the rise. The call to “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) is difficult to follow. At Oak River Retreat, we believe there is a need to slow down, unplug, unwind and reconnect with God. Oak River Retreat will provide a sanctuary from the everyday for spiritual reflection and renewal. Located in Colorado, USA, visitors will enjoy an intimate or solitary experience to reconnect with God so that Church leaders can follow the mandate, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Rom 12:2)

John Ekstrand

P R E S I D E N T

John is a retired Army physician. He and Carolyn have been married for 33 years and have 4 grown children. They currently live in Colorado Springs, CO, and attend Mountain Springs Church.

Ben Ankrum

T R E A S U R E R

Ben is retired from the U.S. Air Force (22 yrs) and from an aerospace corporation (25 yrs). He and Rosemary have been married for 52 years and have 4 grown children. They live in Falcon CO and attend Mountain Springs Church.

David Ekstrand

Dave has worked in secondary education for 32 years, mostly in facilities and transportation. He lives with Cindie, his wife of 35 years, in Duarte, California where they attend First Baptist Church of Pasadena. They are the parents of two children, Tim and Beth, who both live in Colorado.

Tom Torkelson

Tom is a retired US Air Force KC-135 pilot, a 1992 graduate of the USAF Academy, and currently, the Deputy Director of the Center for Character & Leadership Development at the USAF Academy, CO.  He and his wife Debbie (USAFA ’93) have been married for 29 years and they share four children. They currently live in Colorado Springs, CO, and attend Mountain Springs Church.