In 1997 Sam had a vision from the Lord about the house and property the Lord wanted to give his family. Little did he know that ten years later, after overcoming a lifetime of experiences including addictions, marital devastations, and everything the enemy could throw at them, would that come to pass! In 2007 Nicole was driving past the property on her way to church when she noticed a for sale sign in the front next to a tractor, thinking it was for the house she pulled in to talk to the owners. The Hungerford’s, who owned the house which was used as a place for prophetic prayer counseling and a home church (Shepherd’s Staff Ministries), apologized and said the sign was for the tractor, but that the Lord had just called them to move to Israel as Missionaries and they were praying for the Lord to send someone to purchase and steward the property, for it was dedicated unto the Lord for that purpose! Overjoyed, Nicole brought Sam with her to meet them. Sam stepped onto the front porch and immediately remembered the vision the Lord had given him again weeks earlier. As they walked through the house every detail was the same, even the model of the log home was the same one they picked out as a young married couple for their dream home.  The following fellowship, and prayer, confirmed for everyone this was a divine connection and straight from heaven. It wasn't easy street after that, but time and time again the Lord moved in miraculous ways to provide for this property and home. Sam and Nicki have walked through beautiful restoration of their family and marriage, and they want to share that here at Abiding Place. Unplug from the world and plug into Jesus, come stay with us as a place of refuge, and abide with Jesus.

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Sam and Nicki McKinney have been married for 33 years. They have five children, two grandchildren, as well as many spiritual children. After graduating from Teen Challenge in 2004, Sam earned his Bachelors in Theology and Pastoral Counseling from Vintage Bible College, became Ordained with the Assemblies of God, and served as an Associate Pastor while working as a Project Manager for a large commercial construction company. In 2012 he took the step of faith to resign from the PM job to work full time as a Church Planter and to Pastor what is now Thrive Church. Nicki has been at Sam’s side the whole time as a credentialed minister as well, and has also worked with women in recovery at Hannah’s Haven Teen Challenge. As well as overseeing Abiding Place, Sam and Nicki currently Pastor Thrive Church, which meets on the property, and are also certified Restoring The Foundations Minister’s.

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The vision for Abiding place has been burning on their hearts for years as they faithfully prayed and worked towards it becoming a reality. God has already provided two cabins and an access road to the additional property that he will soon provide to continue the vision. Now you can be a part of what God has been preparing for years!