Hidden Springs' hosts,
Neil and Barbara White were married August 2, 1975.
Barbara
recalls, "We asked that God would lead us to land He had
chosen for us. We planned to stay there forever, and do whatever
tasks were placed before us. We bought these160 acres just
east of Winfield in 1976, and moved into a 40 year old log cabin
on the property in May 1977. We loved our simple
life and for seven years, the 700 square foot cabin was our wonderful
home.
"When we came to this piece of land we knew its beauty and
potential were to be shared. Without power, no running water,
and barely a trail in from the highway, we spent many years learning
that beauty and potential are gifts from God that only He can
foster and fulfil.
"Our children are
our greatest delight. Skylar, born on Neils birthday,
May 23, 1980; Ailen, born November 15, 1981; Jordan, born July
22, 1985; and Kelsey, born August 13, 1990. Raising our
family together on this land has been our greatest joy!
"In 1983, Neil built
our farm house, using lumber sawn on our property. Barbara
taught in various schools in the area - most subjects and all
grade levels. Neil served as pastor in two churches: Battle Lake
Baptist (11 years) and Poplar Valley (1-1/2 years).
"In 1999, Neil traveled
to LAbri in Switzerland to mark the completion of his MDiv
studies. There he experienced the hospitality of an international
retreat centre established by Francis Schaeffer in the 1950s.