Our History
First visit to Lillington property
Relocated to rental in Broadway, NC and planning begins
Abide in Him Ministries transition from Browns to Gates takes place
First visit to Lillington property
In 2021, Jason & Ericka Gates felt the call to return home to their roots in central North Carolina, after spending eight years of vocational ministry in both Arkansas and Florida.
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In 2023, they began to develop a homesite on a 10-acre portion of Gates family land that was generously given by Jason’s parents, located in Lillington, NC. What they didn’t know then, was that the Lord was paving the way for the establishment of Milk & Honey Acres.
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Upon hearing of the Gates’ return home to North Carolina, their friends Joe & Jane Brown (founders of Longview Retreat in Garysburg, NC) contacted them to ask them to consider a new venture. The Browns were looking to retire from running retreats on their family farm and felt the Lord saying it was time to pass the torch. After much prayer and counsel, the Gates also felt this opportunity was something God had been preparing them for, for a very long time.
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Beginning in 2024, Milk & Honey Acres will continue the legacy passed down to them from Longview Retreat and is excited to see what the future holds.
Why Milk & Honey Acres
It has long been a dream of Jason & Ericka Gates to live off the beaten path in a special place where they could host families and grow food. They believed God was providing this very thing on several different occasions throughout their marriage, but inevitably, doors continued to shut.
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While living in busy Orlando, Florida, the Lord began to call them back to NC in 2021. It was during this time that it became clear why the Lord had spoken “not yet” to them so many times before. The Lord was also revealing to them the need for a slower, quieter pace of life for themselves and others. At the time, the Gates were studying in Genesis and seeking the Lord on whether to return home to North Carolina when these words all but leaped off the page, “Return to the land of your father and grandfather and to your relatives there, and I will be with you.” Genesis 31:3
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Upon this revelation, they asked Jason's parents to consider allowing them to establish a homesite on a tract of Gates family land in Lillington, which Jason would eventually become the 4th generation to inherit. Until then, the land had only been used for timber.
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As they continued digging into the story of the Israelites, some of the similarities of the lengthy travels to finally establishing their home in the Promised Land were uncanny. The journey didn’t include actual battles, but has included the conquering of several easements, water access, a road, and power 1/2 mile in the woods. Just as God fought many battles for the Israelites, He continues to make this dream a reality.
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Along with these parallels and the Gates' strong desire to steward real food, the name Milk & Honey Acres was chosen. As a dream bigger than they could have imagined is playing out in real-time before their eyes, they are excited to endure the blisters and bee stings associated with the Promised Land.