WINFIELD – A place of peace — from the outside, with its scenic view of rolling hills, trees, a creek, and lake in Winfield — Redemption Ranch is much more than solely serenity. It’s foundation is rooted in ministry and community.

“It’s a beautiful piece of property,” said Jason Zellmer, Redemption Ranch president. “From when people drive into the gate of our property, we want them to experience that they are really cared for.”

The 80-plus acre property was bought by Bryan and Debbie Short in 1999 and was once known as El Shaddai Ranch, a nonprofit that was an interdenominational Christian camp geared towards youth and families and in which Zellmer once served on the board.

After much prayer and consideration, the Shorts decided to retire and with board approval, the timing was deemed right in 2017 to hand over the reins to Jason and Heather Zellmer.

Jason serves as the president, handling the leadership and vision of the organization while Heather is the director, taking care of everything administrative. Since 2001, the Zellmers have planted multiple churches including Redemption Road Church in 2017 that still exists today.

They live on the ranch with their six children.

“Our whole family is involved in the ranch. Our daughter does all the booking and we have a son that cuts all the grass. My son-in-law is the property manager and does all our property maintenance. It’s very much a family affair,” he said.

Camps, retreats, weddings, birthday parties, and graduations are some of the events that Redemption Ranch holds. Larger happenings such as their Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt which typically attracts 2,500 and Fourth of July event are well-attended.

With all that goes on each year, they usually serve over 10,000.

While their mission is focused on all things God, a person does not need to be a follower to feel welcomed at the ranch.

“Our heart, our mission statement is that we help create life-changing redemptive moments,” Zellmer said. “We want people to experience God here and they don’t have to come here with any connection to God. We never require anybody to be of any spirituality or any certain faith.”

With nearly a decade of ownership, the ranch has experienced growth so much that in recent years, they have had to turn away youth spots for some camps because there was no more room. Zellmer said that both he and his took this as a sign to expand.

He says that he and his wife felt God was asking them to step out in faith and add another lodge. So they started the process and by summer 2025, a new lodge with 48 additional beds will be added to the property.

So far, money has been raised through various fundraisers as trivia night and an upcoming gala. Construction of the new lodge is already underway and some very dedicated volunteers are aiding in the building.

“It’s really exciting and it’s also a little bit nerve wracking because we’re raising money as we build,” Zellmer said. “We’re just reminded of how much the community cares and seeing people come out and lend a hand to help us. We don’t take for granted that we get to serve the people of Lincoln County. We’re really committed to the community we serve.”