Pastor Dee Duke grew up in the Northwest and graduated from Western Baptist College (now Corban College) in Salem, Oregon. He has since earned a Master’s Degree and is continuing work on his doctorate.

Pastor Duke came to the small rural community of Jefferson 32 years ago to pastor the Jefferson Baptist Church. At that time, the congregation of about 25 members was meeting in the local City Hall. The church was able to move to the Elementary School and then purchased its own land on which to build. All of the buildings were built on a cash basis with volunteer labor from the congregation. Currently, the church has an average attendance of 900 people in three weekend services.

In addition, over the last seven years, Jefferson Baptist has started three daughter churches: AGAPE Family Fellowship in Albany, Turning Point Com. Church in Turner, and Doxology in Corvallis.

Pastor Duke attributes the growth of the church to its emphasis on prayer. In 1989 he attended his first Pastors’ Prayer Summit and has since modeled and preached the importance of individual and corporate prayer. He has had the opportunity to speak throughout the United States as well as travel overseas to speak and participate in several Prayer Seminars and Prayer Walking Journeys. He has written articles for Moody Monthly, Leadership Journal and Pray! Magazine, and has written a book, entitled Prayer Quest. He also speaks on a daily radio program. His messages will center around the power and effectiveness of corporate and individual prayer.

Registration: 3-5:00 PM Tuesday. Retreat begins with a campfire dinner at 5:30 PM. First session at 7:30. Suggested donation: (4 nights, 11 meals) $150/adult, $75/child 7-12, $35/child 3-6, children under 3 free. Deposit: $100/family, $75/couple, $50/single. Click here to register.