Our Father's House

"Our View" in Culpeper Star Exponent on February 8, 2006

Two Pillars of the Community Are Expanding:

An important community expansion is taking place at Our Father's House. The assisted-living facility in Inlet, north of town, has broken ground on an addition to its building.

Raymond and Sharon Bender opened the cozy rest home in November 2001. The 4,000 square foot addition will provide eight more bedrooms at the facility, including three rooms for couples. It's expected to open in early fall.

The Christian-based elderly care complex is lauded for providing a family atmosphere. Supervisor Bill Chase, who attended the ground breaking ceremony, said the facility is "really, really well run ... people swear by it."

We appreciate the effort that the Benders have put into making Our Father's House a first-rate facility and wish them much more success in there expanded quarters.

Dear Raymond, Sharon, Family, and Friends,

What loving care and concern you always gave to Dad. He loved all the attention and each of you became very special to him and to our family. What a blessing each of you are with your thoughtfulness, kindness, and attendance at the funeral and dinner. Words cannot express my appreciation for each of you. God bless you in your continued ministry.

Dear Raymond, Sharon, Kim, and all the staff at Our Father’s House who made our beloved uncle Jimmy feel so welcome there,

Aunt Catherine, Linda, and I want to thank you for the wonderful, compassionate, Christian care that you showered on Uncle Jimmy for the short time he was there.

We so wanted him to be well enough to enjoy being in the country again, but it was not to be. I am just so glad that he got to spend even a few good days in that room with a view of pastures, horses, and calves.

I am very sorry that all of you did not get the opportunity to really get to know this sweet man because you all would have loved him as we did.

God bless you and your ministry to the elderly.

​Dear Raymond and Sharon,

Thank you so much for our lovely visit and the kindness you gave to us. It warmed my heart to see where our mother is living. We'll see you again soon. God bless you.

Dear Raymond, Sharon, and OFHCH Staff,

Thank you so much for the care you provided for my mother during her five years of staying with you. She received the best care and often commented on how she enjoyed her stay. God bless you all.

Mr. Raymond Bender and Staff,

Words cannot express our regard and thankfulness to you all for the care you gave to our mother, Rena Kestner, during her awesome stay at your facility. Each one of the caregivers and those who prepared food, or gave any kind of service, each cared for Mom as if she were their own mother.

Even though I knew each one, I'll not name them here, for fear of omitting someone, but I want to say that the love and professional care, with which you ministered to Mom, was remarkable. When she was brought back from the hospital, I know Mom loved seeing your smiles and hearing your words of love and assurance. These were the things that mattered to her in her final days. I know she loved you all. One of the things she said in those times when she was praising the Lord, was that she was so "thankful for all these wonderful people." Of course she meant you all.

You all not only provided care fo Mom, but also ministered to us, her family and friends, and made us feel a part of your "family." Thank you for offering us coffee and food and a chance to sit and chat, when we visited. Now, even though we are saddened and will be for a time to come, we are so grateful for the Lord providing a wonderful place for Mom's care at the end of her early life. We could not have asked for more.