CASPER (WNE) — Wyoming Rescue Mission, a Christian homeless shelter in Casper known for its discipleship program, has purchased 355 acres of land outside Esterbrook to use for a recovery ranch. 

The land, which is already home to a recovery ranch that the Episcopal Diocese of Cheyenne used, was bought by the mission sometime this year, Director of Development Cheryl Hackett said at a Monday Casper Rotary Club meeting. She did not specify when. 

According to her remarks, the mission’s board was approached about buying the land. After prayerful consideration, she said, they decided to go through with it. 

Discipleship program participants, whom the mission calls “disciples” when they’re actively in the program, have been attending weeklong sessions at the ranch in the past. There’s no cell service there, so they can unplug and rest as part of their recovery. 

“It’s so touching because many of the guests of admission are coming from very low-income backgrounds, and they’ve never in their entire life had the opportunity to go somewhere beautiful in nature,” Hackett said. 

The mission has plans to use its new property year round, Hackett said, and wants to perform baptisms there as well. While they’re still raising funds for the purchase, the sale has closed.