Larry & Linda Ingalls

Their story

In 1977, as a young Marine, Larry was led to Christ in part through ministries and missionaries reaching military servicemen stationed overseas. As a result of their mentoring him in the Christian faith and the Word of God, Larry gained a passion to do this very work as well.

In 1979 as a student at Biola University, Linda also decided to devote her life to service in missions. Larry and Linda met at their church in southern California and married in 1983.

The Ingalls began their missionary work as hospitality house directors in 1985, first serving the Army and Air Force stationed in Panama. After additional education at the Moody Bible Institute, the Ingalls moved in 1994 to Yokosuka, Japan where they directed The Lighthouse hospitality house, serving sailors stationed there in the Navy’s 7th Fleet.

And in 2010 the Ingalls relocated to Fort Riley, Kansas, to start Rivendell House, a new hospitality house ministry to our Soldiers in the Army’s 1st Infantry Division. They served at Rivendell House for 16 years until 2026.

New Ministry Focus: Barnabas Ministry

The Ingalls are presently transitioning to a new ministry focus within Shiloh Military Ministries (SMM). They will be providing pastoral care for the missionaries of SMM. This will entail traveling to visit the various ministry team locations to offer love and encouragement to the missionaries. SMM calls these visits “Barnabas visits,” as the name “Barnabas” means “Encourager.”

In addition to Barnabas visits, Larry is also assisting SMM’s Executive Director as a member of the mission’s Advisory Council. Larry is also exploring a new outreach ministry to our military veterans.

The Ingalls’ new home in Concord, Virginia is close to some of their children and grandchildren. Larry and Linda would love for you to visit them. A guestroom is waiting for you in their new home.

Testimonies

Colton & Sydney Bennet

“When I first came to Fort Riley (in 2019) I was starved for Christian fellowship. Many people do not realize how hard it is in the Army to find a group of believers who truly seek to follow Jesus with their whole heart. So when one of my fellow soldiers invited me to Rivendell House, I was a bit skeptical. But from my first moments there, I was so encouraged and convicted by the biblical teaching and sweet hospitality that Larry and Linda provided.

I was a single soldier when I first began attending Rivendell House and now (almost two years later) I’m married to my lovely bride, Sydney. And yet through all these phases of life Larry and Linda have ministered to first me and later my wife in such an amazing way. They fed, prayed, discipled, challenged, and taught us to grow closer in our relationship with Jesus. I feel as though I grew up in Rivendell House, a house brimming over with love for Jesus and His people.”

The McMillon family

“During our time at Fort Riley, Rivendell house was like our church, our family, and our home. Larry faithfully and diligently taught the Word of God and led his flock with utmost care. Our time was one of deep spiritual and emotional growth and maturation. Never too busy to lend a listening ear and part their wisdom, Larry and Linda have guided many people, including ourselves, through difficult times and questions.

From Holidays away from home to times of being separated due to military deployments, Larry and Linda with their open home always gave our family a sense of stability, comfort, and rest. The work they are doing is making a substantial difference in the lives of many people and I know will continue to do so as long as God has them in the field. Our family was blessed to have been mentored and loved by the Ingalls family and will always cherish the time we had with them. Our prayer is that their impact and example will be felt and mirrored by our family for the rest of our lives.”

The Ward Family

“Military ministries has always been near and dear to my heart since it was through this dynamic, life-changing ministry that I met my husband, and together we grew in our walk with Christ. So, when we moved to Fort Riley last year, our 5th duty station in the Army, we were delighted to learn about the Ingalls family and the local ministry of the Rivendell House.

My family and I felt connected to the Ingalls family immediately, and the love, hospitality, and powerful Bible teaching they provide has blessed my family and me immensely. I know that I have personally grown in my knowledge of who God is and who He wants me to be because of the in-depth Bible teaching at the Rivendell House.

We all look forward to Friday nights at the Ingalls each week (it’s one of our most favorite places to be!), and we enjoy wonderful, encouraging fellowship - we don’t want to leave! God is certainly pouring out His blessings through this fantastic ministry and is using the Ingalls family to help transform lives for His glory.”