Pastors in closed countries carry invisible burdens—overworked, spiritually isolated, and rarely given space to rest. The Shepherd’s Refuge exists to shepherd the shepherds. This 2-year program, which began the spring of 2026, brings pastoral couples from East Asia to a safe haven where they receive biblical counseling, deep spiritual renewal, and practical equipping—so they can return to their flocks healthier, stronger, and more rooted in the love of Christ.

• Year 1 (2026): Pastoral couples gather at a peaceful retreat held in a peaceful city near the border, with a setting carefully chosen to promote rest and renewal. 6 couples per retreat (Spring and Fall) meet with trained biblical counselors who listen, understand, and direct them toward the wisdom of God’s Word for their marriages and ministries.
• Year 2 (2027): Couples return for counseling follow up, foundational Biblical Counseling training, and a preaching course equipping them to disciple others back home—multiplying the ministry’s impact across their churches and networks. Ongoing care continues through online counseling for 1–2 years after each retreat.

Every gift—of any size—helps send a pastor and his wife to a week of rest, renewal, and biblical care that many say changed their lives and ministry. Would you prayerfully consider a gift of $25, $50, $100, $500, $1000, or fully sponsoring a family ($3000/year) toward our goal of $36,000 per year?

Your gift covers travel*, lodging, meals, and counseling for pastoral couples—*participants cover a small portion of their travel to the venue.

Annual support raising window: 10/1/26 to 9/30/27

Your gift covers part of the travel to the venue as well as all the costs for lodging, meals, and counseling for pastoral couples once they arrive.

‘What Participants Say’ (All names are changed for security)

• “This retreat provides a safe and tranquil environment where pastors can truly lay down their burdens… a rare and invaluable opportunity for spiritual equipping.” — Timothy
• “This event revealed to me many of my blind spots in both faith and ministry.” — Caleb
• “Many pastors face deep struggles within their marriages and families, often feeling there is no hope beyond quiet endurance. This is not God’s intent. This trip was beyond my imagination.” — Walter
• “The counselor inspired a sense of trust, allowing me to open up and share my true feelings.” — Robyn
• "We plan to arrange more study sessions and equip a few ministry partners, with the intention of eventually attempting to host similar retreats domestically." — Luke and Rebecca
• “We’ve been married nearly 30 years and have never really practiced biblical reconciliation. For the first time in many years, we have learned to confess and forgive each other for patterns of sin that have been long term problems. We pray we can create a new pattern of love and care for each other.” – Henry and Mae
• We didn’t realize the critical nature of friendship and God’s design for marriage companionship. Zach and Carol
• “This is the first time in our ministry that we have had a time to be refreshed and renewed. Thank you for investing in our lives. I’ve already shared many of the resources with a brother in our church who is repenting of his sinful patterns of neglect and control in his home.” – Larry and Jean