All too often, Pastors and others in ministry are expected to be super strong. We know you are not made of steel. But.. sometimes expectations can be much more than should be expected of you, or you push yourself too hard. Further, Often times your congregation or ministry fails to know how to encourage and lift you up. You deserve a rest.

It is not unusual for that sweet, soft, loving, spouse to catch it from her loving mate, unintentionally. Often other Christians have expectations of her too that may be unfair or just plain wearing you out. If you as a Pastor or ministry leader or significant other need refreshment, do not drag your feet expecting and waiting on a miracle.

Take the initiative to pick up the phone and call one of these facilities (pray first) and allow these loving individuals with a heart to assure you the rest and refreshment you need to impact your life, so the Holy Spirit can do his work. You will be better because of it.

Vacation and Retreat Facilities

There are numerous ministries around the United States dedicated to making a restful place for ministers and their wives, and often their families as well. Listed below are a variety of cabins, bed & breakfasts, and houses to give ministry couples and/or ministry families a place to rest and be refreshed at little to no cost.

Arctic Barnabus http://www.arcticbarnabas.org is an organization encouraging Christian workers in the Arctic

Ministry is impossible without your help! We have opportunities to serve for everyone. For the "wild at heart" adventurer we have several opportunities each year to be involved on site in a bush village. And for those of you who don't long for a three-hour bumpy ride in a small airplane, there are ways for you to be involved without leaving home.

Retreats in the Eastern U.S. http://www.pastorswives.org

Faith Mountain http://www.faithmountain.org "We endeavor to minister to the needs of pastors, missionaries and Christian families through the gift of helps. It is our desire that Faith Mountain Ministries will be a place of prayer and reflection as those called of God are refreshed by His Spirit through the enjoyment of His creation." West Virginia.

San Pedro Pastor Retreat Center http://www.sanpedrocenter.org/pastor retreat. San Pedro Retreat Center in Orlando, Florida offers guided retreats, silent and lent based retreats and much more.

Fairhaven Ministries - Tennessee http://www.fairhavenministries.net Pastors and Missionaries often need an affordable place away from the demands of their ministry where they can rest and relax. The beautiful facilities and serenity of our natural surroundings, combined with the absence of telephones, televisions or schedules makes Fairhaven the ideal place for a get-away. Individuals, couples and families can all enjoy a personal retreat at Fairhaven.

Deer Ridge Ministries http://www.deerridgeministries.org offers five day retreats free of charge at a beautiful bed and breakfast in Freeport, Illinois called Highpoint Inn. "Our retreats and ministry are patterned after the Pastor's Retreat Network, specifically the Cedarly Retreat site. All meals and materials are provided. Our pastors arrive on Sunday evening and leave on Friday morning. The evening meal together is the only required time of gathering. All other time is free for pastors to read, rest, pray, walk, listen, sing, whatever! There will be materials available for self-directed study, if the pastor wishes to take advantage of those items."

Highpoint Inn is a lovely 12 acre estate which currently has 5 suites available on a weekly basis, 30 weeks out of the year. Each suite has a queen or king sized bed, full bath, and area for study. Many common rooms are shared by the other couples attending. Some of the common areas include a media room, library, dining room, great room, all year sun porch, in ground swimming pool, tennis courts, ball room, and screened in porches. Many photos are available on our web site.

CozyBear Cabins http://www.cozybearcabins.com A discount is offered to pastors in ministry ranging from 20% to 30% off regular rental rates. There are three log cabins in the Smoky Mountain area of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This is an offering by church members making thier cabins available as a resource where pastors, wives, etc. can go to Reflect, Relax, and Reenergize themselves. This is courtesy Michael and Pam Thompson.

Also, Pastors.com is available with open arms to assist. If none of these are just perfect for you, just go online and Google one of the many solutions available to you. Further, If you need our help, please call Rev Vic Logan at 770 603-0372.

God Bless you and may you be refreshed and revitalized soon.