Our Vision

For almost 20 years, we have dreamed of running a bed and breakfast, as well as living in Europe. Over the years, God has transformed that dream into His vision of a retreat center for His workers, both missionaries and pastors, along with their families. Based in Portugal, we will work with TEAM, to care for workers serving in Europe and North Africa. This center will be a refuge for burned out, tired, and defeated workers who would potentially leave the field.

Having worked in church planting for over 15 years at four different churches, we understand well that ministry work can be joyful and fulfilling, as well as stressful and demanding. It can take a toll on a person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual health, and strain relationships between family members, friends, and teammates. Missionaries and pastors are called to serve in church, but are rarely able to attend church. They create and plan groups, but are not often able to be in groups. They are often held, or hold themselves, to a different standard. They feel like they have to have everything together, without stress, concerns, or problems. Add to this the pressures of being in a different culture where they are learning a new language, and this often leads to isolation. In this isolation, ministry workers and their families can become weary to the point of leaving the field.

We are called to care for these workers and their families, so they can return to the field refreshed and restored, able to continue God’s work. We are called to help them thrive in life and ministry. This will be accomplished through a number of ways: 

Time with Jesus: Being able to step away from the mission field, take off the burden of ministry, and have your needs taken care of means you can spend more time with Jesus. Guests will be invited to spend time in prayer, solitude, and worship. They will have space to rest, and to seek God’s healing and renewed vision for their ministry. 

Community: We believe we are merely providing a space for God to work. We will offer our gifts, but Jesus brings people together. The power of a community of believers living together, praying together, and journeying together is incredible. 

Professional Counseling: Risa is a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience who will offer counseling to individuals, couples, and families. Guests can work with Risa at the center, and stay connected via online meetings once back on the field. We seek to help ministry workers reduce stress, increase self-care and coping skills, strengthen interpersonal skills, clarify personal and professional boundaries, and better navigate life in cross-cultural settings. 

Good Food: Josh has worked in the restaurant and hospitality industry for over 20 years. Through travel and study, he has worked to become familiar with food, culture and cuisines from around the world. Josh will focus on finding our guests favorite comfort foods, with care and attention given to any special dietary needs. We believe there is something truly healing about eating the dishes you love. 

Care for Families: Families with children are welcome at the center. Children will not only be tolerated, but they will be intentionally included. We believe that when the parents are tired and stressed, this affects the children as well, so all will receive care. 

Long-Term Option: We understand that one to two weeks is not always enough time off of the field for a person to find rest, healing, or to do the work God needs them to do. For this reason we will offer stays for up to six months.