Our Mission
Shepherds Retreat provides a safe place where missionaries can rest and recharge with their extended families. We understand that missionaries often work for years without taking the time to truly rest, and as a result, many of them are tired, burned out, and in desperate need of restoration.
Thanks to our generous donors, missionaries don't have to pay anything to stay at the retreat. This creates a win-win situation: missionaries receive a safe place to rest and recharge, while donors are given a meaningful opportunity to invest and "lay up treasure in heaven."
Our Story
In the late 1970s, Don and Vickie Howe were part of a campus ministry at The Ohio State University. After several years of burning the candle at both ends, they were exhausted and needed to take a break—but they couldn't even afford to rent a hotel room.
Dan Gault, a man they had never met, owned a cabin in the woods and allowed them to spend a weekend at his cabin free of charge. That weekend was a turning point in their lives. They fell in love with the peaceful country setting, and God placed within their hearts the desire to someday build a cabin in the woods where believers could stay free of charge.
As time went on, they started two businesses that God blessed, which allowed them to buy an old farm that they converted into a retreat center. Today, that old farm is known as Shepherds Retreat.
Get Involved
Over the last 20+ years, Shepherds Retreat has helped hundreds of missionaries rest and reconnect with their families. In order for this ministry to continue, we need donors to financially support Shepherds Retreat. If you're looking for a way to make an eternal difference and have a desire to "lay up treasure in heaven," please ask the Lord if it's His will for you to donate to Shepherds Retreat on a monthly basis.
Founded by Don and Vickie Howe
Become a DonorWhat We Offer
In a typical year, we host..
- A Missionary Retreat where trained facilitators minister to those currently serving (or who have served) as missionaries
- Two retreats for widows
- One or two retreats for the wives of pastors or ministers
- At least one retreat for men
- At least one retreat for women
However, our main goal is to provide a safe place where missionaries can get together with their extended families.
How We Operate
Shepherds Retreat is a safe place to invest because 100% of the money we receive is used for ministry purposes. Don and Vickie don't receive any type of salary or income for running Shepherds Retreat, and they use their own money to pay for brochures, gifts, postage, and other expenses.
When you donate to Shepherds Retreat, you can rest assured that none of your money is being wasted on overhead or used for fundraising.