Providing the Gift of Free Sabbath Rest Retreats for Pastors and Spouses

Our Story

Why Us

Our Story

Why Us

We have been called by God to this vital ministry. As guests at such blessed retreat sites as Cedarly, Broom Tree Ministries and the former Triple Creek Ranch, we received the loving encouragement and rest needed to keep us strong and our vision and calling in clear focus. In April, 2003, at a Triple Creek retreat seminar, the call of God to this ministry became crystal clear. We believe He is using our varied life experiences to serve those in full-time pastoral ministry.

the deckers

David has 35 years’ experience as a youth pastor, senior pastor and interim pastor in large and small staff situations. He also served 5 years as a state-wide denominational camp/youth education director. He has served churches in three states in the Midwest. David has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Evangel University and a Masters of Divinity from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. David’s gifts of mercy and encouragement suit him for the retreating environment. His ability to champion the value of retreating, and his passion for pastors, is helping increase awareness of the great need for such ministries. He is committed to helping pastors keep their marriage and ministry in healthy balance.

Louise has a Bachelor of Arts degree in music and a Masters of Music from Illinois State University, and has completed studies toward a Doctorate of Education degree in Adult Continuing Education at Northern Illinois University. Her doctoral dissertation focuses on the value of spiritual retreat for clergy and other professionals. She has served as a Worship Leader and Music Director at the local church level. As a pastor's wife, she has partnered with David in small group formation, Christian education, and other aspects of church ministry. Her 15 years’ experience in banking, personnel management and corporate training are additional assets to the retreat operation. Louise enjoys entertaining and is attentive to the details of hospitality. She has a special desire to encourage pastors' wives by providing them with some special touches that say, "We're so glad you are here!"

In miraculous ways God has directed gifted and visionary people to us over the past ten years to encourage and assist us. To date, we have hosted over 2,000 pastors, missionaries and spouses through our retreats and other hospitality ministries. In 2009, God led us to secure a beautiful site in Freeport, IL, as a permanent home for this ministry... a place, and a vital ministry, that will last beyond our lifetimes.

In miraculous ways God has directed gifted and visionary people to us over the past ten years to encourage and assist us. To date, we have hosted over 2,000 pastors, missionaries and spouses through our retreats and other hospitality ministries. In 2009, God led us to secure a beautiful site in Freeport, IL, as a permanent home for this ministry... a place, and a vital ministry, that will last beyond our lifetimes.

Our Beliefs

We believe the Bible to be uniquely God-inspired, the only authoritative Word of God, and the only practical guide for daily living. As the Bible teaches, there is one God...

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Our Purpose

God has called us to provide a needed refuge for pastors and their spouses. We are here to provide a place of peace, refreshment and rest for body and soul at no cost to our...

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