Getaways – Part 4 of 6

Getaways – What Fuels our Passion for Making Connections – Part 4 of 6

by David Revelle, Shepherd’s Fortress Ministries, Associate Director - PastorCare

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas last year, I had to slow down and even withdraw from a few responsibilities on my schedule due to illness. During that time, God helped me to see things through a different lens, the lens of suffering that many, who serve in ministry, endure in various ways. This season has helped to develop within me a greater level of compassion for people.

There are people in active ministry who battle illness for months, even years. For many, you wouldn’t even know the heavy burden they carry because they do not allow it to define or consume them. They are God’s warriors who are focused on the battle for the soul. There are so many heroes of the faith that will never be known on this side of the river. It is this group of people that we desire to reach and walk alongside, enabling them to take needed time away in the presence of the Lord to recharge and refresh.

I am learning that in affliction, God molds and shapes us more and more into His image, preparing us for all that lies ahead. The natural tendency is to pray for immediate healing, immediate deliverance, rescue, and comfort. As we grow in Christ, we learn that there are certain areas of spiritual growth that only come in the valley or the desert place.

As I ponder the many areas of suffering, it is evident that everyone handles trauma, crises, hurt, and pain differently, yet the Answer remains the same! Jesus is our Healer, He is our Counselor, and our Advocate to the Father! Jesus is the Solution to every problem and the Lifter of every burden! We learn this at the deepest level the more time we spend in His presence. This is yet another great area of focus that fuels our passion to connect pastors with opportunities to take time away for this very purpose.

It would be our pleasure to serve you! Feel free to connect with PastorCare, and we will send you a link to an

online form where you can offer some information to us regarding your desired getaway that will help us in providing a list of possibilities for you to consider.

Pastors, thank you for the many sacrifices that you make to love and lead the Church!