Take Courage

cleftRock Retreat Center

Over the past weekend my wife and I had the privilege to attend a Literacy Missions Leaders Retreat in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky. It was held at the cleftRock Retreat Center (www.cleftrock.org). This is in rural southern Kentucky. For people who have spent most of their lives in very populated areas this was going to be a cross cultural experience. Since my wife and I like to drive through the country I decided to drive the back roads and stay off of the freeway.

We went south on Route 31 to Route 150 east to Route 1249 (I think?) to the cleftRock Retreat Center. This took us through a lot of small towns and cities. We stopped in Danville for coffee. The service was poor to very poor, but the coffee was pretty good. We’ll post a review on the coffee shop later. It was a nice leisurely drive to Mt. Vernon.

Once in Mt. Vernon, I called the retreat leader for some directions. We were told to turn the wrong way and once I got that corrected we were on our way into who knows where to get to the center. We were now going by the mileage and looking for signs. The road was narrow, twisting and at times had a steep drop-off with no guard rail. It was fun! When we saw the Rebel flags waving in some yards and the wooden shacks with satellite dishes on them, I think my wife said to me, “where are you taking me?”

I was beginning to wonder that myself. In my head I was starting to hear the banjo and guitar song from Deliverance. But I was just imagining that, at least I think I was. As we drove more and more into who knows where, I think I called the leader two or three times to make sure we were going in the right direction. Then we got there.

Man, let me tell you, it was worth the trip! cleftRock was started by former missionaries to Israel who had a burden for a place that would minister to pastors or missionaries and their families. It is a non-profit organization and it borders the Daniel Boone National Forest. It is in a beautiful setting and God has provided it all! It is an amazing work of prayer and ministry.

The housing facilities are top notch. The room we had was better than some hotels we’ve stayed in. There are no televisions or radios. The food was very good. The staff was helpful and gracious. They cared about helping you enjoy your visit and be ministered to. Anyone can go to cleftRock, and they give pastors and missionaries a discount. If you need a break and are looking for a quiet, beautiful place to recharge and reconnect with God I would encourage you to go there.

You can find out more about cleftRock Retreat Center at www.cleftrock.org . You won’t be sorry if you take the time to check them out on the web. You’ll be even happier if you go there for a retreat. My wife and I plan to go back again for a couple of days to relax, walk the trails, pray and spend some good quality time with each other and God.

GRACE and peace to you,

Bill (a fellow-laborer)

Romans 15:13; Exodus 33:12-23