Big Horn River and the Refuge Foundation

I was introduced to this program by Brian Carpenter. Brian used to be a youth pastor for Faith Chapel here in Billings, MT, Brian called me one day out of the blue and asked me to donate my time and help row a bunch of Pastors down the river. Me loving the river and loving to meet new people, I said yes. It was a life changer for me and was one of the best yeses I have said.

There is something about donating time that changes your life and heart. I don’t just donate my time but I actually end up spending money on gas, flies, time and general equipment for the day. It is usually a 5 day trip for the leaders with 4 days being on the river. The Refuge supplies the leaders a place to stay, food for the week, drinks, fly rods, waders, boots and an experience of a lifetime. These leaders don’t have to pay a thing because of the donations the organization receives. Right now Refuge can do about 4 to 5 trips a year but they are wanting to be completely booked up from April until September. I don’t know what this looks like for me but my heart is telling me I will be a huge part of it. I am wanting to be the head guide and be able to spend all my time with these amazing people. I love teaching, showing people the river and showing them the healing power of the natural world.

The leaders we get come from everywhere. If you have a leader you know that deserves a trip like this please contact the RefugeFoundation.org. Most leaders need a retreat but are to scared to ask for one. So it is up to you or your church to make sure they are taken care of and this is a great way for them to do that.

Big Horn River and the Refuge Foundation

Most of the leaders that come have no idea what fly fishing is. They just know it is something they use to catch fish :). Most of the guys that I get in my boat are brand new to the sport. I love getting people like this in my boat because when they get a fish on it is like seeing a kid getting his favorite present on Christmas, it’s amazing!! It’s also really fun to see the progression of their skills from day 1 to day 4. Day 1 they hesitate and are not sure of anything but by day 4 they are telling me how fishy a certain spot looks and let’s fish it.

Big Horn River and the Refuge Foundation

I am so excited for next season (which starts March 1st for me) it is going to be an exciting one. It will be fun to see the new leaders that come and also all the wonderful clients I will be able to guide. I am super passionate about this sport and the relationships I gain from doing what I love. I hope I was able to give some insight on the Refuge Foundation and I hope some of my post about it makes more sense now.

Remember to follow your heart and keep a hold of your dreams. People love to be with people that are passionate about what they do. Thanks for reading my post about Refuge and go find your Refuge before you get burned out.

I wanted to make this blog semi short so to find out more please visit RefugeFoundation.org

Big Horn River and the Refuge Foundation

To end this post, I wanted to add some testimonials from leaders that have gone on the trip. If you are a leader that has been but haven’t included a testimonial, please comment below on your experience. Thanks!

Curt Harlow, Bayside Church

The refuge gave me much needed relaxation, fellowship with like minded ministers and friendships that continue to bless my life beyond my circle of influence. This all happened in the context of fly fishing which I was completely incompetent. However, the first day I caught 15 fish and by day three I was catching them like a pro. I was well trained in fishing, well fed and every detail was taking care for me. I returned home with a well rested soul. Thanks Refuge … God gave me what I needed through you … God Bless.

Jack Hammond, Davis Christian Fellowship

My weekend with the Refuge Foundation was full of world class fly fishing and friendships that will endure a lifetime of ministry. I can’t say enough about how thankful I am for this time of refreshing provided by Refuge.

Pastor Jim Romack, New Life Center

As the jet touched down in Billings, Montana on July 18, it felt as though the weight of my busy life was lifted off my aching shoulders. The warm late-summer sunshine was tempered by a refreshing breeze. I arrived with childlike anticipation fueled by previous trips and the relationships forged with some truly passionate individuals whose main goal this week would be to make me feel refreshed, alive, and important. I was about to fly fish for five days with people who really cared that I had a great time and expected absolutely nothing in return but a healthy smile of satisfaction. 

Dale Williams, Executive Director of Refuge Foundation

As Executive Director of a non-profit child abuse and neglect prevention agency the days are long, funds are always short, the families we serve are in crisis, and the stakes – the safety and well-being of the children – couldn’t be any higher. It is a stressful, and at times, overwhelming responsibility.

In our work we intuitively know that nurturing parents, and teaching them to nurture their children, is one of the most important things we can do. Another seemingly simple – but extremely important – thing we do is ensure that the children get light, fresh air and play time every day that they are in our care. We know that nature heals because we see it with the children. And we also know that the most effective way to help parents is to provide camaraderie and support…an ear, a pat on the back, or guidance when they need it.

When I read about Refuge Foundation’s leadership coaching, mentoring, and burnout prevention work it was as if a light bulb went off in my head — that’s what we do for our families! I am going to make a Refuge Foundation retreat a priority because as a non-profit leader I need support, nurturing and the healing effects of nature, too.

Kelly Sutherland, Relief Nursery

How do I even begin? The mystic of The Refuge preceded my trip and exceeded my expectations. I direct a non profit in Dallas and typically run non-stop. I had dreams of unplugging, getting off the grid, connecting with some incredible men of God and reconnecting to God at new levels. I did! Thanks Refuge! Besides getting refreshed, renewed, replenished, re-exhilarated and extremely refocused I made several new friends for the journey. Thanks Refuge! My prayers and support are with you. Cant wait to bring a group from the big D.