"There was a time when my soul was very dry and tired. The war, the situation in Israel after October 7, and the pressure of ministry had taken a lot out of me.
I felt I needed a place to escape for a few days, to be quiet, to rest, and to meet the Lord again.
I wrote to Todd, and he immediately welcomed me to stay in the basement area of your home, which you have opened as a place of refuge and rest for people in ministry.
I did not need anything special, but still, the fact that you were willing to receive me during that season meant a lot to me.
Todd was a wonderful host. He made sure I had everything I needed physically, but more than that, he was there for me personally.
We prayed, talked, and he encouraged me. I felt cared for, not only as a guest, but as a brother.
One moment especially stayed with me.
I looked up at the sky and realized there were no missiles, no fighter jets, no sirens. There was simply silence.
After living for so long under pressure and tension, that silence did something very deep in me. It gave my soul space to breathe again, and it brought me into a fresh meeting with Yeshua.
For me, The Shepherds Rest really became a place of refuge.
It was a place where I experienced the presence of the Lord, where my heart found comfort, and where my soul began to be restored."
- Guy C.
Stories from our guests
"My time at The Shepherd's Rest was terrific.
Coming from Virginia, the ride getting there was relaxing and enjoyable. Once I got there I was able to unwind even more so.
Todd and Deborah are a wonderful couple, engaging in hospitality and kindness, and a sense of tranquility permeates their house and property.
I remember distinctly walking down to Israel's Creek, reading scriptures posted along the way, then sitting down, listening to the babblings of the water and the singing of the birds, and I began to cry. It was a lovely encounter with the Lord.
As one who gives so much to others, receiving from the Lord His tenderness and love refreshed me in a grand way, and it was so energizing. I enjoyed my time alone, as well as eating dinner with the Wesphals. Worshipping with El Shaddai as an attendee was nice too given there were no expectations from me, only to receive prayer and enjoy fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord.
I highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity. You will leave refreshed, encouraged, and ready for the next season in your ministry."
- Aaron A.
