Our Story
The burden for this place of retreat came about in 2011 when Kevin was going through a time of burnout and depression in the ministry. During this time, we longed for a place that we could go as a couple and be ministered to, including someone we could talk with about what we were going through. The church we were serving in encouraged us to take some extended time off and gave us a sabbatical. As we took the time off, we realized we needed more than just rest. We researched our options for a place where we could retreat and be ministered to as a couple. We were desperate for such a place and came to realize that most retreats of this nature cost hundreds and some times thousands of dollars. At this time in our ministry, we did not have the financial resources to travel a great distance or to pay for such an expensive retreat.
During this time of crisis and in the time that followed, the Lord began to put on our hearts the burden for other ministry leaders and spouses going through similar burnout and discouragement. In 2012, we filed articles of incorporation and Restore Hope Ministries became a reality not only in our hearts but on paper. We had a hope of someday acquiring a Restore Hope Ministries house where ministry couples could get away at no cost to them and experience healing and rejuvenation. In the meantime, God reaffirmed that this was not only our will but His will too. Over the years, we have crossed paths with many couples facing similar circumstances of hurt, discouragement, and burnout in ministry. We have hosted many couples in our home and spent hours listening to and supporting them, but still believed one day, Lord willing, a house where a couple could get away and retreat would best serve the purpose behind the vision.
In May 2024, through the complete orchestration of the Lord and faithfulness of His people this secluded place became available to host ministry couples. Our prayer is you are refreshed during your stay in this quiet place. May the Lord bring healing and rejuventation to your weary soul. We love and care about you and are here to serve and help you in any way we can.
“He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for awhile.”
Mark 6:31
Kevin and Tammy Smith are high school sweethearts and have been married for over 40 years. They currently serve together at Heritage Baptist in Lebanon, MO.
RESTORE HOPE MINISTRIES HOUSE
Restore Hope Ministries exists to serve and encourage pastors, ministry leaders, and their spouses by providing cost free and isolated retreat opportunities designed to facilitate healing and rejuvenation.
Especially those in ministry need to set aside time to be along and experience the presence of the Lord in a personal way. We want to provide the place and opportunity for them to seek Him for themselves and their own needs.
What we desire is to provide a setting for those who minister, to be ministered to. We will do that by taking care of every possible need we can, so those retreating can focus on their spiritual needs.
For those going through difficult times, we are available for conversation and prayer when there is a need for encouragement.
Statement of Faith & House Policies
God’s Word is our guide and direction for all ministry business, for all facility and property usage and requests. Restore Hope Ministries reserves the right to accept or decline requests to use its facilities or properties based on agreement in belief and practice with our Statement of Faith.