Everyone loves a good story!

All of us have a story and each of ours is still very much in process. The Bible says that everyone has a story written in a book, and that book was completed while we were still inside our mother’s womb. God not only knows each page turn, but He also knows when the big chapter changes are coming.

The story of Shepherds Care starts at one of these chapter changes, although there were hints of its coming for decades before in the stories of Joe and Patty Friesen. For 37 years Joe and Patty have been on staff at various churches and have been involved with numerous mission trips around the world. In the rough and tumble world of working with people, they have known times of deep weariness, discouragement, and even the desire to walk away from ministry. They experienced some of what Elijah did in 1 Kings 19, when after having one of the greatest spiritual victories of his life, found himself exhausted and empty. This left Elijah in a desperate state that led to him telling God, “That’s it- I’m done! Take my life…” When spiritual caregivers themselves get empty, cynicism and despair are usually right around the corner. Joe and Patty

have seen a need to bless both church pastors and missionaries that find themselves at this point in their story.

Shepherds Care is an “Extreme Hospitality” ministry that uses rest, quiet, spiritual encouragement, and amazing food to lavish God’s blessing on the lives of weary servants. In Elijah’s story, God brought restoration by placing Elijah under a shade tree in a natural setting and encouraged him to sleep. When Elijah awoke, there was an angel cooking amazing food. After he ate, he slept again, and the process of eating and sleeping was repeated a number of times until Elijah’s body and spirit were restored. It says at a certain point his spirit was so encouraged that he got up and continued his journey. Shepherds Care uses this same basic model to restore and rejuvenate empty caregivers so that they too can continue their journey.

Through the generosity of many people, we are able to match donated homes with pastors and missionaries who then come for an all expense paid week of rest, food, walks on the beach, and as little or as much free activity as they want. There is not a plan to ‘fix’ or ‘counsel’ our guests, but to lend a listening ear and encouragement as God leads. Through the donations of individuals and local businesses, guests can play golf (regular and mini), go on dolphin cruises, get free hair care, massage, water sports, and numerous other fun activities. Amazing food is a key ingredient in the Shepherds Care experience. When they arrive, their home is fully stocked with fresh baked/made food that will provide many of their meals. We will also deliver several home cooked meals that are always greatly enjoyed. They are also given a liberal amount of cash to go to fantastic restaurants and enjoy meals their normal budgets would likely never allow. We hear wonderful stories from guests about meals unlike any they have had before. God uses these simple pleasures to encourage and restore.

Shepherds Care has partnerships with numerous church and mission organizations that find and vet the pastors and missionaries. They know best who needs this deep level of rest and care. We are non-denominational and are available to all Christian mission organizations. In its first 3+ years, Shepherds Care served around 150 missionaries and pastors who came to stay in the beautiful Hilton Head area. All our guests have left with stories of blessing, restoration, spiritual renewal, physical rest, reconnection with God’s creation, and of course, great meals. All of this has been through the gracious donations of churches, individuals, and businesses.

In the Fall of 2018, Joe and Patty saw a major chapter change in their lives as they stepped into this ministry full time. Shepherds Care is an official 501(c)3 charity and is able to give tax deductible receipts for services/goods and financial donations. Joe and Patty are seeking to develop more partnerships with businesses, individuals and churches who see the need to restore and refresh weary servants here, and around the world.

God’s growth of Shepherds Care has been organic and delightful. Because there is such a need for this kind of ‘Extreme Hospitality’, we believe the ministry will grow to a point where it may require multiple Host Couples in multiple locations. We believe that since God is the one writing this story, He will grow this in a way that will bless many servants through the donations and services from many other people. Please consider becoming a part of this story. If this unfolding story captures your heart, join us in blessing weary servants so that they can continue on their journey of sharing The Gospel of Christ.

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By Shepherds Care

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Team Members