“If You’re not in it, I don’t want it. Let all else fade away.”
Adam and Kaitlin met at Garden City Chapel & Retreat in South Carolina in 2006. Adam graduated from the University of Mobile with a Worship Leadership Degree in 2008 and continued to achieve his Masters in Christian Studies at Southeastern Seminary in 2010, in Wake Forest, NC. Kaitlin finished her Undergrad at UNC Charlotte in 2011 with her degree in Business Finance. After 5 years of dating, they got married in 2011. They have four daughters Maelee, Emory, Hadley and Daisy.
In November of 2018, the Lord began to stir an unsettling in our hearts about where He was leading. After a period of stillness, rest and prayer, in early 2019 we were confident that God was leading us to another step into the unknown. It was a difficult season listening to God’s voice. In May of 2019, we felt released and clarity in our next steps. Our hearts and passion aligned with making disciples with the next generation - a generation of students that are often forgotten and counted out. In order to say yes to where God was leading, we had to begin taking action steps. Quitting our jobs and stepping out in faith, we began the process of starting a 501(c)(3) and launched The Refuge Retreat.
About Us
Barna Research Group conducted a study that revealed 65% of college students stop attending church after they graduate high school. That number has grown to over 85% today. The truth is, 18-25 year olds are moving further away from God. Not only are students losing interest in church, but they are not interested in following Jesus altogether. College students are known to be the most neglected generation in the majority of churches in America. These students need for people to believe in them. They need leaders in their life that will empower them and trust them with our future.
This reality is the driving force behind The Refuge Retreat. We want to be a place that targets the most difficult generation to reach for the Gospel. The past 10 years have been spent studying and learning what it means to be a true follower of Jesus. We want to spend our time and energy creating community with the people around us, teaching the ways of Jesus, and providing relaxation and fun with a retreat center.
