EdenRidge

EdenRidge EdenRidge is a missionary-focused retreat and vacation destination located on the Cumberland Plateau in East Tennessee.

EdenRidge Impact StoryOur Season of TransitionDan and Becky RoyerWritten by: Shari MartinPhoto Credits: Dan and Becky Ro...
05/29/2026

EdenRidge Impact Story
Our Season of Transition
Dan and Becky Royer
Written by: Shari Martin
Photo Credits: Dan and Becky Royer

After serving in Brazil for nearly forty-two years with Ethnos360, Dan and Becky Royer returned to the United States to begin a new season of ministry. During their transition, they traveled to different cities, reconnecting with churches and ministry partners who had supported them through their years in Brazil.

Along the way, they found themselves needing a few quiet days of rest. “We would like to spend a few days in a cabin, somewhere in the mountains of Tennessee to get a break and restore our batteries, so to speak.”

During a workshop they were attending, a friend heard their conversation and told them about EdenRidge. Dan and Becky loved the recommendation: “This was exactly what we had been hoping for.”

Soon after the workshop, they spent several days at EdenRidge. They shared, “This was certainly an instance of God’s provision, showing us His grace and love.”

“It was a relaxing and refreshing time for us at a time when we were needing it greatly,” they remembered. While at EdenRidge, they were also able to reconnect with former coworkers in Knoxville, Tennessee whom they had hoped to visit during their travels.

For Dan and Becky, their time at EdenRidge became a meaningful part of their season of transition after so many years of serving overseas.

05/28/2026

With all this rain, the new pond is halfway full! We need a little more rain to fill it up and then add the water fountain!

The EdenRidge aquarium has a new star!
05/22/2026

The EdenRidge aquarium has a new star!

Recently added five of these beautiful Red Spot Cardinalfish to the EdenRidge aquarium! 
05/18/2026

Recently added five of these beautiful Red Spot Cardinalfish to the EdenRidge aquarium! 

IMPACT STORIES - God At Work at EdenRidgeStories of rest, renewal, and God’s ongoing work in our guests' lives.A Space t...
05/14/2026

IMPACT STORIES - God At Work at EdenRidge
Stories of rest, renewal, and God’s ongoing work in our guests' lives.

A Space to Unwind
Q&A with Joel Potter
Written by Shari Martin
Photo Credit: Joel Potter

Over the past 20 years, EdenRidge has welcomed many missionaries, pastors, Christian workers, and families seeking rest and renewal. One of those guests was Joel Potter. He serves with Ethnos360, formerly known as New Tribes Mission, an organization focused on reaching unreached people groups around the world.

I recently had the opportunity to talk with Joel about his family's ministry journey and how God led them into mission work. I also asked him about his experience at EdenRidge.
Joel shared the following reflections:

Q: How did the Lord lead you to Ethnos360?

My wife and I both found out about New Tribes Mission (NTM) before we were married. She was seeking a way to be involved in reaching the unreached in a long-term, sustainable, effective way and I was simply looking for Biblical education.

The Lord brought us both to the Bible Institute that is a part of the training program for Ethnos360. The Lord revealed rather quickly that the methodology espoused by NTM/Ethnos360 was what she was searching for. I came under conviction that based on the needs of the unreached that I was learning about, I had to be a part of this work. I couldn't in good conscience ignore the needs and go do something else with my life.

Q: What led you to EdenRidge?

For the first time in our family’s history (we were married 17 years at that point), we had been able to set aside some funds for something “vacation-y."

As faith-supported missionaries, vacations had rarely been possible. I don’t totally recall who pointed me to EdenRidge, but when I realized the cost was so affordable, we were able to book a week at one of the bigger cabins that looked out over the ridge. We looked forward to the trip all year!

Q: Why are retreats so important for your organization?

We believe that taking time away from familiar settings and away from routines and rhythms can do wonders for team unity and focus. Most importantly, it adds layers to the personal relationships of the team members involved.

Q: Looking back, has anything from your retreat carried into your everyday life?

Our time there as a family was life-giving. We were in a very tumultuous time and having the space to unwind, spend time as a family as well as time on our own, in a beautiful setting, was so good for us.

Q: What feels most meaningful about your time at EdenRidge?

I think it was just the blessing of being in a beautiful setting that we all loved and where we felt at home (in the mountains). There is something refreshing about relaxed and unhurried time in God's Creation.

The break from our normal at home rhythms... those things aren't often available to us based on missionary support and income levels. To have had such a beautiful option made available to us at a cost we could afford was a huge blessing to us!

Joel’s reflections capture the heart behind EdenRidge for so many.
EdenRidge became more than just a mountain getaway. It became a space to unwind. A place to step away from the pressures and routines of ministry life and to reconnect as a family. It allowed them to experience the renewal that comes from unhurried time together in God’s creation.

Was your stay meaningful? We'd love to hear how God used your time at EdenRidge. Email us at [email protected] and we’ll schedule a short conversation with you.

Read more EdenRidge Impact Stories at edenridge.org/impact

Do you have a story about how God showed up while you stayed at EdenRidge or after you returned home or to your ministry? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

Dear EdenRidge Friends, Shekinah Ranch is EdenRidge’s ministry partner in Colorado, and we would encourage you to consid...
05/12/2026

Dear EdenRidge Friends,

Shekinah Ranch is EdenRidge’s ministry partner in Colorado, and we would encourage you to consider spending a few days there this year.

Located in a beautiful mountain setting about two hours from Denver, Shekinah Ranch is truly a special place for pastors, missionaries, ministry leaders, and others serving in Christian ministry. Whether you are looking for rest, spiritual renewal, time with family, or simply a chance to enjoy God’s creation, we believe you will love your time there.

Summer reservations and availability are limited, but there are still a few spots remaining.

To make a reservation, visit shekinahranch.org or visit edenridge.org and click on Shekinah Ranch in the menu.

You will not regret it

IMPACT STORIES - God At Work at EdenRidge.Stories of rest, renewal, and God’s ongoing work.Generations of Rest and Renew...
05/05/2026

IMPACT STORIES - God At Work at EdenRidge.
Stories of rest, renewal, and God’s ongoing work.

Generations of Rest and Renewal
Brian Mount

Written by: Shari Martin

Family traditions are made in different ways. For Brian Mount’s family, one tradition began in the hills of Tennessee at EdenRidge.

Brian said, “Over the years, EdenRidge became much more than just a recommendation. It became an important part of our family life.”

“Our visits for more than 10 consecutive years between Christmas and New Year’s were always a very special time, with a combined group from our family and my brother Kevin’s family—often upwards of 20 people. It was really an annual family reunion that was a cherished part of our year. Sadly, they are all grown up and busy now, and we haven’t been able to do it for a few years, but we all cherish the memories.”

Brian and his wife also treasured time there on their own. They celebrated anniversaries, prayed together, and intentionally sought the Lord. He reflected, “What stands out most to me is that God consistently met us there.”

He explained, “There wasn’t just one defining moment. It was the steady presence of the Lord meeting us in times of quiet, prayer, and reflection. Our marriage, in particular, was strengthened there as we prayed together, listened, and sought God’s direction for our family.”

Each visit to EdenRidge became an opportunity for them to step away from thedemands of ministry and re-center their hearts.

Brian saw the impact of those visits in a new generation:

“Our now-adult children still talk about the memories made at EdenRidge,” he said. “It’s deeply rewarding to see them returning with their own spouses and young children, continuing our tradition of rest, connection, and spiritual renewal.”

He concluded, “It was also a true honor to serve on EdenRidge’s board in those early years. To now see Oliver’s vision take shape is both humbling and inspiring. Many of the ideas that were once just conversations became reality. EdenRidge is a testament to what God can do through a simple, faithful vision to care for those serving Him around the world.”

Read more EdenRidge Impact Stories at edenridge.org/impact

Do you have a story about how God showed up while you stayed at EdenRidge or after you returned home or to your ministry? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

Second pond at World Missions Park is taking shape!
05/03/2026

Second pond at World Missions Park is taking shape!

Address

4800 Hebbertsburg Road
Crab Orchard, TN
37723

Telephone

+17316951206

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