Sabbath Rest Retreat

09/06/2026

Fabi Rojas - Chi Alpha @ SIU Carbondale

August was a sprint as we stepped into a new academic year. But for us, the semester truly began at Rest—where we brought our Chi Alpha Student Leaders to slow down, dream, plan, pray, and simply be together.

We rested. We played. We cooked. We prayed. We laughed. We cried out to the Lord for our campus. And somewhere in those simple moments, we became more of a family. A family made up of nations, learning to love one another and preparing to go, proclaim Jesus on campus.

And we left recharged and empowered to recapture our campus for Jesus!

Our students had never experienced such a cozy, welcoming place. What happened there marked us and laid a beautiful foundation of family.

Thank you, Pastor Ed, for welcoming us at the Sabbath Rest, praying with us, and believing with us! We are grateful and hopeful for all God will do in this new academic year.

09/03/2026

To My Ministry Friends (Terry & Cheryl Davis)

My wife and I recently spent FOUR days and nights at Sabbath Rest. It was a MUCH-NEEDED TIME of REFRESHING, REFOCUSING and RENEWING of our hearts and spirit. If you are looking for a place to get away and NOT BE DISTURBED, we highly recommend Sabbath Rest! We can’t wait to go again! Thank you Ed & Karen Shirrell for being such gracious hosts and stepping out in faith to fulfill this God-given vision of building a safe haven FOR MINISTERS and their families! God bless you and Sabbath Rest!

Terry & Cheryl Davis
Pastors of Grace Community Church in Salem, MO
They have been in Ministry for 44 years.

MISSION STATEMENT – to provide a place for ministers and their spouses to experience a Sabbath Rest (Rest, Refocus and Renew) to accomplish their God-given calling.

QUESTIONS – who can come? Credentialed ministers (pastors, staff pastors, evangelists) who are currently in ministry and spouse ONLY, no children, family or pets. Cost is $ 50 per night.

HOW to make a reservation? Contact me at [email protected] 573-238-7769

1800 ministers leave the ministry “MONTHLY” in America = 21,000 “YEARLY”. There are over 2500 pastors within a two-hour drive of Sabbath Rest.

We have a LODGE with two identical suites “upstairs.” Each has 2 queen beds, kitchenette with microwave and fridge, full bathroom with shower. Downstairs has full-kitchen, large dining room, large fireplace room, library, desk and resources; and 2 bath rooms. For those who physically challenged, we just completed a COTTAGE with NO STEPS or STAIRS; king bed, full-kitchen and large bathroom with shower, library and resources. Photos on FB - Sabbath Rest Retreat and our website, Sabbathrest.net

LOCATION - 3 hours South of the St. Louis Arch and 45 minutes West of Cape Girardeau. 45 minutes NE of Poplar Bluff, 90 minutes SE of Farmington And 90 minutes NE of Corning, AR.

Prior to founding Sabbath Rest Ministry, Ed & Karen have served as lead pastors for 36 years.

You can also follow us on Facebook @ Sabbath Rest Retreat

Website: sabbathrest.net

Sabbath Rest Ministry is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit corporation (non-denominational) and gifts are tax deductible. There are no salaries at Sabbath Rest and construction labor is provided by volunteers.

Lam 3:22-23 The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. GREAT is HIS FAITHFULNESS; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

Healthy Pastors Help to Create Healthy Churches

09/02/2026

Sabbathrest.net

09/02/2026

08/26/2026

Our Privilege to host Fabi Rojas (Chi Alpha and “international student leaders” from SIU Carbondale) last week. Karen and I have Chi Alpha ROOTS from SEMO in the early 70’s. Karen was the president and I was a new Christian.
Fabi (from Peru) is the Chi Alpha Missionary Director for SIU.

Praise the Lord! So much to share!

It feels like we’re already off and running! The Lord provided the full amount of my monthly budget needed by August 1st—the exact deadline! Thank you, Lord!

The Student Leaders Retreat (photos below) was so encouraging, and the students are excited to begin this season together as a family of servant-disciplemakers who find, feed, and fight for every soul from every nation.

Please keep us in prayer over these next three weeks—the most important weeks of the academic year

• Aug. 10–12: International Student Orientation and Hospitality Dinners

• Aug. 13–14: SIU Welcome Week and move-in.

• Aug. 15: Welcome Picnic for new international students

• Aug. 17: Classes begin!

• Three weeks of kickoffs: Chi Alpha, Small Groups (Tribes), Undergraduate Bible Study, and Family Time Meetings.

Let’s go Jesus!!

Thank You SO Much!

Thank you for sending me to one of the world's most strategic mission fields. Together, let's reconcile students to Christ! With gratitude and in His love,
Fabi

08/23/2026