Wow, can you believe how quickly May flew by?

It feels like only yesterday we started meeting for The Gathering on Saturday evenings. This has been such a powerful time to come together in unity and glorify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The teachings from regional speakers have been encouraging and empowering, and it has been a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow believers and foster relationships within our local community. We’ve also been enjoying Exploring the Bounty of God’s World and His Word on Saturdays, led by Mr. Bill Long. It has been an insightful way to deepen our faith and understanding of God’s Word. May has definitely been a time of preparation for the months ahead!

As the school year comes to a close, June kicks off an activity-packed summer schedule. Saturday, June 3rd, we have our monthly Regional Prayer Breakfast in the Dining Hall at 9 AM. The Exploring the Bounty of God’s World and His Word discipleship class will be held every Saturday at 10 am, followed by lunch at noon. After lunch, we’ll be working on the grounds to prepare for upcoming student events in June and July. The Gathering will be at 5pm every Saturday as usual. We are very excited to be hosting Jerusalem Marketplace VBS in partnership with Groundbreakers Church in Kinston from June 26th to 29th. It’s going to be a busy but exciting month! If you’re interested in registering your child for VBS, please visit the website. If you or your church would like to get involved with VBS, or if you would like to sponsor a scholarship for a child to attend, you can find more information on the website as well. We aspire to be able to provide events like VBS at no cost and ensure that no child is ever denied the opportunity to attend. Thank you for helping us reach that goal!

With the current schedule for June, plus discipleship camp and football camp scheduled for July, The Father’s Refuge (TFR) is buzzing with anticipation. There is a pressing need to complete many projects in preparation for the summer events that are rapidly approaching. Genuinely, we at TFR can use your extra hands and hearts to help us accomplish all of our goals. If you’re able to lend a hand, please see all the ways you can help at https://thefathersrefuge.org/help/. Alternatively, you can call or text Scott Murphy at (252)702-0004 to let us know you’re willing to join our efforts. Thank you!

The Lord is moving mightily in this place and through our team. He is calling us to greater service and commitment. We are purposefully following this calling, growing this army, and working to be a “Beacon of Light” locally, regionally, and around the globe. We genuinely appreciate your partnering with us. We sincerely mean it when we say you have a standing invitation to visit us, stay a while, and experience The Father’s Refuge.

Sincerely,

The Father’s Refuge Team

Coming home from my college and work experience in Wilmington in the summer of 2021, I realized I had been signed up to attend the Father’s Refuge’s first summer camp. My friend Jentsen and I were going to go together. Neither of us had an idea of how much God would work in us during camp.

The things I had been struggling with were met with God’s Presence, conviction, and power. Encountering Jesus in a real way is unlike any other experience and was a moment I will never forget.

My life was changed during camp, yet more moments of temptation and overcoming trials stood before me. Over the course of time since then, the Holy Spirit has guided me in more understanding and truth. My passion to serve at the Father’s Refuge has only expanded. I know that this is just the beginning of the amazing work God has planned on those grounds and in all of our hearts there. The Father’s Refuge is a special place where everyone can feel welcomed.