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 rest@edenridge.org and we'll schedule a short conversation with you.