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Missionaries travel thousands of miles to visit with family and friends. Many times their schedules include presenting their work and vision in churches to raise continued financial support. Their time home in the United States is rewarding in many ways, but missionaries' travels are often stressful and tiring.
Our research shows that of the more than 75,000 missionaries who travel through the United States every year, only 12% take the time to rest. Many are exhausted when they return to their missionary field of service, stepping right back into their work.
When asked why they don’t take the time to rest, 65% of missionaries said they could not afford it. Also, more than half said they were not aware of any missionary retreat centers. While there are a few retreat centers that offer discounts to missionaries, they are few and far between.
Why a missionary-focused retreat center?
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Mission to Missionaries exists to serve missionaries. We want missionaries to enjoy a retreat center focused on them, and we don’t want money to be the reason they don’t come. EdenRidge currently welcomes over 1,500 missionary guests a year and plans to expand facilities to welcome 10,000 guests a year.
The keyword at EdenRidge is rest. For some, rest may mean relaxing in one of our well-appointed guest cabins, while enjoying the beauty of God's creation. For others, it might be enjoying time as a family at some of the great parks and attractions in the area or the many amenities in nearby Fairfield Glade. After a stay at EdenRidge, our prayer is that missionaries will be well-rested, renewed, and ready to move forward in the place God has called them.
Ministry History
In 2005, Mission to Missionaries purchased 130 acres of beautiful wooded land on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee. The EdenRidge property is located near the town of Crossville and Fairfield Glade Resort (www.FairfieldGladeResort.com). The area is within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the United States’ population.
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The property features beautiful views and bluffs, along with woods and wildlife. EdenRidge is completely remote, yet easily accessible and within just minutes of Interstate 40. Most of the land surrounding EdenRidge was purchased in 2007 by the state’s Park and Recreation Department to develop the 313 mile Cumberland Trail. The trail area near EdenRidge is now completed and is a popular amenity for our guests.
Guest accommodations currently include two one-bedroom cabins, two two-bedroom cabins, a studio, and one three-bedroom cabin. Combined, these cabins can sleep 20 guests. In 2021, construction was completed on the Welcome Center and World Missions Park.
A Bold Vision for the Future
Our long-term vision is to develop and expand EdenRidge as a world-class, missionary-focused retreat and vacation destination with 35 cabins. Our guest facilities, meeting spaces, and amenities will support 150 guests simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-missionaries stay at EdenRidge?
Yes! Most definitely! We welcome and encourage both missionaries and non-missionaries to stay at EdenRidge. Since the fee for non-missionaries is more substantial, they play a significant role in helping to keep the costs low for missionaries. Note: all guests must agree with the ministry’s statement of faith in accordance with our 501(c)3 IRS status. To learn more, see our rates, and make a reservation please click here.
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How is EdenRidge funded?
The fees paid by our guests cover our operating costs including insurance, utilities, supplies, and taxes. Additional funds received by the ministry are used to expand EdenRidge’s facilities. There are no monies taken out of these donated funds for salaries, administration costs or additional fees for operation. All donations are tax-deductible in accordance with our 501(c)3 IRS Nonprofit Organization status.
Does EdenRidge welcome groups?
Yes! The meeting room, located inside the EdenRidge Welcome Center, is available to churches, ministries, businesses, and families looking for a beautiful setting to host meetings and gatherings of 25 to 40.
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Does EdenRidge offer the opportunity for guests to speak with someone?
EdenRidge is here for you to rest, relax and reflect. During your stay, you may find yourself reflecting on what God is doing in your life. If it would be helpful, Les and Priscilla Hirst are available to EdenRidge guests to help process life through conversation, questions and encouragement. To learn more please click here.
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