Member Spotlight: Restoration Nation Retreat

Q&A with Autumn Kerr, Founder and Executive Director

Q: Tell me about what problem this program/service solves?

A: In today’s busy culture, it is easy to get burnt out. As Christians, its important to take designated time away to slow down, rest, recharge and seek the Lord. Restoration Nation Retreat offers Christ-centered retreats designed to refresh, nourish and restore.

Q: Can you tell me about a specific person who has used this program?

A: Our first retreat was held in April 2021 and served missionary women. This is feedback from one of the ladies. This particular woman serves as a missionary in Ecuador and was in the US on furlough because of Covid.

“This Restoration Retreat is the single most refreshing and soul rejuvenating weekend I have had since I answered the call to go overseas, 12 years ago!! It was a divinely sweet time with sisters in Christ who simply understood each other and the hard things without having to give all the background. That is hard to come by! It was also a safe place to be transparent, raw, and broken. There were no supporters or supervisors, and none of those that look to us to be the example – no shame or judgment. And that space allowed us to process, share, receive, and heal some of the deep hurts. It helped us to find the freedom and courage to seek Father’s healing in the dark corners of our hearts that we often shield, bury, or simply hide from view in order to carry out our work in steadfast faithfulness. We didn’t have to be strong for anyone, so we allowed others to pray for us & God worked miracles and spoke healing words of life to us through our sisters! This was a priceless time with God!”

Reviews from all our retreats: https://restorationnationretreat.org/reviews

Q: Now that they have gone through this program, what is their life like?

A: Since attending the retreat, that missionary has since returned to Ecuador to continue serving as a missionary.

Q: What attracted you to this cause?

A: I worked for 10 years with a mission-sending organization called Go Be Love International. One of the roles I had my last 3 years there was coordinating missionary care retreats for missionaries serving overseas. The feedback I would get from the missionaries who attended those retreats showed me how burnt out and exhausted those missionaries were and how much those retreats refreshed and revived them. Those emails I would get is why that quickly became the favorite part of my job. I quickly understood just exactly how important retreats are for really any Christian, but especially those serving in ministry. This is feedback from one of the Ugandan missionaries after one of those retreats: “When I got to the retreat, I was so overwhelmed by life and ministry. I was almost at the point of burnout. I felt so heard and understood. Instantly I felt like a pile of bricks was lifted off of my chest and I could finally breathe. This retreat allowed me to refocus my eyes on the One who makes everything happen, the One whose power is made perfect in our weakness, the One who calls us to exchange our burdens for rest. Thank you for loving us and pouring into us so we can persevere! I feel so renewed and encouraged, and excited to continue with the mission God has called us to do!”

Q: How has this changed you personally?

A: I myself have had some very impactful experiences at retreats over the years. Just having that time away to slow down from the fast-paced lives we lead and to just turn off phones/ tvs and get at the feet of Jesus – it’s a crucial part of our faith journey, especially if we are to avoid burnout. 

Q: What was the biggest challenge you are facing?

A: Being a new ministry, the biggest challenge is getting the word out and raising funds. One of our goals as a ministry is to keep costs low for those who attend our retreats. Many of the people we serve at these retreats are not able to afford a large cost on top of travel costs to get here so we fundraise to keep those costs low.

Q: What do you think other people should know about this organization?

A: That we are faith-based and are passionate about pouring into people who are on in need of restoration. It’s amazing how impactful a 2 or 3 night retreat can be!

Q: What goals do you have for the organization?

A: Our immediate goal is to continue to offer several retreats each year for various different groups of people at various rental properties.

Our long-term goal is to have our own retreat center with lodging, meeting space, a chapel and offices for offering counseling.

Q: Upcoming special events?

A: We have a retreat November 4-6, 2022 on Marco Island and we are still looking for sponsors for this retreat.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with me?

A: We are always looking for churches, small groups, and others to partner with us by gathering items and putting together gift bags for all of the ladies who attend our retreats. We also welcome them with a bag full of goodies which can include anything from jewelry to journals, pens, skincare, coffee mugs, and other gift items – all with the purpose of loving on the ladies who attend.

Since we do not yet have our own retreat space, we have started out with women’s retreats but we do hope to offer retreats in the future for men’s groups, and also for couples.

About Restoration Nation Retreat

(from their website)

Restoration Nation Retreat (RNR) is a nonprofit organization that hosts Christ-centered retreats designed to refresh, nourish and restore those who attend. Our heart is to pour out the extravagant love of the Father on each attendee. Retreats will be designed with each participant group in mind.

We plan specific retreats open to individual signups, as well as custom retreats for churches, ministries and other groups.

See All Member Spotlights