Our Story: The Journey of The Father’s Refuge
April 28, 2016 Cove City NC
The Father’s Refuge was not built overnight—it was born under the open skies of eastern North Carolina, under the canvas of a 20x40-foot tent gifted by family and filled with worship, prayer, and the undeniable presence of God.
From humble beginnings, we carried that tent across towns—Cove City, New Bern, Vanceboro—where it became a sanctuary for the hurting, the hungry, and the hopeful. Under its covering, people encountered healing, deliverance, prophetic words, and angelic presence. What started as a simple act of obedience grew into a mobile altar, a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.
During a weeklong worship gathering called “Catapult” on the New Bern waterfront, prophetic words began to flow—“the tent pegs will expand.” And they did.
Soon, we stepped out in faith to acquire a massive 110x60-foot tent—once used by the Free Will Baptists for revivals—and purchased it for exactly $5,000, just as the Lord had instructed. That tent, weathered but full of promise, traveled to Kinston, Trenton, Greenville, and beyond. We didn't just pitch a tent; we built altars. We saturated towns with worship. We fed the hungry. We hosted 24/7 burns and celebrated Thanksgiving in storm-struck communities like Vanceboro. And every step of the way, God provided—never early, never late.
But then came a turning point.
One day, we received a Facebook message: “You're supposed to buy the Woodmen of the World camp.” It seemed impossible. We had no money and no plan—but we had prayer. As we began walking the grounds and interceding over the land, we sensed it: this was the place God was calling us to steward. A place where revival could not only spark—but linger.
So we prayed. Our elders—faithful men of wisdom—sought the Lord.
And in unity, we agreed: if God wanted this land, He would make a way.
And He did.
Through prophetic signs (yes, even a nothing-but-net basketball shot in the old gym), divine provision, and sheer faith, The Father’s Refuge was born. A $1.4 million property became ours for $450,000. Time after time, God brought the funds—sometimes just days or hours before they were due. The final loan came from a brother in Christ willing to sow his inheritance for Kingdom purposes.
Since then, The Father’s Refuge has grown into a sanctuary—40 acres of holy ground where God’s presence meets practical restoration.
Over the past five years, we’ve hosted:
- Youth camps and revivals
- Worship burns and prayer gatherings
- Disaster relief housing and recovery teams
- Church retreats, trainings, and VBS programs
- Law enforcement K-9 trainings and gun safety events
- Community outreach and school partnerships
- Media creation, podcasts, and now—our very own Christ-centered school: The Ark Discovery Institute
We’ve seen lives changed. Addictions broken. Families restored. Angels seen. And more than anything—we’ve seen God prove Himself faithful.
What began as a tent has become a refuge. A place for the weary to find rest. A place for leaders to be restored. A place where heaven touches earth.