About Shepherd's Refuge

 

Everyone needs a quiet place for retreat. Pastoral stress today is growing and more crippling than ever. The effect of this stress is debilitating to the individual as well as their flock. While moments for personal nurturing of the soul are fleeting, Shepherd’s Refuge works to stand in this gap.

As referenced in 2 Tim 4:13, our guests have time and opportunity to refresh themselves instead of toiling to feed others. Our goal is to help guests prevent and recover from burnout; therefore, we do not offer any set schedules or programs.

ShepherdOur Founders & Hosts

Ruedi and Sandy Mettler, both natives of Switzerland, have a long history of caring for others. Sandy graduated as a Nurse in her home country, and Ruedi looks back over a successful thirty-two-year career in the airline industry. Ruedi and Sandy are pastors for pastors. Their servant-hearted lifestyle is motivated by a love for Jesus Christ and a sincere desire to show His love to others who are tired and hurting.

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Our Board of Directors

  • Ruedi Mettler, Founder/Director, Pastor, retired from the Airline Industry
  • Rob Jones, currently working in Real Estate
  • Richard Joyner, Retired Pastor
  • Dave Tulka, Retired HPE Solution Manager
  • Stefani Strength, Director of Operations, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
Non-voting members of the Leadership Team:
  • Sandy Mettler, Founder, retired RN
  • Fran Jones, Treasurer, CFO in the Construction Industry
  • Debbie Joyner, Secretary, Retired Pastor’s spouse
ebtimeline-loader About the Refuge - Shepherd's Refuge - Selah Ministries | Pastoral Retreat in North Georgia
Breaking Ground on Caretaker's Cabin
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New Record Number of Guests Served
Construction of Shalom Cabin on Hold Due to Virus
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Breaking Ground on Shalom Cabin
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Upper Room Closed for 2 Months Due to Virus
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Another New Record for Guests Served
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First Guests in the Shiloh Cabin
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Guests Fly into Wimpy Airport in Dahlonega
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Building Permit for 2nd Cabin
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New Occupancy Record
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ECFA Accreditation
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Ministry’s 10th Anniversary
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First Selah Cabin Guests
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Selah Construction Slow Down
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Selah Cabin Launched
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First Guests
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501c3 (Non-profit) Status Achieved
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Freedom for Founders
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The Call Answered

Ministry Timeline

 

The Property & Grounds

Shepherd’s Refuge provides areas of solitude as well as comfortable sitting areas to enjoy fellowship. A library with over 4,500 titles is also available to our guests. The 68 accessible acres cover portions of a secluded valley, including adjacent ridges in the North Georgia Mountains, surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Our guests can enjoy sitting on the deck overlooking the valley, explore hiking trails, discover places to sit and take in the natural beauty and the gentle flowing waters of the creek meandering through the valley. Guests can also fish in a stocked pond located on the premises or enjoy fishing in many of the nearby trout streams and lakes.

 

The Property & Grounds

Shepherd’s Refuge provides areas of solitude as well as comfortable sitting areas to enjoy fellowship. A library with over 4,500 titles is also available to our guests. The 68 accessible acres cover portions of a secluded valley, including adjacent ridges in the North Georgia Mountains, surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Our guests can enjoy sitting on the deck overlooking the valley, explore hiking trails, discover places to sit and take in the natural beauty and the gentle flowing waters of the creek meandering through the valley. Guests can also fish in a stocked pond located on the premises or enjoy fishing in many of the nearby trout streams and lakes.

 

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