Place of rest: Shadow Rest ministry offers getaway and gathering place for prayer, study and more

Fred Burgard and his wife, Sharon, know the demands of the ministry and the need for spiritual leaders to get away, be still and rest. They founded Shadow Rest Ministries with the goal of offering that place of rest to those who need it most.

In 2004, Fred resigned from pastoring after fulfilling that role in two churches between 1993 and 2004. It was at that time that a friend, Paul Cordes, approached him and asked what his plans were going forward. Paul told him he and his wife "wanted to open a retreat place for pastors or anyone who needed a place to rest." This was the birth of Shadow Rest and Fred's mission as director of ministry.

Just a year later, in 2005, Shadow Rest was incorporated, and in 2007, the buildings were constructed. The dream had become a reality. Named Shadow Rest after Psalms 91:1 -- "He who dwells in the shelter of the most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty" -- this relaxing atmosphere has become a place where missionaries, pastors, couples and others come to pray, study or just rest.

The ministry actually serves multiple purposes. Churches use it for marriage conferences or pastoral retreats, and some use it as personal retreats.

Because it accommodates the need to get away from the busyness and strife of life, it has earned a good reputation and has become a go-to place for those seeking peace. For example, though 2015 is barely underway, only four weekends are still open for the entire year. It is, indeed, a sought-after place.

Cathy Hobbs listens to her husband Darrell discuss a passage during a Bible study at Shadow Rest Ministries Tuesday in Cape Girardeau. (Glenn Landberg)

"Shadow Rest has become a place for pastors to house their guest preachers," said Fred, and "some pastors come for a night or day to study."

Not everyone reserves Shadow Rest for spiritual reasons. Quilters, scrapbookers and families who love to fish also enjoy the run of the place. Scrapbookers are among Shadow Rest's most ardent returners.

"They book for the next year before they leave." They know that unless they do, the retreat locale will be booked before they get a chance to reserve their return.

People from all over the world come to Shadow Rest, situated in Cape Girardeau but distant enough from the usual Cape hustle and bustle. As the retreat's website indicates, "We're at the edge of town, but we're in the country, by woods and a large open field where several deer like to run."

Fred's son Joshua has taken over much of the responsibilities of the ministry, and Fred's daughter, Jaymie Reese, also helps. Jaymie actually was married there, and Fred would like to see her become more involved in wedding planning for the ministry. Shadow Rest seems to appeal to couples.

Many come to renew their vows publicly, but some choose Shadow Rest for private commitments, which Fred discovered upon one couple's departure. A special part of the retreat is the opportunity for visitors to write about the experience. The Burgards leave a journal in each lodging place for visitors to add to before leaving. They usually jot down thoughts about their stay and the place itself. "One day, I saw where a couple renewed their vows here by themselves," the director of ministry stated.

Shadow Rest accommodates eight couples, and the relatively small availability is by design: the Burgards want to keep the place small.

Various lodging cabins are on the property, but the yurt -- a tent-like cylindrical dwelling -- is the biggest hit. Fred believes it's the only yurt in the area. "The yurt is special because it's unique," Fred said, adding that the Selah cottage is also very popular.

In addition to working in ministry, Fred is an adjunct professor at Southeast Missouri State University, and following spring break, he will hold a class at Shadow Rest. Some of his students will fish in the pond or sit in the woods.

For three years, Shadow Rest has taken a day to shift from the quiet it has come to personify to the more competitive nature of a lively race. The Unforgettable-Perseverance 5K Challenge is a race through the hills and trails of the Shadow Rest property. Last year, Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh, Christian women who were persecuted and imprisoned for nine months in their home country of Iran, came to Cape Girardeau. They addressed the crowd following the 5K.

Cathy Hobbs leads a Bible study at Shadow Rest Ministries Tuesday in Cape Girardeau. (Glenn Landberg)

Concerning the run, Fred confessed, "It's a grueling run. It's rough." But it's for a good cause. It serves as a fundraiser for a group called the Persecuted Church. About 140 people participated in last year's run. This year's event will be held April 4, the Saturday of Easter weekend.

More information is available by calling Fred at 573-803-9485 or visiting shadowrest.org.

Pertinent address: 232 Sierra Ridge Lane, Cape Girardeau