The life of a man is hard.
The complexities of marriage, family, work, and ministry continue to accelerate. Responsibilities weigh heavy. Time runs fast. No matter how hard we push and how fast we drive, it seems like we just can’t keep up with the speed of life. Faith often feels strong and struggling at the same time.
I don’t know about you, but I know I am in desperate need of rest and male friendship. The worst decision we can make is to try to do it all alone. Regardless of how big or small you believe your influence is, there are people in your life depending on you—your wife, your kids, your team, your church, your network, your clients… the list goes on. We all need time surrounded by true friends in a safe place to find refuge.
Wise men realize there are times when the most productive thing we can do is to stop doing.
They understand that a man who never takes a break...
is a man on his way to breaking.
I am inviting you...
to join a group of 25 men on May 11-15 at the Refuge Lodge in Wyoming to spend time in the expanse of creation, turn down the noise for a few days, and just "be."
I had the pleasure of being invited to a Refuge trip in Montana last summer. I only knew the guy who was leading the trip and two other guys I brought along. I kept telling myself I didn’t have time to go, it was selfish to spend the money on myself, I didn’t know how to fly fish, this could just be 5 awkward days wasted.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
The fishing was great. The guides tell you what to do and handle all of the details for you. The food was amazing and plentiful. The beauty of Big Sky Country served to give my stress a bigger perspective.
The best part, though? Having dinner around one long table every night where 24 men just let down the walls and got real. No judgement. No pissing contest. Over the 4 dinners we had together, I watched men just get more and more open. Extrovert or introvert - it didn’t matter. I watched men bond with men from all over the country quickly, deeply.
And I watched the Lord move more powerfully than I have in a long time.
He moved in every man there.
Including me.
Don’t want to fly fish the whole time? Go horseback riding. Have the chef pack you a lunch and get away from the group to hike and have a day to yourself to reconnect with your Creator. Join some of the guys on pontoon boats for a day relaxing on a beautiful canyon lake.
There is no scheduled programming, meetings, or sessions to attend beyond casual nightly dinner with the guys.
A perfect place to just "be."
I promise you don’t want to miss this.
Trip Dates
Monday May 11-15, 2026
Trip Costs
For 2026, there is a suggested donation of at least $1,495 per person to the Refuge Foundation. Refuge trips are funded through (a) faithful donors that underwrite a substantial portion of Refuge’s annual budget, and (b) suggested donations from each trip participant. If the suggested donation is not reasonable for you in this season for any reason, please reach out to me directly - I want you to have the opportunity of this time together, and there are avenues to ensure seasonality of finances is not a hurdle.
Additionally, you will be responsible for your transportation to and from the airport in Billings, MT, and to buy your fishing licenses.
Flights
Fly to Billings Logan International Airport in Billings, MT (BIL).
Arrive by 1:30 PM. 3 PM is the latest arrival they can accommodate. If you can't arrive by 3 PM, come a day early and get a room in Billings. (That's what many of us will be doing.)
Depart after 1:30 PM. They cannot accommodate flights departing before 1:30 PM.
Registration
Transportation
No rental car necessary. Refuge will provide drivers to/from the airport and the Refuge Lodge in Hyattville, WY. The lodge is approximately 3 hours from the Billings airport.
Fishing Experience
Prior fishing experience is NOT necessary. Seriously, it is NOT.
Gear
Everything is waiting for you. You are always welcome to bring your own as well.
Lodging
You will stay at the Refuge Lodge in Paint Rock Canyon Ranch in Hyattville, WY. The lodge rooms offer rustic comfort with all the amenities of modern living - perfect for you to refresh and recharge. Cell service is basically nonexistent at the Lodge (you’re welcome). And Wi-Fi is available for emergencies only.
Food
Refuge has amazing Chefs who will prepare all the meals.
Agenda
Come and get what you need with no expectations on you or made-up agendas. Come receive. Fish, ride horses, disconnect to connect, rest, and laugh. Wake up each day and do it again. There are also rich meal times around a table where thousands of leaders have eaten and shared life, followed by hours sitting around a raging bonfire with guys just being guys.
Bringing a guest
Want to bring your son(s)? We love that idea! However, we're asking that they are age 17+.
Want to bring someone who isn't a member of Grace? No problem. We'd love to have them join us! Just make sure to let them know there is no alcohol or smoking on thr trip.
Ready to join us?
I sincerely hope you will.
