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 f.a.q.
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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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| Question: Why PARTICIPATE in a retreat? |
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| Answer: What better way to come out of your comfort zone, away from your normal routine (phones, computers, responsibilities and all the rest) to rest and fellowship with members of your group, get to know them in a deeper and personal way AND experience GOD in an anointed atmosphere and through spiritual activities here at the campground and at the Great Passion Play? You will be blessed! |
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| Question: Are the DORMITORIES like college dorms? |
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Answer: No, they are more like many church camp dorms, but instead of fans and bare concrete or wooden floors, these dorms are carpeted, air-conditioned, and have modern central baths and showers, with separate facilities for men and women.
The South Dorm has two sections of 24 beds, partitioned into rooms of four bunk beds each, six rooms on each side - ideal for smaller groups or families. The separate ladies' and men's rest rooms and showers are in a central area in this section of the Dorm. There is an eating area in the South Dorm.
The North Dorm also has two sections of 24 beds, one side for ladies and one side for men; there is a partition every eight beds on each side and the bathrooms are attached to each side for privacy.
The dining hall is in the center of the building separating the South Dorm from the North Dorm and includes refrigerators, two microwaves, a commercial flat grill, four ovens, and two stoves with eight burners total. There are a total of 96 beds in this building.
There is another building called Northwoods which has 64 bunk beds in sections of eight with doors to section off the sleeping areas. There are separate ladies' and mens' rest rooms and showers in this dorm as well, with a small pavilion on the east side of the building. |
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| Question: Is the Dorm setting for EVERYONE? |
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Answer: No, not necessarily for those who prefer the perks, privacy and luxury of a hotel or motel (which are also much more expensive!) or a private home like our very nice, economical vacation homes.
It is, however, great for those who need a clean, economical place to sleep, shower, and fellowship, and who appreciate the opportunity to share space with other Christian groups, if necessary. It is for folks of all ages who feel comfortable in a semi-private (church camp-type) environment. We always say it's an excellent opportunity to employ fellowship skills - you may be demonstrating kindness to someone who does not yet know Christ! If we cannot share a campground with other Christians, how are we going to evangelize to the unsaved? BESIDES, IT'S A LOT OF FUN!! |
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| Question: How can you charge SO LITTLE compared to others? |
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| Answer: We save by letting you cook and clean and pass those big labor savings on to you. It is also the reason we do not accept credit or debit cards - to keep costs down and pass those savings to you! In addition, we rely on mission projects to keep up with the renovations and donations to defray those costs. The more donations we receive, the better we can maintain low lodging prices year after year. MOST OF ALL, COOKING, CLEANING, AND DOING MISSION WORK TOGETHER IS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO BUILD YOUR MINISTRY TEAM. MOST GROUPS GO BACK TO THEIR HOME CHURCH MORE SPIRITUALLY ENERGIZED AND UNIFIED BY THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE!! |
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| Question: Can SMALL GROUPS (fewer than 15) stay there? |
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| Answer: Yes, of course, we welcome groups of any size! We have space available from 1-200 in The Dorms, the Vacation Home, the RV Park, or the Tenting areas. |
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| Question: How much of a DEPOSIT do you require and when? |
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Answer: The deposit requirement is as follows:
*The Dorm: A $60, per section, cleaning/damage deposit is required to be prepaid before your reservation can be confirmed. This will be refunded upon satisfactorily preparing the dorm for the following group. In addition, all lodging fees and cleaning/damage deposits must be prepaid before your reservation can be guaranteed.
THESE DEPOSITS MUST BE PAID BEFORE YOUR RESERVATION WILL BE CONFIRMED OR WE CANNOT GUARANTEE YOUR RESERVATION, AND YOU MAY HAVE TO BE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST.
*Vacation homes: prepayment is required for both vacation homes, plus a refundable cleaning/damage deposit of $150 for the Fellowship House and $75 for the Sabbath House.
*RV Park: Prepayment up to two nights. If staying longer, the balance may be paid before or upon arrival.
All deposits are due within 14 days after the reservation is initiated (whether by phone or e-mail) in order to hold it. The balance is due before your arrival.
For the cancellation policy, see FAQ regarding that question. |
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| Question: What METHODS OF PAYMENT do you accept? |
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Answer: We accept the following types of checks: Church, Organization, Cashier's, Bank, and Traveler's; money orders and cash.
We do not accept debit or credit cards in order to pass the savings on to you of not having to pay costly equipment and bank surcharges. Unfortunately, we have had to stop accepting personal checks because of several incidents of insufficient funds. |
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| Question: What is your CANCELLATION policy? |
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Answer: Our cancellation policy is as follows: full refund 60 days in advance of reservation date; 50% refund 15-59 days in advance; no refund 14 days in advance.
The above refers to FULL cancellation - you are free to make adjustments in your numbers as needed up to three days (72 hours) in advance of your reservation date.
IMPORTANT NOTE: FINAL numbers must be given three days (72 hours) in advance of your arrival. If your numbers change in those 72 hours, you will be responsible for that number or the actual number, whichever is greater, to Shepherd's Inn Retreat Center.
IF YOU CHANGE YOUR PLANS AFTER YOUR ARRIVAL HERE, YOU WILL EITHER FORFEIT YOUR FEES OR WE CAN GIVE YOU A ONE-YEAR CREDIT TO BE USED FOR ANOTHER VISIT. NO EXCEPTIONS!!! |
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| Question: Do you have HANDICAPPED facilities? |
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| Answer: Not really, the dorms and homes, although all one story, have a couple of steps up to enter, and can accommodate only those who can get out of their wheelchairs and into the individual bathroom stalls. |
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| Question: What can you do for SENIOR CITIZENS? |
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Answer: They are some of our favorite people, and are free to take the lower bunks if necessary for physical reasons (although those in good shape say the upper bunks make them feel young again!).
On crowded nights, we may have to utilize the bunks above them for some of our other Christian guests so it would be best if Seniors would choose uncrowded early week nights.
We have had Seniors as young as 80+ who preferred to stay in the Dorms, stating it reminded them of their younger years at church camps!
At Shepherd's Inn Retreat Center, the SEVENTH NIGHT is always free to everyone! |
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| Question: HOW MANY people can you accommodate at the retreat center? |
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| Answer: The retreat center can accommodate 160 total in the Dorms and 25+ total in the two vacation homes and one suite. In addition, there are 15 RV spots and a large area for tent campers. |
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| Question: For RV's, do you have LONG-TERM rates? |
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| Answer: Yes, the seventh night is free (when paid in advance), and our monthly RV rate is half our daily rate (when paid in advance). |
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| Question: May we make a RESERVATION now for our dates, even if we don't have the final exact count of people? |
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| Answer: Just use your best guesstimate of the number of people, and follow up by mailing your check immediately. Please make checks payable to Shepherd's Inn Retreat Center.
We will verify by phone or e-mail if we still have the availability, or offer you a chance for an alternate choice of dates if your requested dates are full. Please realize that no reservation can be confirmed until we have received your deposit payment!
You may later alter the number of people at any time, up to three days (72 hours) before arrival, without losing any deposits. Because space is limited and the demand is great, it's first come first served, so we urge you not to delay in making your reservation! |
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| Question: How many NIGHTS can we stay with you? |
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| Answer: As many as you'd like. Many take trips to Branson (just an hour away) or other nearby areas, returning here to enjoy our low nightly rates. Remember, the SEVENTH night is always free at Shepherd's Inn. Check out Branson websites for coupons and further attractions. |
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testimonials
°Add Your Testimonial
Jul.16.06 :: Thank you so much!!! You made our youth group's trip so much more memorable! Thank you for making us feel so welcome and at home.
~William B
Jun.29.06 :: Thank You Thank You Thank You Mr. Victor and Mrs. Lili You both sure are examples of God´s love. My husband, son and I enjoyed our stay at Shepherd´s Inn Retreat Center last weekend. Jacob and I had so much fun playing volleyball, basketball, swimming and karoke. Our walk on the nature trail was fun as well. Everything was so awesome. The view is absolutely spectacular.... What a refreshing weekend Keep up the good work Thanks for making our stay there just so wonderful May God richly bless you both You two are the sweetest couple Lorna, Eldon and Jacob Marrero LA
~Lorna
Apr.10.06 :: Thank you to Victor and Lili, you are wonderful people. You allow God to work so much in your lives! During our stay we asked Victor and Lili to speak to our youth. Victor was speaking directly to a few of our youth as if he knew exactly what was going on in their lives. It was so amazing and he had no clue about what was going on, he just said what God led him to say. We will definitely be back!! We fell in love with the place and mostly with Victor and Lili! Thank you for the wonderful weekend our youth were able to spend with you!
~Angella Dushack ~ Hazel Dell Baptist Church Youth Group!
Apr.22.05 :: WOW! Our place was sooo immaculate and thoughtfully equipped. Saved a lot by cooking at home too !! We are coming back again next year (our 3rd stay at your place). Victor and Lili are GRRREAT !! Thank you so much for our wonderful stay this Spring !
~Larry Johns Sioux City IA
Mar.21.05 :: Dear Victor and Lili, our brother and sister in Christ. You all are such a blessing and we (Praises To HIM Ministries) have come to love you all. We really enjoyed our stay with you - both last summer, and over Thanksgiving weekend. You have an awesome camp, and you really care for your guests. May GOD richly bless you in this endeavor as you minister to those you come in contact with.
~Lonnie - Praises To HIM
Mar.22.05 :: Thank you for being so giving with your hospitality. This has been a refreshing weekend to spend time with each other as a church. Thanks for providing that opportunity.
~Chris G., Ruston, LA
Mar.22.05 :: We all enjoyed it - it was refreshingly different!
~Sue C., Elkins, AR
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