Our prayer: Souls refreshed. Hearts restored. Callings released.

Stewardship for the kingdom.

A message from founders, Skip and Amy Johnson.

RiverBend Refuge sits on 221 acres along the Big Fork River—among it, wildflower fields, wooded trails, and a historic 1941 barn. From the beginning, we’ve felt called to steward this land for more than just our family.

What began as a retreat for us has grown into a nonprofit ministry where people step back from the front lines, encounter God’s love, and return renewed to their purpose. Again and again, we’ve seen God use this place to restore marriages, refresh leaders, and release new callings. We believe RiverBend is set apart for Kingdom impact.

With holy anticipation,

Skip & Amy

A time to rebuild.

In September 2024, the century-old farmhouse was destroyed by fire. While the loss was painful, it opened the door to dream again.

We’ve been working with architects to design not just a new home, but an intentional retreat space — part of a larger vision for the whole property. This is our chance to build a farmhouse and a village of buildings that embody hospitality, reflection, and connection with nature.

RiverBend is being rebuilt with retreats and ministry in mind, creating space where leaders, couples, and families can unplug, rest without pretense, and return ready to live and lead with joy.

Our next projects:

(Click below to learn more)

  • A new home designed for both family life and retreats, with gathering spaces and bunk rooms for groups.

  • Refreshed with updates to make this historic space more functional for hosting.

  • Transformed into an outdoor kitchen and casual gathering space.

  • Rebuilt into a “barn-dominium” retreat lodge with bunk rooms, baths, a commercial kitchen, living room, and river-facing porch.

  • Expanded septic, trails, and outdoor spaces — from river access to a sauna and cold plunge — that weave recreation into restoration.

Our mission.

RiverBend Refuge exists to refresh souls, restore hearts, and release callings. Through the beauty of creation and intentional spaces, we invite leaders, couples, and families to step away from daily pressures, encounter the love of their Father, and return with clarity and purpose. Over the years, RiverBend has hosted Wild at Heart and Captivating retreats, leadership gatherings, and prayer weekends where God has moved powerfully.

Looking ahead, we prayerfully believe RiverBend Refuge will:

  • Serve as a sanctuary where pastors, leaders, and high-capacity individuals rediscover joy in their calling.

  • Host marriage retreats, leadership experiences, and aligned gatherings like Becoming a King or Journey of Generosity.

  • Provide sacred space for prayer retreats and soul restoration.

  • Partner with churches and nonprofits to equip and encourage leaders.

Get involved.

As RiverBend is rebuilt, we invite you to join in the vision — through prayer, partnership, hosting retreats, or funding projects that bring the next phase to life.

Together, we can build a refuge where leaders unplug, hearts are restored, and callings are released for the sake of God’s Kingdom.