About The Valley Haven
Whether husbands and wives or single ministry workers, these kingdom workers will come to The Valley Haven overworked, underfunded, and/or may also be dealing with family or personal issues. As detailed in their personal story, the Combses have experienced these very things and have also witnessed this same toll on many friends and co-laborers. They had the opportunity to go to a place like The Valley Haven and can attest firsthand how it not only refreshed and rejuvenated them, but also how it ultimately helped them continue to do full-time ministry.
Valley Haven Ministries is the vision of founders Kelly and Jody Combs. Kelly and Jody have been in full-time ministry since 2009. Together, they served on the staff of Athletes in Action from 2009 to 2020, before migrating to Waco, Texas, to join the Sports Reach Ministry staff where they currently serve. Prior to going into full-time ministry, Kelly has worked on a church staff, within the business community, and in higher education as a teacher and basketball coach. Jody also has experience working on a church staff as well as over 20 years of leading the next generation as an elementary school teacher.
Valley Haven Ministries is a 501c3 non-profit. The Valley Haven, a retreat center, is the operational outlet of the organization.
The Valley Haven retreat center exists to serve pastors, missionaries, and full-time ministry workers and their spouses who are exhausted, over-stressed, burned out, and/or in need of respite. As its name implies, its goal is to be a safe and comfortable place - a haven - for weary workers to find physical and spiritual rest so they can experience a renewed mind and awareness of God, thus spurring them on in love and good deeds to faithfully return to service in the strength of the Lord.
This is a very important ministry due to the rising level of stress and pressure put on these shepherds and ministry leaders. Statistics reveal that more than half of those serving as pastors and missionaries are either leaving or considering leaving their positions due to exhaustion/fatigue, financial stress, and/or burnout. This number has increased over the years and is projected to continue rising for the foreseeable future.
The Valley Haven plans to open its doors to full-time ministry workers from both Texas and across the US, as well as to missionaries that are working stateside and around the world. The number of those served will only be limited by the space and time available at the property. In order to provide the best experience for guests, there will be a referral process to secure a reservation.
From personal experience, founders Kelly and Jody know that the ministry of The Valley Haven will serve a wide profile of ministry workers. These adults, both men and women, are those in need of respite or a refreshing retreat.
VISION
Our desire is to provide pastors, missionaries, and ministry workers with a safe and comfortable place to find physical and spiritual rest so they can experience a renewed mind and awareness of God. The Valley Haven exists as an opportunity for kingdom workers to be refreshed and re-energized to go back to serve in their fields of calling and reach their full potential and influence.
People all over the world need shepherds and teachers of God’s word that can lead and point others to the saving grace of the Gospel. The challenge of The Great Commission is for everyone, and the few workers we have are of vital importance for building the Kingdom of God.
At The Valley Haven, we will be able to break down barriers that may keep guests from experiencing respite by providing them with a cost-free, comfortable, and safe place to retreat.
MISSION
Our mission is to provide hospitality through shared meals, comfortable surroundings, opportunities for prayer, intentional solitude with the Lord, and a listening ear to weary servants of God. The Valley Haven will extend an invitation to come strengthen and revive their souls through meditation on God’s Word, enjoyment of His beautiful creation, connection with God through prayer, mutual encouragement from other believers and servants, and the healing experience of God’s provision.