a small beginning

Back in 2023, shortly after we launched Mission First Alliance, Jeremy came to me with an idea of doing a small retreat for potential alliance members at Protector’s Peak in Idaho (we did not have membership at this time). At first, the concept seemed like a good idea but I have to admit, I was a little skeptical. I didn’t think anyone would come, just knowing how busy we all are. But through prayer and seeking the Lord, Jeremy felt it was worth planning, so we moved forward. We invited a handful of friends and trusted the results to the Lord. I have to say, we were kind of surprised when almost every couple we invited said “yes.” God clearly had a plan, He was just looking for us to trust Him. 

That very first retreat in October of 2023 turned out to be a pivotal moment for Mission First Alliance. Every couple who attended knew Jeremy and me, but they didn’t know each other. It only took about 10 minutes for everyone to feel like family though. We had come from all over the country with a heart to reach first responders and a desire to be united together. We spent those next 4 days laughing together, praying together, sharing testimonies and having time to rest and renew our calling in this mission field. The feedback we heard from those first attendees was incredible.

“This was so needed, you have to keep doing this. We need to keep meeting in person.”

from one retreat to many

We took this feedback and decided to plan 3 more leader’s summit retreats for the next year in 2024, and another 3 in 2025. At each retreat we have opened registration to anyone in the alliance interested in connecting with others. We want them to be encouraged to continue this important work of reaching first responders with the Hope of Christ. We have also felt confident in providing these retreats free of charge, but as we get closer to each retreat, there are always new registrations and also cancellations. We sometimes fill rooms last minute and sometimes we leave rooms empty, but each time we trust the Lord with the outcome. We know He has a plan for each person attending.

the 2025 idaho leaders summit recap

We just finished our 7th retreat and it was hosted again at Protector’s Peak in Idaho. This was one of those retreats where some of the bedrooms did not get filled. But God knew who needed to be there, and it wasn’t a mistake that it was a smaller crowd. Jeremy and I had such a wonderful time connecting with those in attendance, and because it was a smaller crowd, it gave each person and couple more time to share their testimony. And wow! were the testimonies powerful. We heard stories of difficult hardships within law enforcement careers while also watching the Lord work through them. We heard stories of childhood trauma, but recognizing God is working all things for our good and His Glory. We grew closer to the Lord, and we grew closer to each other. We saw spectacular views, went fishing,  ate delicious food, and studied God’s Word. It was a weekend we won’t forget.

Every retreat Jeremy and I attend, we walk away encouraged and better equipped to continue to do this work. We feel energized to tackle the next season and we walk away with friendships that last far beyond the retreat. These are “our people.”

If you are interested in attending one of our next 3 retreats in 2026, we would like to encourage you to register here. You will walk away with new lifelong friendships, a renewed sense of purpose, and maybe even a little sore from laughing. We hope to see you at the next one. To God be the Glory!!

Register for our 2026 Leaders Summit Events here.

Have you attended a leaders summit? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below.

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Register for our 2026 Leaders Summit Events here.

Have you attended a leaders summit? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below.