Testimonials
“This trip was a true reset from the weight of everyday life — leading my family and running a business. I found real fellowship at the cabin and peace on the river. Watching the water flow reminded me that only God can give peace like a river. I left worn out, but deeply rested.”
Emerge Mission Participant
“God was present in every part of the experience — the men, the stories, the fishing, and the time outdoors.”
Emerge Mission Participant
“Emerge has been a true light in my life. Being surrounded by men living out what Jesus calls us to do filled my cup in ways I didn’t expect. From the top-notch staff and hospitality to the relationships and shared testimonies, this experience will have a lasting impact on my life. God is clearly working through Emerge, and I’m honored to be part of it.”
Emerge Mission Participant
“The Emerge ministry is much more than simply a group of guys going on a fishing trip. It is about communing with Christ, listening to the Spirit, and understanding what God has been trying to say to you. The heart and passion that the hosts have for equating the journey of the fish to our lives as Christians is evident from the moment you arrive at the cabin to the moment you pack up and leave.”
Emerge Mission Participant
“If you are hesitant about going on this trip, I highly encourage you to just DO IT! Everyone needs a chance to relax and reconnect with God, nature, and our fellow brothers in Christ. You will return with a renewed body, spirit, and mind. I know I did!”
Emerge Mission Participant
"Being able to be a part of Emerge is one of the coolest experiences ever! I really needed time to rest and spend time to draw closer to God and my community and Emerge gave me that time! Getting to focus on God’s peace by being in his creation is truly amazing. The intentionality that the guys showed, from the meals to the guided fishing to the campfire talks, just shows how intentional God is with us. Every man needs to go on this trip!"
Emerge Mission Participant
Meet Our Team
Nick Brown
Adventure Guide
Nickname: "The OG"
Justin Cranfield
Logistics Guide
Nickname: "Country Club"
Chris Murray
Fishing Guide
Nickname: "Lugger"
Mollie Defibaugh
Media Guide
Nickname: "Shooter"
Courtney Moore
Social Media Guide
Tory Kukowski
Website Guide
The Mission
There was a time in my life when I felt like I was drowning—overwhelmed by fear, doubt, and a lack of direction. I felt buried under the weight of life’s struggles. It wasn’t until I encountered the peace and presence of God that I was able to rise above those feelings and truly emerge. Today, Emerge Mission exists to walk alongside men as they seek the peace and freedom that only God can provide.
Emerge trips are designed to bring men back to the surface. These trips serve men navigating personal struggles, major life changes, difficult seasons, or the journey of recovery from addiction. Our goal is to create an environment of rest and renewal, helping men step away from daily distractions and reconnect with God through His creation.
Through fly fishing, time outdoors, and honest conversations, participants have an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and build meaningful relationships. We aim to equip each man with practical ways to connect with God, face the challenges ahead, and move forward with renewed hope and purpose. For men in recovery, that encouragement supports the work they are already doing to rebuild their lives.
Emerge serves everyday men in our churches and communities, including those who might otherwise have limited access to a retreat like this. Our Drift and Rise trips are fully funded and all-inclusive, made possible by donors and partners who believe in reaching the next man
We are committed to offering:
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Comfortable, high-quality cabin accommodations
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Excellent meals in a relaxed, welcoming environment
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Experienced guides to teach fly fishing and lead participants on the river
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Opportunities to explore God’s creation through hikes and intentional moments of reflection
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Biblically based messages that connect the trip’s experiences to everyday life
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A community that encourages continued growth beyond the trip
Our commitment is to serve every man wholeheartedly, meeting him where he is and encouraging his next steps in faith and life.
The Team Behind Emerge
Emerge is led by a diverse group of people who are deeply passionate about seeing lives transformed through God’s creation. Each of us has experienced personal challenges and seasons of struggle, and we know firsthand the importance of stepping away from the noise of daily life to reconnect with God.
Our team brings a unique combination of life experience, faith, and a love for the outdoors to this ministry. We’ve each invested countless hours planning and preparing these trips — from securing the right locations to ensuring every detail contributes to an environment of peace and renewal. We’ve poured our time and energy into making these trips possible because we believe in the power of what happens when men are given the space to rest, reflect, and freshly encounter God.
We are committed to creating a welcoming, judgment-free environment for every man who enters this experience. Whether someone is struggling with anxiety, addiction, grief, or simply feeling lost, we meet them right where they are — with compassion, understanding, and a willingness to serve in any way we can.
We desire to continue offering these trips for years to come, providing more men with the opportunity to step away from life’s burdens and experience renewal. We are fully committed to continuing this work through any means necessary because we believe in the life-changing impact of these experiences.
Emerge Mission
Helping men rise above life’s challenges — personal struggles, addiction, major life changes, and the pressures of everyday life — through faith-centered, all-inclusive retreats. Fly fishing, brotherhood and faith in God come together to create life-changing moments. Join us or support the mission today!
emerge
verb • i-'mǝrj
emerged; emerging
1. to rise from an obscure or inferior position
In fly fishing, to emerge is the process of an insect in the pupa form breaking out of its shell and rising out of the water to a new stage of life.