SIGNIFICANCE OF OUR NAME

Ephraim in the Bible:

• Ephraim was the second son of Joseph. In Genesis 41:52 we learn that the name means, "God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."

• "Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a village called Ephraim." John 11:54

• "In the hill country of Ephraim they were given... a city of refuge." 1 Chronicles 6:16

The idea of 'refuge' is also a very significant theme in the Bible:

• "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, and a stronghold in time of trouble." Psalm 9:9

• "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

• "It will be a shelter and shade from heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain." Isaiah 4:6

• "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him." Nahum 1:7

We want ER to be a safe place, a refuge, for those looking to live a fruitful and meaningful life like Ephraim. 

FOUNDED BY SHERRY & DON MORTENSON

Ephraim's Refuge is a Christ-centered passion project for Sherry and Don. Their backgrounds as both professors and pastors uniquely qualify them to disciple, preach, council and coach individuals on their faith journeys.

DR. SHERRY MORTENSON

Co-founder, Pastor

Sherry has a Master of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Spiritual Formation from Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul, MN. She served for 23 years as the Associate Dean of Campus Ministries and Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. In addition, she taught spiritual formation, world view and ministry classes for Bethel's College of Liberal Arts, Graduate and Continuing Studies programs and at Bethel Seminary. During her ministry at Bethel she also served on the preaching team at Calvary Baptist Church in Roseville, MN. She recently served for six years as the Pastor of Spiritual Formation and Prayer at Whittier Area Community Church in Whittier, CA. She is a guest speaker and lecturer at colleges, churches, retreats and conferences both nationally and internationally.

DR. DON MORTENSON

Co-founder, Pastor

"Mort" has a Masters Degree in Guidance and Student Personnel from Mississippi State University. He also has a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Pastoral Care and a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Studies from Bethel Theological Seminary. Mort has worked as a Care and Counseling Pastor for 17 years. He's provided the same working in colleges and universities for 16 years, as well as teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate level as an Adjunct Professor and full-time Associate Professor of Pastoral Care at Bethel Theological Seminary.