Our History

The Story of a Miracle

Serenity Retreat is a miracle. Inspired through a divine message in 1999, a simple moment in time, a flash. But that is how God often works. During a moment of prayer, He planted a vision in Rev. Kathryn Eason’s mind: “to set aside a place where God can heal his people.” It would be a special retreat, where they would experience a renewal of their minds and a release from their pain through the healing power of God. This was the catalyst for the Serenity Retreat we know today, which centers around God’s transformative power at its very core.

It was not easy. She knew this ministry must reach out to everyone. After all, the pains of life afflict us all. With no financial backing, no structure, and no place to start, Rev. Eason set out, trusting God to create the miracle.

In May 2000 the first Serenity Retreat was opened at Garden Villas United Methodist Church in Houston. It was created out of a little paint, a little plaster and a great deal of faith. That was the extent of this burgeoning ministry. But from simple beginnings arise great institutions.

And so, the lights were turned on. With no paid staff, people arrived slowly. Then the trickle became a steady stream. Serenity Retreat’s origins were rooted in the power to heal through prayer, and Rev. Eason desired to see the results told in the gospels. Early in the ministry, it became evident that Theophostic™ Prayer was yielding great results in transforming lives, so Serenity Retreat began to specialize in this method.

In 2005, Serenity Retreat moved to central Houston, hosted by Garden Oaks Baptist Church. Theophostic™ Prayer, known today as Transformation Prayer Ministry (TPM), was adopted as the sole method of prayer. The leadership committed itself to excellence in ministry, requiring a lengthy and thorough training commitment from volunteers, followed by weekly service, and strict supervision over the course of their ministry.

In 2010, land in Austin County near Bellville was gifted for a retreat. Soon after, a small barn with an office was built. Then Serenity Lodge was given to me by a generous family in 2013. In time, thanks to generous gifts by caring individuals and foundations, a chapel, guest houses and an office were completed. All the while, Serenity Retreat continued to provide TPM ministry in Houston through partnerships with churches, support agencies, and at its main headquarters. The result? Over the past 25 years Serenity Retreat has delivered over 27,000 sessions of “pure” TPM.