Recently we had our annual Kentucky Missionary Retreat at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Corbin, KY. My, what a beautiful place to “retreat.” It kind of reminds me of Jesus going away to the mountain to be alone with the Father. Cumberland Falls was such a special place to walk (or sit) and pray; to spend some “alone” time with the Father. The beauty of this place made you feel so near to God and His creation.
There were many great presenters that both equipped and challenged the missionaries in their diverse areas of service. Each one seemed to really connect with the missionaries’ needs. Workshops such as spiritual vitality and the missionary, strategic planning in ministry, time management, taxes and budgets for non-profits, and how missionaries can most effectively minister during crises, were offered. Dr. Paul Chitwood brought greetings from the KBC, Joy Bolton shared about WMU partnerships and ministry grants, and Paul Badgett brought a very powerful and encouraging message.
The missionaries also enjoyed some free time, a riverboat cruise on Lake Cumberland, and an evening of entertainment by motivational speaker and mentalist Keith Matheny of Huntington, WV.
After a hard summer of ministry, hosting mission teams and outreach events, the missionaries need a time to get away and relax for a few days before the busy holiday activities begin. For many of them this is their vacation. They look forward to the retreat and many only see each other this one time a year. There were hugs and smiles, stories to share, and questions about how each other’s ministries were going. After being at the retreat for only a few minutes, one of the new missionaries said, “This is like a reunion, isn’t it? She quickly realized how the missionaries from all parts of Kentucky feel like family.
Thank you for your support to the Cooperative Program and the Eliza Broadus State Missions Offering, which help to make this time of rest and renewal for the missionaries possible.
For information on how to adopt a Kentucky missionary contact us at [email protected] or go to http://www.kybaptist.org/homepage/missions-mobilization/missions-kentucky/adopt-a-missionary/.
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