Regional Retreats Produce Fruit
Refreshment for the Missionary Soul
“Many of our OMS missionaries felt lost and disconnected, but after coming to our Asia/Pacific regional retreat, they felt loved and connected. Eventually, people began to feel connected with other parts of Asia as well … not just their own country. People connected naturally by the pool, at breakfast, during walks on the beaches ... people felt that they could share and connect with people outside of their normal context.
“One feeling we have had over the years is that the cost of a retreat is a fraction of what it takes to get someone to the field. If a retreat helps missionaries to be connected and rested to give ministry longevity, it is a very good investment.” –M*, Asia/Pacific Regional Director
The goal is for One Mission Society missionaries from the four OMS global ministry regions (Asia/Pacific, Europe/Middle East, Africa, and Latin America/Caribbean) to gather for in-person retreats with other missionaries from their region. These missionary retreats will provide an opportunity for spiritual renewal, team building, strategic planning, and training. The connection, rest, and encouragement provided by the interaction at retreats will promote ministry longevity among our missionary team and greater fruitfulness in ministry. Each regional retreat will be adapted to the needs of the missionaries in that region.
Why retreats are a critical need
-Missionary attrition rate is very high. Our missionaries need a designated time when they can rest, be nourished, fellowship with others, and make strategic connections bigger than their small part of the world.
- It's a worthwhile financial investment long term. We talk about the cost of a retreat (travel, hotel stay, etc.), but the cost of a yearly or bi-yearly retreat is miniscule compared to the cost of losing a missionary who has moved across the world, the funds and time put into that move, flights, language learning, setting up a home.
-OMS is a family. When we bring our missionaries together from other countries, they see they are a part of something bigger and that there are people who care for them. Missionary kids see they have many “aunts, uncles, and grandparents” who love and care for them.
The budget for the regional retreats project is $146,000. This would allow for a regional retreat in all four regions each year. But at a minimum, we are hoping for at least one retreat this next year.
To give a donation toward a regional retreat, click here.