Get Ready, Get Set, Retreat!

This past week the missionaries of Evangelical Church Missions - Bolivia were all invited to be involved in the annual field retreat of World Gospel Mission. Through the years WGM has graciously invited us to participate in their field retreat. What made it a bit different this year is that we had half the people attending. usually we are just a small enclave in the midst of the WGM team but this year, due to home ministry assignment schedules and other field changes, WGM only had a small group at the event. But it was good. We both love and appreciate our WGM friends and enjoyed the opportunity to fellowship with them for the five days of the retreat.

We had been looking forward to this retreat because the speaker this year was to be a very special treat. However, due to a car accident the scheduled speaker was unable to attend and a last minute fill in had to be found. Pastor Ed Wallen of the Santa Cruz Trinity International Church graciously agreed to come and provide the messages for the retreat. Ed and his wife are friends of ours and very special people besides being a lot of fun to be around. He did a really good job and brought challenging messages each time he spoke.

The retreat was held at a hotel not too far out of Santa Cruz. Los Cedros is on the top of a hill where the wind blows much of the time. The first night it was very cold but not too cold to enjoy 4th of July fireworks and s'mores roasted over a bonfire. The other days warmed up to a more comfortable temperature.

Besides the adult activities there were separate times for the youth and children. Our own Bryan and Molly Canny led the youth as well as the evening service music each night.

What did the Elliott's do? Mostly eat, sleep, relax and play games. Did I mention that by the good will of the retreat person in charge we were put in the deluxe cabin at the hotel. Niki and I not only had a "marriage" bed (everyone else slept in single beds) but we also had a jacuzzi, with hot water, in our bedroom. Talk about having to rough it for a few days!

We did truly enjoy our time and I thank God for the days of relaxation and challenge.

Now we are awaiting the arrival tomorrow of a 15 member work and witness team for Fort Valley, Georgia. I don't suppose that this week we'll be relaxing in a hot jacuzzi. Oh well. We are looking forward to the team's arrival and the activities that we have planned for them. You can read about them in the next post.