cee story from the mission field
Eagles Take Flight
June 2003
The MK (Missionary Kid) retreat in Corfu Greece was phenomenal this year as CEE’s young people were learning to “soar like eagles!” Volunteers came to teach, counsel and lead our kids in worship. Though they came to be a blessing they ended up getting blessed themselves.
One of the young men, David Coleman, expressed it this way, “I feel the Lord gave this opportunity to see the life of a missionary young person and to bring back to my youth group the life of any MK. He wanted me to see in my own heart what a missionary does. I feel he also gave me this retreat to renew my own heart. This time of renewal will help me stay strong.”
Youth minister Christ Watson echoed that sentiment, “I was invited to join a team whose desire was to impact MK’s for God’s Kingdom. What youth minister could say no to that? I came to minister to students and be ministered to by them. I needed to expand my worldview and I knew these students could help me do that. “
As planned, the volunteers weren’t the only ones that walked away changed. Our MK’s felt the impact too. When 12-year-old David Pearce from the Czech Republic was asked what the best part of the retreat was, he enthusiastically said, “The worship time! It was cool, I really felt God there!”
David and others like him were experiencing the retreat for the first time as incoming 7th graders. Though some of them were a little wide-eyed in the presence of so many older kids, the older youth made a point to make them feel welcome and to encourage them spiritually. Diane Marsh, regional MK consultant said that she saw something this year that she had been hoping for—older MK’s coming alongside the younger ones—embracing them, praying with them, and mentoring them. She said this was a huge step of spiritual growth that she rejoiced to see at this retreat.
Many of the youth were challenged toward change as they listened to the preaching of Pastor Bruce and joined in the group praise and worship times. Celeste Edworthy, who lived most of her life as an MK in Poland, learned this valuable lesson, “[I] never thought I was leader material,” she said, “but Bruce convinced me that everyone can be, and should be to be true followers of Christ.”
Kayla Chrisman, a first-timer to the MK retreat, said, “The best things that I brought home were the lessons God taught me. He really gave me more sense of direction in my life concerning what my mission is in Poland.”
Stephen Upchurch from Belarus added, “My favorite parts were the worship times, prayer time, and Bruce’s sermons. One of the best things I brought out with me was a quiet time, and a real fire for God.”
The serious times of mentoring and worshipping were seasoned with plenty of rowdy fun. There were volleyball games, swimming pools, beaches, water parks, drama time, small groups, praise band and more. They were so exhausted by the end of the week that they looked worn out. When one family went to pick up their youth at the hotel, their younger son looked around at all the kids slumping on their suitcases in the lobby and said, “Oh no Mommy look at them, they don’t look like they had a very good time.” One day he’ll learn that looks can be deceiving!
View the photo essay of "Eagles Take Flight."