CEE Story From The Mission Field
Missionary Kid Retreat
January 24, 2006
Sixty youth from countries scattered across the Central and Eastern Europe Region (IMB, SBC) gathered in Mikolajki, Poland, December 28-January 1 for the annual Missionary Kid Retreat (MKR). This wasn’t about rest and relaxation though. Instead, the days and nights were filled with worship, fellowship, small-group Bible study, nightly prayer times, ‘purpose driven REC’, and free time with new and old friends.
Karissa Sechrist from Russia, said the word she’d use to describe MKR is “renewing”. Taylor Wood from Slovakia, said “MKR equals ‘Inspirational’.” Rebekah Reece from Poland stated simply, “MKR was a blast!” “This is the one time a year I get to be with people who understand my life (as an MK) and worship with my friends in my heart language. The people here know exactly how you feel and what you’re experiencing,” said Katie Warren from the Czech Republic. Rebecca from South Europe added, “MKR is essential to our spiritual stability. We don’t get this influence any other time of the year.”
Many of the CEE missionary kids see their time at MKR as packing six months worth of youth group meetings into three days. Adam Tarleton, a college student that formerly lived in Russia, even viewed the MKR pastor/speaker Bruce Northam as his youth group leader. Bruce and his wife Connie, from Clay Road Baptist Church in Houston, began working with CEE MKs four years ago. To date, they have now participated in or led six CEE youth events.
Kenny and Teri Pope from Blackshear Place Baptist Church in Georgia have planned and participated in the last 14 youth events in CEE. They have a great love for the CEE youth. This love is clearly seen when Teri is kneeling with the girls in prayer or when Kenny is getting clobbered in a snowball fight with the guys. Larry McCallon from Immanuel Baptist Church in California is in his late 60s and has become the “Grandpa” of the group. This was Larry’s 4th trip to work with our youth!
These quality leaders and their team not only give of their time, finances and hearts at MKR, but invest in CEE youth year-round.
At CEE’s annual general meeting (AGM) in 2005, Matt Atkins from the BUS Field (Belarus, Ukraine and Satellites) was struggling in Russian school and asked ‘Miss Connie’ (Northam) to pray for him. Connie and Bruce faithfully prayed for Matt this fall semester (2005). Matt couldn’t wait to tell Connie how her prayers had been answered and ran to her when he saw her at MKR—“Miss Connie, I’ve got something to tell you.” She immediately said “But, wait, first tell me about school. Bruce and I have been praying for you.” Matt replied, “That’s what I want to tell you! I’m doing so much better and am in the top of my class! I told my parents that I couldn’t wait to get to MKR to tell you!”
A lot of kids can’t wait to get to MKR, and one reason is for the awesome worship times. Singing praise to God in their heart language, learning and applying God’s Word, having opportunities to join in worship through testimony or drama, and praying together give the MKs the spiritual nourishment they so desperately need. David Pearce from the Czech Republic says the best thing about MKR is worship; Nathan Wood, also from the Czech Republic, and many others agreed.
Outside of the worship times, a lot of craziness goes on and the MKs love it! The guys thoroughly enjoyed competing with one another in their chair hurdling competition (and, of course, impressing the girls!) Building snow BISONS (did you know there are BISONS in Poland? Any MK who attended MKR will tell you it’s true!), spelling their REC team’s name in the snow, and especially covering their REC leader with snow were some of the many highlights. Skits at each worship session and talent night gave opportunities for many to shine—from songs sung by their writers (Reagan Holyfield from Russia and Carter from South Europe), to skits performed by many, including an unforgettable SUMO skit led by Regional Leader Rodney Hammer.
Lives are changed—some rededicated and others infused with the Holy Spirit through salvation. Many individual commitments are made to God. The MKs come expecting to hear from God, and those listening leave with changed and encouraged hearts.
Juliana Edge from Russia, said MKR has helped her all through the year. “I think I have a lot more friends and feel better about myself. I think all year long of my times at MKR and what people have said and how they encouraged me. I look forward to the next MKR as soon as the one I’m at is over!”
Hannah Ray from Ukraine adds, “The big growth that I’ve seen in my Christian walk has been directly related to MKR—what I learn and experience at MKR continues on throughout the year.” Hannah and Juliana both expressed, “Thank you to all the people who make MKR possible and do the work to make it a reality. We can’t thank you enough!”
God is at work in the lives of CEE youth. A graduated MK formerly serving in Russian has returned twice as a volunteer leader, encouraged the MKs to live for God 100%. “Don’t wait until college to be involved in ministry. Go for it, 100%, now!” (Name withheld for security.)
The 2005 MKR theme verse, Romans 8:29, expressed that God made each MK with purpose and intent. We watch, with great anticipation, to see how God’s purposes for our awesome MKs unfold!