Cairo 2014

Cairo 2014

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Thanksgiving Retreat 2008

ISMK held its annual Thanksgiving Retreat back up in Winter Park Colorado once again this year. We were blessed to have Scott and Crystal Martin as our guest speakers. When the staff arrived on Sunday afternoon, there was very little snow on the ground. Monday and Tuesday we held prayer meetings, as we prepared the arrival of the college MKs. We interceded for SNOW as well. It is difficult to have a ski retreat without snow. We had heard rumors of potential snow later on that week. God heard our prayers. It started snowing on Wednesday night, snowed again on Thursday night and never stopped. By the time we left on Sunday, several of the interstates around us were totally shut down. Needless to say, the skiing and snowboarding were awesome on Friday and Saturday.

While we prayed for snow, we were more serious about our prayers for the MKs. As you are aware, MKs arrive at Thanksgiving Retreat with very different expectations and spiritual levels. We know that skiing/snowboarding is a draw for MKs. We know that some MKs arrive in Colorado with only skiing on their mind. We also know that some MKs will arrive in Colorado with a true desire to reconnect with God and with other MKs. Whatever their goals when they come; whatever their relationship with God; we pray and believe that God will minister to them!

When the MKs arrived on Wednesday we had an orientation meeting. I told them that I had 2 goals for retreat, the first is that they meet with God. The fun, the skiing, the hot tubs, the tubing, all of those things will happen – but they are secondary. Our principle goal is for MKs to meet with God! We had several powerful services. God met MKs on different levels and in different ways. We had powerful services, with great altar times. We also had meaningful small group discussions. The retreat is always finished with an amazing creative worship service, where MKs minister to each other. I believe that my first goal for retreat was met. God was active and He touched lives throughout the retreat.

My second goal for ski retreat is for MKs to connect with each other. MKs have very unique relationships. We consider each other family, although we are not technically related in any way! When MKs head off to college, they separate from their MK family. Many MKs will go places where there are not many other MKs. I believe that ski retreat is a great place for them to reconnect with each other. I am so committed to those relationships that I have even given an entire morning to connecting with other over a cup of coffee (at my expense). In fact, the MKs will spend approximately ten hours in services over the course of four days. We want them to minister to each other. I know that God works through those relationships, and healing takes place for many of our MKs during those times of fellowship.

While the skiing/snowboarding was great this year, I was more excited about the presence and moving of a loving God. As you think about MKs, I would encourage you to pray for our MKs each year at Thanksgiving time. I have never been more aware about how MKs come to Thanksgiving Retreat with a heart that is hoping to meet with God! Thanks for praying for the MKs! As always, if you ever have questions about how things are done, or what happens at any ISMK event – please feel free to contact me.