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.
Cairo 2014
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Friday, September 5, 2008
Summer 2008 ISMK Activities
MK Ministry Touches Africa
This July, MK Ministry Director Chad Phillips, who is passionate about helping MKs see the “other” side of missions, led a team of teenage MKs on a missions trip to Tanzania, Africa. The team camped ten days on the Indian Ocean without electricity or running water. They began the trip with a Tanzanian PK retreat for about 50 local pastors’ kids. The full-day retreat was unlike any these Tanzanian PKs had ever seen. Relationships, which are often not stressed in that culture, were the focus of the retreat. The team demonstrated to the PKs the value of authentic relationship with Christ through authentic relationships with each other.
For the remainder of the trip, the team spent each day painting at different village schools and government buildings. In the afternoons, they hosted a kids’ outreach with dramas and testimonies and followed up with a crusade each evening. At every service at least one person came to Christ. A man in full Muslim garb even came to one of the services. The team introduced him to the pastor of the local Assemblies of God church, and prayed with him as he gave his heart to the Lord. Does it get any better than that?
ISMK is currently planning next summer’s MK missions trip. We hope to work with the International Church in Podova, Italy and assist with a Vacation Bible School.
Boot Camp Prepares and Encourages MKs
Each summer the MK program hosts a summer camp to assist new MKs as they prepare for living on the field, and to encourage veteran MKs as they make the adjustment back to U.S. culture. During the first two weeks of the program, we have the opportunity to minister to missionary kids who are about to enter the field for the first time. One of the highlights for the older MKs (grades 4 through 12) is the MuKappa “Boot Camp” week. They spend five days camping (no tents or campsites) in the woods, and are not permitted to bring make-up, cell phones, iPods, or any other modern conveniences. The camping experience breaks down comfort zones and helps establish a fun, yet challenging environment for open communication. Many MKs come into the program unsure about their parents’ missionary calling and the thought of living in another culture. We at ISMK believe that God calls entire families into missions, not just parents. It’s always exciting to see how God uses their week of camping to open their hearts and give them a vision for personal ministry to the fields where they will live.
The final week of the program, our ministry focus changes as we help veteran MKs with reentry to the U.S. and provide an environment for emotional healing. The days are full of fun “American” activities like baseball games, bowling, and visiting theme parks. The evening services provide time for discipleship, prayer, and worship. One specific evening, our upper elementary (grades 4 and 5) MKs experienced a moving prayer time which led into a discussion of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. By the end of the evening many parents were waiting outside the room while the Spirit of God moved. Several MKs were filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit that night! MKs that go into full-time ministry often experience the call of God during our summer program. Perhaps some of these Upper Elementary kids will become the next generation of missionaries!
Giving back: Alumni-led Task Force
Your investment in MKs truly makes a difference! Many of them, after having graduated high school, are passionate about investing in and encouraging younger MKs. Our annual MK Task Force trips allow alumni to give back to ISMK by leading on-field MK retreats. In January 2008, six MK alumni traveled to Togo, West Africa where they ministered to about 30 younger missionary kids. Every age level of MKs was included in the activities. They played games, enjoyed snacks, made crafts, and spent the evenings in worship and discipleship. The team didn’t receive most of their luggage until the second-to-last day, but they remained flexible and had a wonderful attitude about ministering to the MKs.
We were also blessed this year to be able to take a trip to India, Turkey, and Tajikistan. Chad Phillips led the retreat in India and was able to invest in the lives of the MKs while speaking in the chapel service at the international school in Turkey. The opportunity to pour into the lives of the MKs through counsel and fellowship was well worth the discomforts they endured: no electricity or heat for three days!
This July, MK Ministry Director Chad Phillips, who is passionate about helping MKs see the “other” side of missions, led a team of teenage MKs on a missions trip to Tanzania, Africa. The team camped ten days on the Indian Ocean without electricity or running water. They began the trip with a Tanzanian PK retreat for about 50 local pastors’ kids. The full-day retreat was unlike any these Tanzanian PKs had ever seen. Relationships, which are often not stressed in that culture, were the focus of the retreat. The team demonstrated to the PKs the value of authentic relationship with Christ through authentic relationships with each other.
For the remainder of the trip, the team spent each day painting at different village schools and government buildings. In the afternoons, they hosted a kids’ outreach with dramas and testimonies and followed up with a crusade each evening. At every service at least one person came to Christ. A man in full Muslim garb even came to one of the services. The team introduced him to the pastor of the local Assemblies of God church, and prayed with him as he gave his heart to the Lord. Does it get any better than that?
ISMK is currently planning next summer’s MK missions trip. We hope to work with the International Church in Podova, Italy and assist with a Vacation Bible School.
Boot Camp Prepares and Encourages MKs
Each summer the MK program hosts a summer camp to assist new MKs as they prepare for living on the field, and to encourage veteran MKs as they make the adjustment back to U.S. culture. During the first two weeks of the program, we have the opportunity to minister to missionary kids who are about to enter the field for the first time. One of the highlights for the older MKs (grades 4 through 12) is the MuKappa “Boot Camp” week. They spend five days camping (no tents or campsites) in the woods, and are not permitted to bring make-up, cell phones, iPods, or any other modern conveniences. The camping experience breaks down comfort zones and helps establish a fun, yet challenging environment for open communication. Many MKs come into the program unsure about their parents’ missionary calling and the thought of living in another culture. We at ISMK believe that God calls entire families into missions, not just parents. It’s always exciting to see how God uses their week of camping to open their hearts and give them a vision for personal ministry to the fields where they will live.
The final week of the program, our ministry focus changes as we help veteran MKs with reentry to the U.S. and provide an environment for emotional healing. The days are full of fun “American” activities like baseball games, bowling, and visiting theme parks. The evening services provide time for discipleship, prayer, and worship. One specific evening, our upper elementary (grades 4 and 5) MKs experienced a moving prayer time which led into a discussion of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. By the end of the evening many parents were waiting outside the room while the Spirit of God moved. Several MKs were filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit that night! MKs that go into full-time ministry often experience the call of God during our summer program. Perhaps some of these Upper Elementary kids will become the next generation of missionaries!
Giving back: Alumni-led Task Force
Your investment in MKs truly makes a difference! Many of them, after having graduated high school, are passionate about investing in and encouraging younger MKs. Our annual MK Task Force trips allow alumni to give back to ISMK by leading on-field MK retreats. In January 2008, six MK alumni traveled to Togo, West Africa where they ministered to about 30 younger missionary kids. Every age level of MKs was included in the activities. They played games, enjoyed snacks, made crafts, and spent the evenings in worship and discipleship. The team didn’t receive most of their luggage until the second-to-last day, but they remained flexible and had a wonderful attitude about ministering to the MKs.
We were also blessed this year to be able to take a trip to India, Turkey, and Tajikistan. Chad Phillips led the retreat in India and was able to invest in the lives of the MKs while speaking in the chapel service at the international school in Turkey. The opportunity to pour into the lives of the MKs through counsel and fellowship was well worth the discomforts they endured: no electricity or heat for three days!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Parental Update, May 12
Happy Spring, parents!
I have just written to the MKs on the ismk email system. I thought I would drop you a note as well. We are in the process of hiring the SOM staff, booking the places for the events, hiring the caterers, and setting the schedules. It is a fun time!
I have received questions from many missionaries and MKs about the changes to the MK program this summer. It will be challenging for us to be able to do everything that have done in the past, with less time. However, the MK program will continue to effective, and a great time for MKs. Over the course of the past four years, we have been fine tuning what we do, in order to make the MK program more effective. This is just another step in that process. The key is the presence of the Holy Spirit. I know that God is going to meet us, and move among us.
Also, pray with me that God will direct the right staff and the right leaders for each program. Staffing the program is always something we do with prayerful consideration. We believe that the people working with our kids are critical in the overall function of the program.
I recently returned from a trip to central Eurasia and India. It was a wonderful time seeing TCKs in the “natural habitat.” Let me say THANKS to all of you that made that trip such a great experience!
The MK MISSIONS trip still has openings for MKs. Is your MK interested? We would love for them to join us. There is the possibility of significant funds coming from your (00) ADP to help them with this trip. I would love to see 3 more MKs sign up to come with us to TANZANIA! It is a trip of a lifetime! Contact me if your MK is interested.
Cristi Alexander has been in the MK office for two years, overseeing our MK publications. Recently, Cristi went through Candidate Orientation, and is now itinerating to minister in Central Eurasia (pledges - 294597 J)! We will miss her, but we are excited for the opportunities that God has for her in missions. With Cristi moving into full time missions, we have hired a new person in the office – Amy Reasoner. Amy is a sharp young lady, with great skills that will bless your MKs. We would like to officially welcome her to the office!
I have just written to the MKs on the ismk email system. I thought I would drop you a note as well. We are in the process of hiring the SOM staff, booking the places for the events, hiring the caterers, and setting the schedules. It is a fun time!
I have received questions from many missionaries and MKs about the changes to the MK program this summer. It will be challenging for us to be able to do everything that have done in the past, with less time. However, the MK program will continue to effective, and a great time for MKs. Over the course of the past four years, we have been fine tuning what we do, in order to make the MK program more effective. This is just another step in that process. The key is the presence of the Holy Spirit. I know that God is going to meet us, and move among us.
Also, pray with me that God will direct the right staff and the right leaders for each program. Staffing the program is always something we do with prayerful consideration. We believe that the people working with our kids are critical in the overall function of the program.
I recently returned from a trip to central Eurasia and India. It was a wonderful time seeing TCKs in the “natural habitat.” Let me say THANKS to all of you that made that trip such a great experience!
The MK MISSIONS trip still has openings for MKs. Is your MK interested? We would love for them to join us. There is the possibility of significant funds coming from your (00) ADP to help them with this trip. I would love to see 3 more MKs sign up to come with us to TANZANIA! It is a trip of a lifetime! Contact me if your MK is interested.
Cristi Alexander has been in the MK office for two years, overseeing our MK publications. Recently, Cristi went through Candidate Orientation, and is now itinerating to minister in Central Eurasia (pledges - 294597 J)! We will miss her, but we are excited for the opportunities that God has for her in missions. With Cristi moving into full time missions, we have hired a new person in the office – Amy Reasoner. Amy is a sharp young lady, with great skills that will bless your MKs. We would like to officially welcome her to the office!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Teachers Needed!
I have just returned from a trip where I was able to meet with many of our MKs in Central and Southern Eurasia. It renewed my passion for teachers in our MK schools. There is a great need for teachers at the schools our MKs attend. If you are a part of a school that needs teachers, would you contact me? I would like to put together a video of places that need teachers. Let me know if you are interested, or have a need for teachers! I believe that our MKs need to have qualified teachers, from year to year! They deserve the best we can give them, and we want to help make sure that happens.
If you have followed these newsletters, you know that we have an MK Missions Trip scheduled for July this summer. Area Director Greg Beggs is helping us put together this trip. I truly believe it will be powerful! We have some updates to that trip that you need to know about. Because of the unrest in Kenya, we have changed the country to Tanzania. We will be doing youth and children’s ministry for our entire time there. No experience is necessary!
Currently, we have 8 people registered for the trip (after a couple had to cancel). I have room for a total of 15. I believe that our MKs need to experience missions for themselves, and that this is an amazing way for them to do that. I believe that God will use these trips to direct our MKs back into missions. Often times MKs are in one region, one country, and they never actually experience what missions truly is. They have heard mom and dad, and they see it through the eyes of someone else’s call. I want to make missions personal!
Would you consider presenting this trip to your MK? I know that airfare and costs are difficult, but I also know that God provides (even for little missionaries). I have seen MKs raise the budget, and it is a huge faith builder! The cost of the trip is airfare plus $1,000. If you are in Europe, we can pick your MK up on our way there! Your MK can meet up with us. He/she doesn’t need to fly to the States to be a part of this trip.
Please contact my office if you are interested! We need to work on airplane tickets, but we still have enough time. Don’t hesitate! Let us know. I will be going on the trip, and will get to be a part of the ministry time with the MKs. Last years trip was powerful, and I know that this one will be amazing as well!
I know that you are all thinking about the changes to the summer programs. I want to let you know that even though the schedule has changed, we are committed as ever to provide the highest quality program possible. As I have been going over the schedule for the events, I am excited to see what God is going to do. Pray with us that God will touch the lives of our MKs. I always ask that you pray with me that the Holy Spirit will be poured out in a fresh way. I am passionate about our MKs being filled with the Holy Spirit – and I want you to pray with me that God will move among our kids again this summer!
If you have followed these newsletters, you know that we have an MK Missions Trip scheduled for July this summer. Area Director Greg Beggs is helping us put together this trip. I truly believe it will be powerful! We have some updates to that trip that you need to know about. Because of the unrest in Kenya, we have changed the country to Tanzania. We will be doing youth and children’s ministry for our entire time there. No experience is necessary!
Currently, we have 8 people registered for the trip (after a couple had to cancel). I have room for a total of 15. I believe that our MKs need to experience missions for themselves, and that this is an amazing way for them to do that. I believe that God will use these trips to direct our MKs back into missions. Often times MKs are in one region, one country, and they never actually experience what missions truly is. They have heard mom and dad, and they see it through the eyes of someone else’s call. I want to make missions personal!
Would you consider presenting this trip to your MK? I know that airfare and costs are difficult, but I also know that God provides (even for little missionaries). I have seen MKs raise the budget, and it is a huge faith builder! The cost of the trip is airfare plus $1,000. If you are in Europe, we can pick your MK up on our way there! Your MK can meet up with us. He/she doesn’t need to fly to the States to be a part of this trip.
Please contact my office if you are interested! We need to work on airplane tickets, but we still have enough time. Don’t hesitate! Let us know. I will be going on the trip, and will get to be a part of the ministry time with the MKs. Last years trip was powerful, and I know that this one will be amazing as well!
I know that you are all thinking about the changes to the summer programs. I want to let you know that even though the schedule has changed, we are committed as ever to provide the highest quality program possible. As I have been going over the schedule for the events, I am excited to see what God is going to do. Pray with us that God will touch the lives of our MKs. I always ask that you pray with me that the Holy Spirit will be poured out in a fresh way. I am passionate about our MKs being filled with the Holy Spirit – and I want you to pray with me that God will move among our kids again this summer!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Katherine is back home!
Katherine arrived back in our home on Tuesday. She is actually very sad to be leaving the hospital! She had everyone at her beckoning call, all the food she could eat, nurses taking care of her every need, and her parents sleeping in the recliner next to her bed... just in case she needed them! She had it all!
We just want to say thanks to all of you for praying for Katherine. She is doing a lot better. She is still on anitbiotics, and will stay home for a few days. We are hoping that she will be able to go back to school on Monday. Today Dargan went by her school and picked up all of her assignments she missed... she has lots of catch up work to do! We are all sleeping a little better, and we are happy to be home again as a family!
Thanks again for all your prayers!
We just want to say thanks to all of you for praying for Katherine. She is doing a lot better. She is still on anitbiotics, and will stay home for a few days. We are hoping that she will be able to go back to school on Monday. Today Dargan went by her school and picked up all of her assignments she missed... she has lots of catch up work to do! We are all sleeping a little better, and we are happy to be home again as a family!
Thanks again for all your prayers!
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