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Pico Escondido: Missionary Retreat

A time of celebration.  A time of worship.  A time of sharing stories.  A time of tranquility.  A time of refreshment.  A time of rest.  A time of being challenged.  A time of togetherness.

Pico Escondido translates to Hidden Point in English.  It is a campground run by a Christian ministry called Young Life.  A beautiful mountain setting, away from the business even just five-ten minutes away.  This weekend as described above was really great!  I am so very thankful and appreciative for all the prayers and planning and behind the scenes in order to make this weekend a success.

Friday evening we kick-started the weekend with a baby shower for our newest member, Brennan who is around 2 months old.  We had a MK who is now studying at Notre Dame University come and share with our MK teens for the weekend.  Talking about MK issues and just sharing her own struggles and issues she went through.  The adult sessions we had people share their testimonies.  We highlighted some chapters from a book called, "Broken-down House" by Paul David Tripp.  Kerry shared from the chapter on God's sovereignty.

Saturday we continued with some more testimonies and some more chapters from "Broken-down House."  I shared on the chapter regarding seasons of waiting and what does that mean?  Dustin shared on celebration of God's grace.  There was a time where Julia (from home office) shared some items in regards to human resources, I shared very briefly about member care and gave everyone a ton of handouts for resources, Kaela shared about our new dress code policy and Vic shared some ministry highlights.  We celebrated by having a surprise bridal shower for Christina and her fiancé Moises.  Throughout the afternoon and evening there was free time to enjoy the various activities that the camp has to offer such as the big swing, the climbing wall, the swimming pool and a bonfire - making s'mores.

Sunday morning was probably my favorite time of the weekend.  We started with a time of worship, singing a mixture of oldies and newbies.  Philippians 1:3-6 "I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."  Gave passage into a time of affirmation and prayer.  We had each single and couple sit in the middle for various people to affirm them and then someone would pray over that person or couple.  I pray it was encouraging and uplifting for all.  Unfortunately, we had to cut it to only three people could share an affirmation because we were short on time but I shared with the group afterwards that if someone wanted to share something and did not get the opportunity to be intentional and go to that person(s) and share the affirmation.  This is a practice we should be doing on a regular basis to one another and everyone around us.  Modeling to the kids we serve to have an attitude of thanksgiving.

It was a great weekend!  A time of fellowship.  A time of affirmation.  A time of encouragement.  A time of reflection.

Kasandra leading a small devotion

Praying
KAI Missionaries

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