Mid-Year Staff Retreat

For the last 15 years, we have had the great privilege of having Pastor Luis Soto and his wife Janet Soto from Verbo Church in Kenner, Louisiana come help us put on a retreat for our staff. They bring a team from their church to cover the houses and take care of the kids so all our staff can escape for the day to be refueled and refreshed. The topics and messages change year to year, but the joy of getting to fellowship, praise the Lord, and study His Word together never grows old. And this year was no different!

The retreat usually happens in July, which is perfect timing as our staff is usually starting to feel tired and worn down after not having any true break since the end of the previous year.

These retreats help remind our staff that they are not alone and they are not expected to do this work through their own strength. God is with them and will strengthen their weary hands and overworked bodies. They are doing His work, so He will provide them with what they need.

This year’s theme was “Renewed in the Spirit,” and Ephesians 4:22-24 were the central verses: “to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

It was a beautiful, uplifting day together. We enjoyed wonderful food, activities, beautiful times of worship, communion, and challenging but encouraging exhortations from God’s Word. Our staff are encouraged, but please continue to pray for them to have energy and joy to serve the rest of this year.