Dear Pure Joy Costa Rica retreat team,
Words can not express my gratitude to you and the Lord for your overwhelming love that was showed during the Pure Joy retreat. When I heard about the retreat I had no expectations. I am a "strong" woman and Ladies' retreats aren't my thing. After checking your web-site and seeing that you weren't a cult, just Baptists, I figured that theologically you would be OK and at least I would get a nice few days at a fancy hotel for free. I didn't have anything to lose so I signed up.
The Lord began working on my heart the minute that you all greeted me when I arrived. You each acted as if you were seeing a long lost friend and now I know why. When you told me that you had been praying for me, I couldn't believe it. How could you be praying for me..a stranger? My heart began to soften.
But you know what....I was still guarded and skeptical. After all, I am a "strong" missionary. Then Vickie gave her testimony and I was blown away. She wasn't a stereotypical Barbie doll Baptist who walked down the isle at an alter call in her church as a child. (Vickie, you may not be a Barbie doll but you are more beautiful than Barbie both inside and out.) I loved the fact that she had lived a real life with real problems and that God met her right where she was. Thank you for being so transparent. It ministered to me and I felt like from that moment on, I could trust you.
Then Marsha spoke. Surprise, surprise. She didn't fit my stereotype either. She had lived the missionary life (which I am sure Barbie could never do) and was also transparent. Well, I guess I wasn't too surprised when Kathy didn't turn out to be Barbie either. In fact, I think that my greatest weakness is just like her...I am too strong. (Kathy, I have never wanted to go on a prayer retreat either and I certainly would have taken a nap on the blanket.) Then Merry Beth spoke. Well, Merry Beth, you almost fooled me, but when you shared from your heart about what happened with your children right before you were going to lead those prayer rallies I knew that you weren't Barbie either becaue she would never have anything but perfect kids. (I think maybe you are a GI Jane disguised in a Barbie
figure!) Amazing, 4 very real women....not plastic Barbie dolls.
I can't tell you how each of you ministered to me with your transparency about your own lives. The deepness of your walk with the Lord was so evident and the Bible truths that you taught blew me away. You are all awesome teachers and public speakers. You qualify to be in a colosium teaching at a convention but instead you came to Costa Rica to minister to us. What a gift from the Lord.
Each of the rest of you had such a vital part in the behind the scenes working of this retreat. You were such a team, each with your specific role that you did so well. Everything was excellently organized and carried out and you pampered us so much. We needed to be loved and we received your outpouring of it. Thank you for all the preparation, prayer and long hours you put in, to minister to us.
For me, more than all the beutiful gifts, the presentation that they were given to us in filled me up. I am so glad that you Martha Stewerts came along. We don't have all those beautiful gift bags, ribbons, bright colors and fru fru here in Costa Rica. Just walking in the rooms and seeing the beautiful presentations on each table, took my breath away. Then there were all the wonderful things inside the bag. I was just longing for some nice lotion like they sell at Bath and Body works. Well, I now have enough lotion for not only myself but for all my friends too!
The last day, when I entered the lunch room and saw all the cards, I got a knot in my throat. I was overwhelmed that there were so many people praying for me, even without knowing me. It just reinforced for me, how much God cares about me. Do you know, that in my pile of cards, there was even a Valentines Day card. That just made me cry out because a few weeks ago I asked our Sunday School class to please send me Valentines Day cards. With e-mail, I rarely get mail anymore and I just so love looking at beautiful cards. I love pink and hearts so I was longing for some of those Valentines Day beauties. And here, the Lord knew and had someone send me one through you.
It was so nice to be on the receiving end for a change. Thank you for all that you did for me at Pure Joy in Costa Rica.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
A Missionary Shares Her Heart...
It is always such affirmation to our ministry when we hear these heart felt words from our missioary sisters following a retreat. I wanted everyone to be able to catch a glimspe of what God did in Costa Rica through reading this email from one of the missionaries that attended the Costa Rica Retreat. Thank you ladies for sharing your stories with His women around the world.
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5 comments:
I, too, felt truly blessed and refreshed by the Pure Joy Retreat. We could not possibly thank every one enough for their kindness and generosity to us during the retreat. The speakers were awesome women of God with servant hearts. I thank the Lord for each person's part in making the retreat happen. Thank you everyone!!
How great is our Lord!!! I felt blessed and renew. All those ladies who came and showed us their love and kindness for others missionary women made a big difference. I praise de Lord to each one of them, for the persons who made this retreat was possible. Thank you Vicky for your work in this ministry, all of you are exactly the team that the Lord needs in this ministry.
God continue blessing you and your ministry!!!!
God is so amazing. It has been a long time since I have felt so uplifted and renewed. Every team member treated us like we were their dearest friend. From the moment we got out of our cars we were pampered and spoiled. They hugged us and carried out luggage and then made us comfortable in the conference room. We started with a terrific speaker and through out the entire retreat were ministered to in a wonderful way. It was overwhelming how the generousity of all involved showed in each and every moment. I can not begin to imagine all the prayer,finances,work and determination went in to something of this scale. I made many new friends and it was so much fun to watch everyones face as each time we changed rooms there was a gift waiting for us on the table. It was truly unbelievable. We did not even have to check in or out of our rooms, that had all been arranged for us.
I feel honored to have been a part of this wonderful experience and thank each and every person, church, contributor, and team member for hearing God's call and answering it in a big way.
And to Vickie, thank you for following God's plan for your life in His time and in His way. You have made a big impact in this missionary's heart and life. I was so pleased that at the very last minute you listened to other ladies hearts and spoke on marriage. I really needed to hear exactly the message you brought. Thank you again for being flexible and leaving us all with the knowledge that there are many people who care and are praying for all the missionaries in the world.
I can assure you that the Pure Joy team will not be forgotten in Costa Rica. The entire retreat from start to finish was PURE JOY.
thanks so much for giving of your time, talents and treasures to minister to us here in Costa Rica. I am still processing all that I learned. It was so different than most retreats. We can truly use the information and apply it to our lives. The communication skills you shared were great. Thanks for sharing about marriage too. I was convicted that I need to have more accountability here and have begun meeting with a fellow missionary to make that happen. We need to care for one another as well as the nationals we are called to serve. Thank you for speaking truth to my heart. Thank you for this ministry. I will be praying that God continues to use Pure Joy throughout the world as He did in Costa Rica. To Him be the glory and praise! Thanks for your servant's hearts in all you do.
Sorry, I am so late in sending in my comment but my mother had a massive stroke and I had to leave Costa Rica suddenly. God has performed his miracles again. She is doing much better with a possibility of bringing her home again.
God only knew that I needed a wonderful retreat before facing my new situation in life.
When invited to the retreat I was a little hesitant to accept because of past retreats I had attended for missionary women. But, I am glad I accepted the invitation. I was truly blessed from the very begining to the very end. God spoke to my heart throughout the retreat.
A big thanks to each one who had a part in the retreat and may God bless each of you for the sacrifices you made for us. May you continue to be a blessing to other missionary women.
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