It’s hard to believe that today is our last day together as a volunteer team. Most of our group will fly out tomorrow, with a few folks staying an extra day or two. The day is spent continuing to reflect and debrief as a team. We’re learning how best to share what we’ve experienced here, knowing that there will be different levels of interest in the details with those with whom we have the opportunity to share. We all come from different denominations and backgrounds, from all across North America. And so we go home to different experiences and stories. We return to our own joys and challenges, yet still processing the work that the Lord has done here both in us and in those we have had the privilege of serving.
We’ve shared stories of how God has allowed us to share the Thrive story in our communities. Paula shared how it was through her first retreat experience that her church has now become involved in global work, how they send and support global workers, and have sent her to visit those whom they support. What a testimony of the impact of Thrive in her church community!
Marganne, another volunteer, shared how her church supported four attendees so that they could attend this retreat in Prague. They all expressed such gratitude that the volunteers would come such a long way to be present here with them!
And then there is the story of God using the hard for His good. One of our first-time volunteers became sick and wasn’t able to use her gifts to physically serve the women. Yet she served in the most important way, as she became a prayer warrior for the volunteers and attendees alike. She allowed the Lord to use her and to support the entire retreat. What a gift to know that she was lifting us up before His throne!
And, of course, there is Nathalie, who we mentioned the first day as she made the way to come at the last minute. God blessed her in her interactions with several young moms, allowing her to use her experience in parenting and marriage to encourage them.
There is a common thread today as we reflect on our time together here in Prague. We all came to serve and bless the women who are working cross-culturally, but we are going home blessed ourselves. As Lorrie said, perhaps God has said to us, “no, no, no, my daughters, I have something for you too!”
What might God have for you as you have read this blog and prayed for us? Is He calling you to become involved in supporting global workers in new ways? We encourage you to pray and seek how He would choose to use you in bringing refreshment and encouragement to these precious daughters of God!