Missionary Retreat

Saturday, April 15, 2006
I had quite an imagination when I was younger, always picturing myself in the settings of the books I read. This week, I had the rare opportunity to find myself literally in a story-book type setting. All the AG missionaries in France gathered together for a spiritual retreat, and we were hosted by an American couple who run a castle as a B-and-B in Western France. I have never in my life stayed in a castle (and likely won’t again), but I sure enjoyed it while I could.

The castle dates back to the 12th century and was known during the Middle Ages as a haven for those wishing freedom of religion. It has been associated with Protestantism for several centuries, and contains a large church within the outer wall. Within the inner walls (driving over the now-empty moat), is the main house and the guard towers, along with modern French-style gardens. The castle was restored a few years ago, so the rooms are beautifully redone and very modern, with kitchenettes, bathrooms, and heating systems. We had most of our meetings in the dining room in the basement, with its massive fireplace blazing continuously to ward off the chill of the mountain air.

Our retreat was a real success. I enjoyed seeing the other missionaries, most of whom I met last summer, and there were some new faces as well. Greg Mundis, the director of Europe for the Assemblies of God, and his wife Sandie were there, as well as my area director (and direct boss) Gerald Branum. I got the chance to sit with both of them and talk about my future prospects with Muslim ministry in France. That was really exciting—to brainstorm with men of vision, know-how, and the resources I would need, as well.

I felt so refreshed after our retreat. The first night when we had our worship service together, we sang praise songs in English, including a few hymns. The ability to just sing, without worrying about the words in French, was really moving. Apparently all the missionaries felt the same way, because a few people commented afterward about how meaningful it was to sing in our own heart language!