Physical health and spiritual well-being are both essential parts of longevity for mission workers. It becomes crucial to provide an opportunity to rest and renew oneself. For Latina women workers, who serve in particularly challenging and sensitive situations, that place is a yearly retreat, coordinated by One Challenge workers who make care and hospitality (known as “member care”) their ministry.
“These women are so dedicated to the ministry that He has called them to in hard places, and it is a pleasure to serve them by organizing and hosting this retreat,” say OC worker N.S.
At the retreat the women have the opportunity to worship in their own language, fellowship with like-minded people, have a time of biblical teaching and small group time, counseling, debriefing, life coaching, educational consulting, spiritual direction and personal prayer, pampering through manicures and haircuts (services provided by local believers who want to bless these special ladies), quiet time in nature, and morning group exercise.
Counting Their Blessings
Each woman who attended was blessed in this time.
- One workers says: “This retreat has been a time for me to reflect and recharge my batteries. God has said to me in these days, ‘You are my beloved and I am content and satisfied with you. You are my workmanship and my creation, in whom I delight.’ Thank you for making it possible for me to be here!”
- Others had similar thanks. One women expresses: “I serve at the entrance of the Sahara desert. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me such an enormous blessing. This retreat has literally been a well of fresh water for my body, spirit and soul.”
- Many felt this assurance from the Lord, that he is their resting place and greatest love. “Thank you so much for this demonstration of love. I have felt loved and cared for by God. I have been reminded how much God loves me, and I am returning to N. Africa full of joy, trust and encouragement to continue to run the race set before me,” one worker shares.
Interceding in Prayer
Pray for these women who return to their places of service, that they would be a light in the darkness and that the Lord will sustain them in the days to come.
Member Care
One Challenge is an international mission sending agency empowering local church ministry in more than 100 countries around the world. One Challenge wants to encourage a high level of care for global workers, providing the opportunity for them to thrive in their countries of service, bringing the best of who they are to the kingdom growth effort. We pursue genuine relationships and accountability in family, friendship, team, ministry, and local communities of faith.
