An Opportunity

We didn’t think we would be able to attend the annual Pastors and Wives Retreat that our presbytery organizes each year. In fact, because we are usually on the missions field and not back in southern California, we had never been able to go. But in God’s providence we found ourselves delayed for a while longer in southern California due to the house fire, which gave us the opportunity to gather with other pastors and their wives from the South Coast Presbytery of the PCA.

God gave us the opportunity to connect with others in full-time ministry and to enjoy times of fun and fellowship in the beautiful community of San Clemente – not too far from where we both grew up. My shepherding pastor David Nutting of North City Presbyterian Church in Poway encouraged us to attend since we would still be in town.

It was a good time to see old friends and meet some of the newer folks in our region – many of whom we had never met since we have been in Uruguay and Belize.

The Teaching

Senior Director of U.S. Operations for MTW Mark Bates gave a series of talks on mission and ministry, which was very helpful. He also led us in group discussions where many of the pastors and wives contributed from their wisdom and experience. Chad Brewer, Assistant Coordinator for RUF over international and global ministries, did a great job as emcee and gave us a warm welcome. He and his wife Christie put in a lot of excellent work to organize and run the retreat.

Pizza Lunch!

Lasting only 24 hours or so, it was a whirlwind of a retreat and we wish it could have been longer. But it was nice to take some time for fellowship and refreshment. We ended with a pizza lunch before everyone headed home. We give thanks to the Lord for this time together with brothers and sisters in the Lord who also serve in ministry.