Mission FPC
The retreat began on Friday, 23rd August at 6 pm with the traditional Alsatian speciality tarte flambée (untranslatable! You have to eat it to know what it is!) after eveything had been set up. After clearing up we all left for home on Wednesday the 28th.
Each morning after breakfast the day began with a time of worship led by a special group, followed by Bible teaching and group discussion, then a time for information from the whole missionary body. After a delicious meal cooked by Claude and his team there was a choice of activities: a swim, a walk, games… sometimes all together, sometimes spontaneous and free. After dinner the evening was spent in praise, prayer or celebration.
This year the Bible teaching on the book of the prophet Jonah was given by Matthieu Gangloff, lecturer at the Nogent Bible Institute. A brief resume of Matthieu’s five messages can be found at How to serve God with the worst will in the world – Mission FPC
A bonus: Dan and Sylvia, a couple who volunteered to organise a special program for the children, also based it on the book of Jonah so it fitted in with what the adults were studying. This enabled grown-ups and children to face up to one another in an unforgettable quiz on Jonah with the title: Who wants to win sweets? brilliantly conducted by our DJ Matthieu.
The mission retreat is a highlight in the missionary team’s life. It’s also an occasion to introduce new members who have joined the mission, particularly young people on the Pass program. This year we welcomed Mandy, Livia, Sophia and Gaëlle who will be serving in Lens.
An important factor for us is the family spirit. The mission retreat is held year by year with the aim of developping and strengthening interpersonal relations. We believe this objective was reached!
Mission FPC
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