Sunday morning, December 26, 2004, the attention of almost the entire world focused on Phuket, Thailand.  The area had just been assaulted by a massive tsunami triggered by an earthquake in the Indian Ocean 500 kilometers away.  The Thai government reported 4,812 confirmed deaths, 8,457 injuries, and 4,499 missing in the aftermath of this horrific event.

Thirteen years later, what had been a landscape of destruction, now much restored to the beautiful tourist destination of previous years, became the location of the 2nd BBFI Missionary Regional Retreat held September 25-29, 2017.  On Monday, thirty-two missionaries from six countries gathered for a week of Encouragement, Inspiration and Relaxation.  Once these men, women and children traveled to Phuket, all other expenses were covered by the generosity of those contributing to the Missionary Care Offering.   By keeping the attendance of this week smaller in number, it allowed opportunities for Jenell and I, as well as Pastor Carl Hughes and his wife, Melanie, to spend time with the missionaries interacting on a more intimate level.  While we ministered to the adults, Sydney Bender, Lyndsey Jones and Javier and Tiffany Hidalgo ministered to their children.

We spent time during the week being encouraged from God’s Word, hearing testimonies, in prayer and of course ample time for relaxation, shopping and beach activities.  Because of the generous investment of a few churches and individuals, we could give “fun money” to each missionary to spend as wisely or frivolously as they desired.  Each one was so appreciative to all who gave to make this time meaningful to them and their families.

The results of the week may be better visualized by reading what was said by the missionaries themselves:

• “I was tremendously exhausted. My sole purpose of going to Phuket was to see other missionaries. Going to the mall was a bonus.”
• “The first day we were tired, we just wanted to sleep without feeling guilty.”
• “We knew we needed to get away and refresh but we didn’t realize how badly we needed it until we were there. It was such a blessing to be around “family” who is facing some of the same issues we are and can encourage one another. Our only regret is that this will not be done annually in our region. Thank you for arranging and financing this time away.”
• “Honestly, the month leading up to the retreat was the hardest month I have experienced on the field. I was emotionally, physically, and spiritually drained but this retreat came at the most perfect time so that I could go back to my ministries truly refreshed and encouraged to continue on.”
• “This retreat was a huge encouragement to us! We really feel that this retreat came at the exact right time for us.”
• “Teaching and preaching in every session was uplifting and encouraging.”
• “We have nothing to say but Great things!  Success!  So Generous!  Very Refreshing!  Encouraging!”

I am so appreciative of those who invest in the Missionary Care Offering and who give to the “Recreation Fund” when I make that special request enabling the Mission Office and me to invest in the lives of these fellow servants as a part of Missionary Care.  Who knows, your investment may have just saved a marriage, a family or a ministry.  Thank you for expressing your care in a tangible way by giving to the Missionary Care Offering.

(Some faces blurred to protect them and their CAN ministry)

Article by Steve Bender