“Renewed 2024” was the theme of the first regional children’s ministry leaders retreat on the north coast. The weekend retreat took place in a finca (country retreat house) outside of Barranquilla, with 20 participants from 6 different Covenant churches attending.
The retreat came as an initiative of a few of the key leaders in the region, who approached me about the idea last year. Their main goal was to bring people together to learn from one another, to receive training that they could use in their local ministry with children and families, and to build a stronger network of support. They asked if I would join them in the process and be a part of the teaching team. I was honored and contacted two other teachers/leaders who I knew had so much to share and asked if they’d join us. The regional leaders organized the schedule, the meals, the details and gifts that each participant received. It was a true labor of love to make this retreat happen. And everyone fully agreed that the goals were met and the time together was sweet and we left feeling renewed.
The leaders who came to the retreat are all volunteers. Just getting to the retreat, paying for the retreat, and setting aside the time was challenging for many of them. Still, they showed up. And not only did they show up, but they were fully present and engaged (despite the heat that was draining). There were times for worship together where different churches took turns leading us in song and prayer. We had games and icebreaker activities each night where we got to know one another and laugh together. Each day we had several workshop/teaching sessions that were led by myself, Maria Eugenia (Bogota), Leidy (Itagui), and Elisabeth who is a missionary from Norway living in Barranquilla. Together we discussed the situation of the children in our local contexts todays, the challenges, our concerns, the opportunities we have to minister with them. We looked at our role as teachers, mentors, engaging in pastoral ministry that seeks to listen to and support children in wholistic ways. We looked at what wholistic ministry can and could look like. Through small group conversations, activities, personal reflection, and practical application we were equipped.
As we wrapped up our time together the participants shared how the weekend had given them new-found strength and desire to keep serving. Others said they felt less alone in the role of serving children, knowing there were others they could turn to for support. One participant, said that she realized how important it was to work in a team and to continue to train others. They all asked for the materials that were shared to be able to share with other leaders that were unable to make it to the retreat. There was even a contest to see who had taken the best notes, decorated the best notebook during our weekend together. It was amazing to see the detail and love they put into their notebooks.
Even as I taught and led a morning devotional, I was ministered to by these women. In sharing about my own challenges and discouragements, they came around me to encourage me. I am so grateful for this special weekend. I pray it’s just the beginning of more ways of encouraging one another and collaborating together in our advocacy of and ministry with children.
