September 2010 News
SPIRITUAL GROWTH RETREAT--SÃO PAULO
In his book “Pastors at Risk” H B London reports results from a Fuller Theological Seminary study about the challenges of ministry: 80% of ministers believe that it has negatively affected their family, one-third report it has ended or nearly ended their marriage, 70% say their self-esteem was negatively affected by ministry, one-third involved themselves in inappropriate relationships with a church member, and 70% regret not having a close, intimate friend to share with.
For the past 20 years our mission has focused on meeting these challenges with ministry couples. “Spiritual Renewal Retreats” have been a powerful antidote for hundreds of missionary and leadership couples. An environment is created where each participant can commune with God, with their spouse and with other workers in ways more profound and transformational than they have experienced before.
We also “gift” them with the best books available on self-care and renewal, marriage, and mentoring relationships. During the last third of each 4-day retreat we emphasize the importance of an on-going commitment to the practices and supportive relationships gained. Each couple schedules regular meetings with others from the group and shares their commitment to make one major personal change.
TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE...
Usually we can handle only 5 couples at one of these retreats and still give the personal attention everyone deserves. This time Antenor and Phyllis Gonçalves partnered with us on the group work and individual counseling sessions. We were able to invite 9 couples! We thank the Gonçalves for their servant hearts and their invaluable help. We are always praying for more talented couples to help us in this ministry to the ministers. We are seeking couples like the Gonçalves in each region of Brazil.
FEEDBACK!!
Thank you so much for these wonderful moments together. After this retreat, we are not the same people. We are encouraged and confident to really serve the Kingdom as a family. God bless your lives. Alisson and Nívia
This retreat was a response to prayer for us. We had not had a break in 4 years of ministry. We were able to stop and make some important decisions about our future. We thank God for this time of renovation. Flávio and Fernanda
This retreat was a spiritual renewal for us. We have decided to have family and individual devotional times. I have plans to meet twice a month with two of the other brothers from this retreat. Thanks so much! Genildo and Mariluci
We love what we do, but I often get so busy doing it that I fail to take a step back and wait on God´s direction. I am carving out more time to be alone with God now. Mark and Alice
We were profoundly transformed by hearing everyone´s life stories. I think we will now talk about our lives before and after this retreat. João and Ina
As full time workers, we can easily miss the most important part of our ministry, that is, the Lord of our ministry. This retreat helped us to remember HIM. This was the first time in 2 and a half years that we have been alone with out our kids. Joncilei and Kária
This retreat was a real spiritual revival, we left so encouraged, blessed and full of energy to keep going with our ministry. We learned we need time to stop and recharge our batteries. We really see how God is working in our lives. Luciano and Juliana
This week has helped me to make some important decisions about my ministry. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I am seeing ministry in a new way. Shebas and Sandra
This retreat showed us that we can make changes in our busy life. We were challenged to walk in God´s presence, seek peace in our relationships and listen to the stories of our brothers and sisters. Valter and Edna
PRAYERS
Pray for these couples as they impact the kingdom.
Pray for Gail´s health.
Pray for more people to help us with this ministry to church leaders.
Pray for our travel to Brasilia, Niteroi and Campo Grande in the next few months.
Pray for the new Brazilian Mission team we are beginning to form.
Pray for our family as we are living on 3 continents.
In his book “Pastors at Risk” H B London reports results from a Fuller Theological Seminary study about the challenges of ministry: 80% of ministers believe that it has negatively affected their family, one-third report it has ended or nearly ended their marriage, 70% say their self-esteem was negatively affected by ministry, one-third involved themselves in inappropriate relationships with a church member, and 70% regret not having a close, intimate friend to share with.
For the past 20 years our mission has focused on meeting these challenges with ministry couples. “Spiritual Renewal Retreats” have been a powerful antidote for hundreds of missionary and leadership couples. An environment is created where each participant can commune with God, with their spouse and with other workers in ways more profound and transformational than they have experienced before.
We also “gift” them with the best books available on self-care and renewal, marriage, and mentoring relationships. During the last third of each 4-day retreat we emphasize the importance of an on-going commitment to the practices and supportive relationships gained. Each couple schedules regular meetings with others from the group and shares their commitment to make one major personal change.
TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE...
Usually we can handle only 5 couples at one of these retreats and still give the personal attention everyone deserves. This time Antenor and Phyllis Gonçalves partnered with us on the group work and individual counseling sessions. We were able to invite 9 couples! We thank the Gonçalves for their servant hearts and their invaluable help. We are always praying for more talented couples to help us in this ministry to the ministers. We are seeking couples like the Gonçalves in each region of Brazil.
FEEDBACK!!
Thank you so much for these wonderful moments together. After this retreat, we are not the same people. We are encouraged and confident to really serve the Kingdom as a family. God bless your lives. Alisson and Nívia
This retreat was a response to prayer for us. We had not had a break in 4 years of ministry. We were able to stop and make some important decisions about our future. We thank God for this time of renovation. Flávio and Fernanda
This retreat was a spiritual renewal for us. We have decided to have family and individual devotional times. I have plans to meet twice a month with two of the other brothers from this retreat. Thanks so much! Genildo and Mariluci
We love what we do, but I often get so busy doing it that I fail to take a step back and wait on God´s direction. I am carving out more time to be alone with God now. Mark and Alice
We were profoundly transformed by hearing everyone´s life stories. I think we will now talk about our lives before and after this retreat. João and Ina
As full time workers, we can easily miss the most important part of our ministry, that is, the Lord of our ministry. This retreat helped us to remember HIM. This was the first time in 2 and a half years that we have been alone with out our kids. Joncilei and Kária
This retreat was a real spiritual revival, we left so encouraged, blessed and full of energy to keep going with our ministry. We learned we need time to stop and recharge our batteries. We really see how God is working in our lives. Luciano and Juliana
This week has helped me to make some important decisions about my ministry. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I am seeing ministry in a new way. Shebas and Sandra
This retreat showed us that we can make changes in our busy life. We were challenged to walk in God´s presence, seek peace in our relationships and listen to the stories of our brothers and sisters. Valter and Edna
PRAYERS
Pray for these couples as they impact the kingdom.
Pray for Gail´s health.
Pray for more people to help us with this ministry to church leaders.
Pray for our travel to Brasilia, Niteroi and Campo Grande in the next few months.
Pray for the new Brazilian Mission team we are beginning to form.
Pray for our family as we are living on 3 continents.
posted by Family Institute of Latin America @ 10:51 AM
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