Missionaries on two continents stepped away from the hectic pace of ministry for a revitalizing week of fellowship and teaching. The venues were OASIS ’08 and the European Enrichment Conference, both held February 11-15.
OASIS ’08
OASIS ’08 (Oceania-Asia: Strengthening & Inspiring Servants), held in Bangkok, Thailand, was the first conference of its kind and was organized by BMM’s Field Administrator for Asia and Pacific, Mr. Steve Brennecke. This initial conference was designed for men, with future conferences including both men and women. Until the conference, most of the 17 missionaries in attendance had known only the names of their colleagues in Asia and the Pacific. Their takeaway was not just forming new friendships but also sharing ministry ideas and enthusiasm.
Two BMM General Council members, Rev. Joe Hayes and Mr. John Abbott, led the sessions with “The Five Essentials for Remaining Joyfully in Ministry” and “Synergy in Ministry.” Rev. Hayes and Mr. Abbott each left just as energized as the missionaries. For the missionaries, the conference gave a much-needed time for reflection on ministry and a renewed commitment to the Lord.
Conference attendees declared OASIS a success with comments such as:
“Two thumbs up. I enjoyed it greatly. It was truly a breath of fresh air. There were so many good things about the OASIS it’s hard to pick just one. The other missionaries, the speakers, the downtime, the sharing times, the food, the activities … wow.”
“Thank you for organizing the OASIS ’08. I [would surely] like to see more such ‘renewal and enrichment retreats’ in the future. We sure are NOW in the right track of building TEAMS.”
“I can’t wait to bring my wife in 2010!”
European Enrichment Conference
Nearly 6000 miles from Bangkok, missionaries from nine countries attended the European Enrichment Conference (EEC). Field Administrator for Africa and Europe, Rev. Vernon Rosenau, and his wife, Jan, hosted 44 missionaries at a retreat center near London, England.
This year marked the first EEC for couples, and the teaching placed greater emphasis on marriage and families. As with Oasis, two BMM General Council members, Dr. Jack Klem and Dr. Lew Davis, spoke on “What I’ve Learned from the Psalms About Life and Ministry” and “Ephesians: The Genesis Family.”
Sessions were held in mornings and evenings, with afternoons free for socializing, sightseeing, and exchanging ministry ideas. The intent was to come away rested, enriched, and empowered for ministry.
Drs. Klem and Davis were also thrilled with the opportunity to be personally involved with missionaries they help govern through their ministry on the BMM General Council. Dr. Klem commented, “It was the best ministry assignment I’ve ever had.”
Each conference was funded through the generosity of special donors. Their gifts also made it possible for Jonathan and Melodee Whitman to attend. The Whitmans have had to be away from Italy for several months until visa difficulties were resolved.