By Shanna DiPaolo, July 2007

Pastor Dave Jones encouraged missionaries to approach their ministry with faith and strength. PHOTO: MATT LOOLOIAN

KANSAS CITY, MO. --- Missionaries on home ministry assignment (HMA) converged on the Training Center last month for the annual Whetstone Retreat.  Whetstone, held June 19-22, provided missionaries with the opportunity to relax while connecting with each other.  Attendees enjoyed recreational activities as well as teaching from Dave Jones, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Windsor, Vt.

"There was a refreshing emphasis on enjoying one another," said Carolyn E., Avant missionary to Ecuador.  "The schedule wasn't too packed, and there was time at meals to talk to each other."

According to Trudy Meendering, Training Center hostess, the purpose of Whetstone is to fortify missionaries who are in the United States for HMA. This year, the Training Center was filled to capacity with 36 adults and 28 children in attendance.

Luz Q., an Avant missionary from Spain, said the warm welcome from the Meenderings was heartening. "Just the fact that the mission would plan something for us is encouraging," said Luz.  "They do whatever they have to in order to make us feel welcome."

Jones spoke messages of encouragement each morning during the general session.  He urged the missionaries to face struggles in their ministry with faith while standing firm on God's promises.  "Dave's messages relate to our everyday life," said Beth B., Avant missionary to Brazil.  "We go through all of the struggles that anyone goes through."

Whetstone was a family affair, with activities for the missionary kids (MKs) planned by Dave and Pris Reimer.  The Reimers designed a schedule for the MKs that included both teaching and fun.  Lauren S., an Avant MK from Ecuador, appreciated the effort.  "It is good to hear the perspectives of other MKs," she said. "Dave understands us and I like his advice.  Also, knowing we're having fun helps my parents enjoy their programs more."

Parents of the MKs were impressed by the consideration given to their children.  Beth said her children loved the personalized attention.  "It means a lot to the parents that these activities would be planned just for the MKs," she said. "Sometimes kids just fall through the cracks."