KBM Retreat Ignites Big Dreams

(Seated in front row: Bert Duncan, Danna Duncan, Peter Faulkner, Judy Faulkner, Linda Hale, Doreen Mahlstedt. Second row: Josh Pritchard, Marlene Pritchard, Leah Pritchard, Vanessa Pritchard, Ray Pritchard, Knox Pritchard, Phyllis Raad, Kathryn McBride, Ernie Schulz. Third row: MaryAnn Spiegel, Skip Olson, Lynette Hoy, Derek Taylor, Mark Pritchard, David Hoy, Cliff Raad, Scott Mahlstedt.)

Over the weekend twenty-three people met at the Olford Center in Memphis, TN for our first-ever KBM “Dream Team” Retreat. Although our board has met several times for weekend get-togethers, this was the first time our board plus staff plus ministry volunteers have come together.

It was a grand success in every way. Team members came from Illinois, Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas. What was it like? We laughed a lot, talked and prayed together, shared our stories, played games, worshipped together, ate together, talked some more, marveled at God’s blessings, and sought to discover God’s will for Keep Believing Ministries. 

As we were leaving, Skip Olson summed up the weekend by holding his hands apart and saying, “This is what we were like before the retreat.” Then he clasped his hands together and said, “This is what we are like now.” I think we all felt that way. The retreat changed us from a group to a team to a family.

During our Saturday morning board meeting, we asked each person to share about their work for KBM. It was deeply moving to hear how excited people are to be part of this ministry. That afternoon we discussed an opportunity that would allow us to create websites and broadcasts to reach people in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and China. Please pray with us for clear leading from the Lord.

The retreat came and went like a whirlwind. When it was over, Marlene and I came home tired but grateful to God for the privilege of working with such gifted and passionate people.