Magazine Article

Here is an article Lindsay Goodier wrote about the first retreat spring 2003 in Oklahoma. This was published in the March-April 2004 issue of the Mission Frontiers magazine from the U.S. Center for World Mission.

Future missionaries created lifelong connections and were empowered for the field at The Journey Deepens retreat Feb. 28 through March 2, 2003 in Oklahoma. This gathering of 70 students and professionals from five states included 16 missionaries from multiple agencies who helped prospective missionaries develop concrete steps through teaching, Q & A sessions and one-on-one interaction.

For many, The Journey Deepens confirmed the call God has given them to the mission field. “This weekend gave me a clearer vision for what I would like to do and how I can get there,” said Abbey Murphy, a high school senior. “It brought missionaries into my life to help me along the journey in many ways.” Jared Vedros, a university student in the Perspectives Study program, added that “this helped solidify things about my future and expanded what I know about missions. I loved being able to talk with the missionaries who are doing what I dream of doing.”

Anita Wood and her husband Billy came from an Arkansas Perspectives class knowing that God had called them to Asia, but not sure if they were ready to go. The Journey Deepens proved to be a turning point in their lives. “This weekend has shown us what we lack. We will be moving forward in faith that God will work in us to build the character we need and equip us with the tools that are necessary,” said Anita.

Steve Halley, National Director of the Perspectives Study Program, views the weekend as a connection point for future long-term missionaries. “The intent of this gathering is to help people take the next step. It’s specifically designed for people who already have a vision for the world.”

Halley has attended numerous mission conferences and conventions, and he is convinced that The Journey Deepens has what future missionaries need: support, encouragement, and accountability. “We don’t need more options; we need to sit down and plan our next steps,” Halley said.

Halley realizes the importance of accountability for prospective missionaries. “You’re not going to make it on your own,” he said. “Here you get connected with other people who have similar convictions.” After one weekend, the process of support and accountability has begun for many.

“It’s a great way to understand more of what it takes to be a missionary and a great way to meet other people and make connections,” said Laura Fritz of Caleb Project. In addition to Caleb Project and the Perspectives Study Program, other national co-sponsors included ACMC and the U.S. Center for World Mission.

John Zumwalt and Ashaun Jones from Heart of God Ministries taught and led worship. The retreat featured speaker Steve Hoke of Church Resource Ministries and his workbook Send Me: Your Journey to the Nations. Throughout the weekend attendees learned to give up small ambitions for their lives, to sacrifice their lives on the altar according to Romans 12:1, and to allow the fire of God to set them ablaze. “It was encouraging to get the meat of the gospel,” said  Lars, a resident physician at In His Image Family Medicine Residency in Tulsa, Okla.

Instead of implementing workshops, common at mission conferences, The Journey Deepens used a series of small group discussions. “The missionaries are pouring out so much information into these people,” said Dave Leggett, president of the retreat sponsor, MissionsFocus Int’l. “The relaxed meals provide additional time for instruction, discussion and interaction as different people are at various points on the path.”

The Journey Deepens is designed for those who are at the beginning of their journey into missions. “Being able to ask missionaries question after question helped many,” said Leggett. “This really helped make going to the mission field seem closer and not so huge and complicated.”

In future years the Journey Deepens will be held in different states, says John McVay, Executive Director of the retreat sponsor MissionsFocus Int’l. McVay feels the weekend is effective in creating an environment in which attendees can “explore, discover and connect with how they could become long-term missionaries in other cultures.” He encourages anyone interested to sign-up online now at TheJourneyDeepens.com so they can be notified of future dates and locations.

While The Journey Deepens may be just one milestone along the path, it is also an event that provides a strategic boost to future missionaries.