Discipleship Ministries Staff Retreat

We had the privilege of spending time with some pretty awesome folks from Eastern Mennonite Missions's (EMM) Discipleship Ministries (DM) department today. After some shady directions (courtesy of Google) and turning into what looked like a cult like compound (really it was just a farm in the middle of nowhere) we arrived at the "retreat center". The small place had a spectacular view through a wall of windows overlooking a serene pond (which Ryan told us some interesting stories about, TMI - too much info). :>

After introductions, Sean shared some thoughts about being rooted in intimacy with God and checking to make sure that we are not rooted in something else. Thanks to Corey Martin for coming along and leading us in an intense time of worship that really opened up the doors as God began to move. Sean shared a vision that Jen had while praying for this time. (Jen was not feeling well and was not able to come along, she was extremely missed.) Jen's saw a picture of a group of people in a boat going down a river, but the boat got caught on a rock and stopped moving forward. We believe this picture means (at least in part) that God is encouraging us that even if we are in the "river of His Spirit" we need to make sure we don't get caught up on things along the way. Specifically we sensed one of the "rocks" we can get caught on is "unbelief".

Joanie Nissley shared with me a word about people wanting to be released in the joy of the Lord (Mal 4:2 confirmed this word). These words opened up the door for us to pray for several of the DM staff. It was an exciting time as everyone pressed in and shared the word of the Lord with each other.

I (Sean) was particularly impressed with the hunger and passion that I sensed from the DM staff as well as their openness and humility. I was also blessed to have the awesome support of Jason & Joanie and Correy. Thanks everyone who also prayed with us for this time. It was truly and awesome experience.