This year around 44 missionaries and some 16 children came together for the iTeams Renew and Connect Conference. It was so encouraging to see that there was about 26 from iTeams Netherlands, the remainder were from ITeams Austria, and two other ITeams organisations. For quite a few of our new missionaries this was the first time to meet and connect with others from iTeams NL and with other iTeams missionaries serving in Europe. To see them connecting, praying and sharing with one another, laughing, talking and playing together was really good. By the end of the conference the new people felt so much more connected to one another and really much more a part of the iTeams Netherlands community.
Philippians
This year our main speaker was the pastor of All Saints Anglican Church in Amersfoort. In four sessions the speaker, Grant, took us through Paul’s letter to the Philippians which everyone very much appreciated. Grant brought a good mix of teaching and application. He covered themes including the trials, struggles and joys of ministry, the importance of prayer and unity, finding our fit in ministry and living a Jesus-centred life. All relevant topics for us.
Meetings
My colleagues André, Joni and I met and spent time with each of our iTeams Netherlands missionaries over the course of the conference. These are an essential part of keeping connected, sharing updates, and listening to these faithful servants of Jesus. It makes for an intense time for us over the week but a valuable one as it helps build and maintain relationship, and allows for better support and guidance.
During the week there was other activities to help for renewing and connecting. A highlight for many was the small prayer groups that we held with three to four people in a group. In these prayer groups there was time for sharing on a more personal level and the opportunity to pray more deeply into these things.
Each worker or team also had the chance to share a ministry update to the conference which is a great chance to help make connections. As people hear each other’s updates it provides opportunities for networking and resourcing. After sharing each worker or team is then prayed for.
|
Workshops In addition, there was workshop time. This year three workshops were offered by participants including two from our office team – John led a workshop on mental resilience, while Miranda led a workshop on parenting third culture kids.
|
 |
Between these there was plenty of time for conversations, catching up, rest, fun, walks, and more. Old relationships were renewed, new friendships formed.
Missionaries renewed, refreshed and connected with God, themselves and others – this is what we are about.