ISMNZ Worker Retreat

28-30 September 2018 

Once or twice a year, most ISMNZ staff workers with their valued volunteers, interns and invited guests come together for a retreat. Most will agree that going to an ISMNZ retreat is actually an excuse to catch up with people!

Since the year 2000, the number of ISMNZ staff workers called to serve among international students in New Zealand has grown steadily. We are now based nationwide in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Palmerston North and Wellington in the North Island, as well as Nelson and Christchurch in the South Island. When we hear the words 'ISM retreat', it is not only about R&R (rest and relaxation) but an opportunity to have fellowship, meaningful conversations, to pray, sing, learn from the Bible, eat good food, laugh, even cry and brainstorm together. The sense of family becomes real whenever we meet together in one place. 

The theme for this year's worker retreat "Crossing boundaries - The Kingdom of God and ISMNZ" in Auckland, was led by Bible Teacher, David Bok. It was refreshing to listen to David as he talked about the Kingdom of God, based on the Bible and from his research that challenges mindsets. His honesty and inquisitive mind added richness to his story-telling, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, David's personal lessons on cross cultural missions opened our eyes to see from different perspectives. We greatly appreciate his down-to-earth candor and the deep respect he has for people.

We want to thank everyone who made this worker retreat a reality, especially Wilberforce Foundation for their financial support. We also appreciate ISMNZ Society members who came to the AGM on the afternoon of Saturday, 29 September. 

If you are keen to join ISMNZ, check out Opportunities to Serve in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland and fill in an expression of interest. 

"After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (Revelation 7:9-10, NKJV)