Covenant News

Missionaries Join in Orientation Session

CHICAGO, IL (September 17, 2003) - CHICAGO, IL (September 17) – A number of missionaries of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) met recently for a Missionary Re-entry Orientation in Glenview, Illinois. The orientation provides an opportunity for missionaries to be debriefed on their recent mission terms and obtain updates from Department of World Mission and other staff of the denomination.

Twelve missionaries participated representing the Central African Republic, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Laos, Spain and Thailand.

"For some it was their first time ever to meet," said David Stockamp, church relations coordinator for the world mission department. "Executive Vice President Donn Engebretson was on hand to give an update of the ECC and interim Executive Minister John Notehelfer was there to lend a pastoral presence throughout most of the time.

"This is an important gathering for our department," Stockamp noted. "It is critical that our department staff receive accurate and up-to-the-minute information on all aspects of missionary life."

Missionaries also had a time to interact with member care providers and were treated to an outdoor symphony concert at Ravinia where they had an opportunity to meet with home office staff members as well. On the Sunday during the meeting time, missionaries worshipped together were given an opportunity to share their joys, burdens and challenges. "This is the missionary family at its best," said Stockamp. "We really do care a lot for one another."

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