Missionaries meet in Europe

For the first time, Mennonite Brethren missionaries from Portugal, Kazakhstan, Austria and Canada gathered for a retreat. The event was organized by Franz Rathmaier, director of mission programs for Europe and the Former Soviet Union for MBMS International, the mission agency of the Canadian and US MB Conferences. They met in Hipping, Austria January 2–7 to share and learn together. Speakers for the event were Canadian MB Conference Executive Director David Wiebe and his wife Valerie.

“Wiebe spoke on the theme of faith formation and brought in many helpful aspects from the Bible as well as from his experience in Christian education and conference work. Valerie provided insights from her counselling experience,” Rathmaier writes.

It was a meaningful time of learning and sharing for the missionaries. According to Otto Ekk, a member of the Portugal team, “The retreat was excellent. Listening to Dave’s talks one got a sense of a very well thought through process and ideas . . . There was tremendous depth and reflection from his experience. The combination with Valerie and her good insights and good attitude toward life made it a tremendous experience.”

The good weather and the time allotted to individual sharing made it a fruitful time.

—Franz Rathmaier, MBMS International