18 at spring Ministry Quest retreat

Beautiful Manning Park in B.C. was the setting for the spring Ministry Quest retreat, April 23–27. Eighteen young people from Canada and the US spent five days exploring their passion and suitability for ministry. The focus of the retreat was Christian leadership development.

Ken Cross of Laurelglen Bible Church, Bakersfield, Cal., led the group in exploring Scriptures about spiritual gifts and provided one-on-one counsel on future career plans. Doug Berg provided theological reflection on biblical leadership. Each day began with an extended quiet time focusing on Psalm 139.

The retreat was a wonderful opportunity for all current Ministry Quest participants to meet together for worship, friendship building and enrichment. One participant reflected on the experience this way, “I am most grateful for the spiritual growth and deep connection with God and the other kids here. God is making His calling continually clearer for me.”

This summer each of the participants will be spending some time in a short-term ministry assignment. At least 10 are serving at a summer camp; four are serving in missions abroad; several others are participating in the YMI SOAR program.

Participants were: Nick Toews, Joanna Dyck, Johanne Abrams, Krista Heier, Emily Heizelman, Travis Barbour, Mike Haynes, Andrew Browne, Stephanie Ens, Dean Morris, Aila Unrau, Julene Buys, Justin Crosby, Denver Wilson, Mike Stork, Kevin Wiens, Shannon Koehler and Alysse Olsen.

—MQ release