Missionary Memories

Good times today at the Luncheon for Retired Missionaries & Volunteers hosted by GBIM. Like Old Home Day with all the former and current missionaries and MKs (missionary kids) plus volunteers. For hubby 'twas truly special seeing these men and women he grew up calling "Aunt" or "Uncle" as well as those who were fellow MKs. Catching up, reminiscing, lots of laughter! Here's a picture of hubby's folks (on the right) and another couple who served with them in Argentina, along with one of their sons.

Hubby grew up in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, with whom his parents were missionaries in Argentina for 43 years. It's a small enough fellowship that you're likely to know one another whether you live across the country or half-way around the world. And as any missionary or MK can tell you, being part of a missionary "family" is a unique culture.

My in-laws retired to Winona Lake, Indiana, where Grace Brethren International Missions is headquartered. It's also the location of Grace College & Seminary and Grace Retirement Village. Which means there's a strong Grace connection so it isn't hard to get them together for events like this :-)

I thought it interesting that the retired missionaries there today represented almost 700 years of service when combined. Whoa, that's a lot!

At the end the director called up missionaries who had served in France for 50 years along with a young lady who is currently raising support to go to France. What a blessing!