The Ministry of Refreshment
by Giles Armstrong | President
Proverbs 11:25 says, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Despite all the challenges of 2020, we were able to minister to hundreds of lives, marriages, and ministries. SonScape exists to refresh the spirit of those in ministry. To refresh means “to breathe again.” The Amplified Version translates it “comforting and reviving me like fresh air.” We all grow weary and, during these uncertain and challenging times, those in ministry are under enormous pressure. So how can you be a breath of fresh air to your pastor and those in ministry?
In 2 Timothy 1:15-18 we see a wonderful example of a refresher in the life of Onesiphorus. While Paul was imprisoned in Rome awaiting a death sentence, the majority of believers in Asia, who previously supported him, deserted him. Leadership can be lonely especially when people abandon us. Yet in the midst of Paul’s darkness was a bright light, this man named Onesiphorus. His name means “profit bearing” or “help bringer” . . . he certainly lived out his name. When it comes to the ministry of refreshment, Onesiphorus provides us with several helpful principles.
First, in order to perform the ministry of refreshment, we need to:
Reach out to those in need.
Onesiphorus went to Rome at a time when every Christian was trying to get out of it. It has been said about friendships: “In times of prosperity, our friends know us; but in times of difficulty, we know our friends.” When all deserted Paul, Onesiphorus faithfully reached out and refreshed.
We must do the same but sometimes it’s hard to reach out to people in pain because we don’t know what to say. But it’s good to remember that often the best thing we can do when people are suffering is simply minister through our presence. Like Job’s friends did initially, as they sat and mourned with him. One of the strengths of SonScape is that we are here for those in ministry. SonScape provides a place where people know they are loved by those who have “been there.” Are you reaching out to those around you in need?
To refresh others, we need to practically serve them.
In verse 18, Paul says that while in Ephesus, Onesiphorus “served” him in many ways. When Paul was hungry, he brought food. When thirsty, he brought drink. When discouraged, he prayed with him. When rejoicing, he sang with him. No doubt, Onesiphorus refreshed Paul physically, emotionally, and spiritually. SonScape meets not just spiritual needs, but also physical and emotional ones.
To refresh others, we need to accept and empathize with them.
Paul also said Onesiphorus was “not ashamed” of his chains. Onesiphorus didn’t condemn him and say, “If you just had more faith, God would set you free!” He accepted and loved Paul as he was; incidentally, this is where Job’s friends failed. Yes, there are times to rebuke and correct, but we must wisely discern those times. Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” When refreshing others, many times those hurting are primarily looking for empathy, someone who understands and is willing to be there for them. They need someone to say, “It’s okay to cry,” “It’s okay to feel betrayed,” and “Yes, that wasn’t fair.” The retreat leaders at SonScape have walked the sometimes painful road those in ministry face. We can empathize and minister to their hurts. Are you willing to accept and empathize with others in order to refresh them?
To refresh others, we must be willing to be inconvenienced.
When Onesiphorus went to Rome to minister to Paul, he experienced various inconveniences. It was a difficult trip of over 1000 miles that would have cost him both time and money. When he got there, he had to search for Paul, putting himself in danger. If we’re going to perform the ministry of refreshment, we need to accept inconveniences, including, at times, being unappreciated. Are you willing to be inconvenienced, and maybe even unappreciated, in order to refresh others?
Thank you for supporting SonScape Retreats and allowing us to refresh those in ministry, especially during these challenging times.
SonScape International Update
by Rob and Shini Abraham | International Retreat Leaders
Encouraging and empowering those in ministry to thrive and go the distance is what SonScape Retreats is all about. How thrilling to see God “show up” and meet each one of the guests at their specific point of need whatever the circumstances are!
In the midst of so much uncertainty (Covid-19 regulations, travel restrictions, etc.), we were unsure of whether the retreats scheduled in Colombia were going to happen at all! What ended up happening was a double retreat in October 2020, with twice the number of guests and two retreat leading couples. And what a powerful time it was! This was the first retreat our Colombian team led by themselves. As the Abrahams offered support via Zoom, the team stepped up to the plate, put their training and gifting to good use, and did an excellent job.
Each one of the pastors and missionaries that came to this retreat had been impacted by Covid-19 losses, both personally in their families, as well as in their congregations. In fact, one of the guests lost a family member during the retreat. God’s presence was very real and his provision full and complete in every challenge that showed up through the week.
Here’s what a couple of our guests said about their SonScape experience:
“We were welcomed warmly and felt safe inspite of Covid-19 changes happening around us. What we received at this retreat was priceless! Thank you for blessing us so deeply, for helping us celebrate our differences and to teach us to grieve well.”
• Ruth Azucena Montes Clavijo
“Thank you, SonScape! The venue is very beautiful, and the retreat, excellent! The teaching on the Sabbath brought revelation to me on how to live well under the intense pressure of ministry. I let go of burdens from the past and received much encouragement to let go of perfectionism.”
• William de Jesús Soto Rendón
As things continue to shift and change in 2021, we look forward to six retreats scheduled in Colombia. As things open up again, we will continue exploring opportunities to take SonScape to other nations as well. Thank you for your prayers and support as we serve the often hidden or forgotten servants in other nations!
The SonScape Experience
by SonScape Alumni
by Jeremy Matlock
I was able to fall back into grace again. There was a weight lifted off my shoulders and a restored peace that I can feel physically. I will return to my church able to lead them more significantly and love them more sincerely. I recommend SonScape Retreats to anyone in ministry.
by Krista Matlock
I came here with my husband with the assumption I would be a support for him on this pastor’s retreat. I had no idea what to expect or what God had planned for me and this time. Our first time in the Grace Place was truly life changing. I realized there were deep wounds in my life that were subconciously affecting my every day being. That then started my journey of healing and self care. This retreat, that I thought was for my husband, quickly took on a new meaning. I am extremely grateful to Bob and Jeanne for their wisdom and teaching and am so grateful to have experienced SonScape.
by Ken MacGillivray
In my 23 years of pastoral ministry, I have participated with and led many conferences and retreats. But SonScape Retreats is uniquely restoring and renewing. The small group, beautiful setting, caring and insightful leaders, and intentional “sabbath” helped me to hear and rest with the Lord in a way that I needed so badly right now. Thank you!
by Rena MacGillivray
Every ministry couple should be given the opportunity to attend a retreat at SonScape. It really is a time to relax, pull away from things, and reconnect with God. The retreat has everything you need to relax comfortably and the schedule has plenty of time for rest and play. Our hosts were amazing and really modeled service in Christ along with great fellowship. I can’t say enough about Giles and Angel. The sessions with them were encouraging and God used them to speak to me. What a great week! Thank you!
Perhaps you know a pastoral or missionary couple/single that needs SonScape. There are openings in our Colorado and New York retreats. Or maybe God is asking you to help those who need to attend a retreat by making a donation through the SonScape scholarship fund. If so, go to our Donate page, click “Donate Now” in the green box, then click “Scholarship” in the dropdown box.