Caring for Adult Missionary Kids

On the weekend of September 6-8, Lutheran Brethren International Mission (LBIM) hosted a retreat for former missionary kids at Inspiration Point Christian Camp & Retreat Center in Vining, Minnesota. This time away was meant for those who had spent a portion of their childhood as children of missionaries serving with the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. Over 100 individuals registered to attend, including spouses and children. The retreat provided a space to come together to share and process their stories––the bad and the good, the ugly and the beautiful. Ruth Van Reken was the guest speaker and helped the guests process and celebrate their lives on the mission field. There was laughing and crying. Old friendships were renewed and new ones were made.

I want to thank all those who participated, all those who contributed financially, and all those who prayed for this gathering. Missionary kids have unique stories that fit into the greater story of LBIM’s mission among the nations, and ultimately into the greatest story ever told.

"It was such a pleasure and blessing to be reunited with generations of MK’s. To fellowship once again in this lifetime was a truly special experience I did not expect to happen to me."
— Jamie Erickson

"Amazing weekend! So fun to unite after not seeing most for over 55 years."
— June Erickson Bergsagel

"What a lovely weekend. So glad I was able to be there amongst ‘my tribe.’"
— Martha Batchelder Overgaard

"The speaker, Ruth Van Reken, was relatable and her words resonated with my experiences, heart and soul."
— Kaia Berggren