Pray for Getaway!

Hello, friends! 

Depending on when you're reading this, staff are on their way, students have just started arriving, or we're in the middle of International Getaway, our Regional international student conference. As I'm writing this, Megan is on her way to Kansas City to get things ready for everyone. 

Honestly, International Getaway is one of the best things that we do as a Region. For the past decade plus, we've created an atmosphere where international students from all over the world and many different faith traditions, can come together, have fun, and explore who Jesus is. There have been dance parties, cultural showcases, high stakes quiz shows, and more than one student making a decision to follow Jesus. 

One of my favorite stories from Getaway is a few years ago, when Getaway fell on the calendar at the same time as Ramadan. As a way to welcome Muslim students, the staff team created a Muslim track with a completely backwards schedule. Since Muslims fast during the days of Ramadan, their schedule started with the evening meal, followed by Bible study into the night. It was a great example of how our International Student Ministry staff do an amazing job of contextualizing ministry work to reach every corner of every campus. 

Megan is directing Getaway this year (again) and always does such a good job. For the past few months, she's been working with her co-director to make sure the staff team are prepared in their various jobs. I'll be coming up with the the kids tomorrow so they can experience Getaway too. 

Confession time... I don't think I've ever officially staffed an International Getaway. For its first few years, it was held at the same time as another student conference we did and I was always working that conference. Then, once we started having kids, I was never assigned a specific role since my main job was going to be kid duty (as evidenced by the ONE photo I have of Getaway from last year...). This year, it's the same. I've experienced Getaway in some form or fashion for years now, but never officially as a staff (beyond leading a game or two since I was already there). 

So, friends, would you take some time to pray for Getaway? If you'd like to sign up for an official prayer block, here's the link for that. However, if you'd like to just pray in general, here are a few prayer points:

- Journey's Mercies: Staff and students are coming from all 4 states, which means a lot of driving. Please pray for safe travels for everyone. 

- Good Weather: It's supposed to rain on Friday. We're praying that it holds off until the night so students can have a good experience all around. 

- Bible Studies: Pray for open students and good discussions. They'll be studying the life of Jesus through Matthew, Luke, and John. 

- Family Time: Personally, the kids are pretty bummed that we don't get to join Megan early (alas, gotta keep the kids in school!). We'll have about 36 hours of "Daddy Time." Pray we all survive. =0). 

Have an excellent day! 

~Adam