The history: In 2019, together with a team from our US office, we ran a very successful 5-day retreat for pastors’ children (PKs) who are often misunderstood and overlooked by their parents’ dedication to ministering to others. We are still hearing reports of how key that time was in the lives of many of the children who attended. Consequently, a significant national church body (NCB) requested and agreed to host the retreat again. This time, the US team would train local Zimbabweans to multiply the model within the country. The NCB would host retreats in our city and the capital.
After failing last year, dates were immediately set for the week after Easter, 2025. However, since January, the warfare surrounding the logistics has been very tough. Demand by parents in the capital last year shrank to nothing this year, and no trainees there materialized. The contract of a significant leader within the NCB and the key proponent behind the initiative was terminated at the end of March. The NCB failed to follow through with hosting the initiative. Within hours of us terminating the whole idea, a champion emerged to drive the project in our city. 12 local trainees volunteered, and the US team booked their tickets. We were committed.
We still had a major problem. In spite of blanketed advertising but with less than a week to go, we only had 4 children registered. The predominant excuse was “no money!” We expanded the prayer base, and miraculously, after Jay had promoted it at a pastor’s meeting, 16 children enrolled. The battle was not yet over. Most parents did not have the means to even pay for their children’s transport.
In the midst of all the turmoil we were handling, a still, small voice rang loud and clear, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them …” Matt 19:14. I knew from that moment that we were to cover all the expenses for the training and the retreat, including public transport. Still, there were parents I literally had to beg to let their children come.
The result: Our 12 trainees ended up being 6; our 4 children grew to 17, mainly young teenagers. On the first day, the mood was subdued, unsure, and a little fearful. By day two, other siblings wanted to join, and those attending were canceling other commitments they had planned. By day three, the team had completely won them over; enthusiasm and anticipation shone in their eyes. On day four, many began to open up about the pain they carried; they felt understood and safe. Some of their situations are so hard. Nevertheless, the presentation they gave to their parents on day five raised the roof. We pray the Lord was able to heal wounds and renew hope for their futures.
The team agreed that this year’s retreat far exceeded the one in 2019. Why? The Zimbabwean trainees made all the difference, reaching the children in ways we could never have done. They were phenomenal. We believe it is possible that they could run something similar in August if a local church is willing to facilitate it. Pray with us for this to happen. The need is huge!
Ministry can be an intense battle; these months have been costly, but thank goodness I did not give up!
Sarah Gerharts