Thrive knows the importance of preparation to successfully serve the Thrive retreat attendees. The intentional ways the staff prepares the volunteers for the spiritual, emotional, and physical refreshment of global workers comes from years of experience and heartfelt listening…listening to the Holy Spirit and the global workers themselves.

So today we spent another entire day learning and setting up the “tried and true” ways to care for the attendees. From discussing how we process to how to support each other as we bond as a team. From how to bless each woman through physical touch in massage, pedicures, and facials to creating safe places for prayer and counseling so that every woman will feel seen, heard, and prayed for.

Just as the global workers have stepped into God’s call on their lives across the globe, Thrive validates every volunteer as we step out in obedience to God’s call for this week. And that obedience involves our families in that decision. When a woman says “yes,” to serving at this retreat, their families must fill in the gaps they leave at home. They miss our presence as we packed and prepared. And they are concerned—and pray—for us as we are away.

This obedience turned into a major sacrifice for some volunteers and their families. Rebecca’s father-in-law took a serious fall last week and is still in ICU. Michelle’s mother-in-law suffered a heart attack as Michelle was on her flight and passed away this morning. Jimmie Lynn’s family lost all their belongings in Hurricane Helene and her husband and son are still without electricity, water, or cell service.

And yet these women continued on this path of obedience, along with the support of their families, to put others before self and serve with the loving and prayerful support of the team that has now united in a shared vision.

Prayer, a value that Thrive prioritizes, is that first step of obedience and preparation. Max Lucado has famously said, “Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the One who hears it and not the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference."

Pray that the Lord multiplies our tiny offerings.

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8