MK Retreat, August 2008 
Since our involvement in missions, Miranda and Candace have come to realize that the teenage life of an MK is unlike that of others their ages, and it has been quite an adjustment (ever feel like you don't fit in "anywhere?"). We are so pleased that they were both able to take part in the MK Retreat; it served to connect them to young people who are "just like them," and they made some great friends! "Thank You, MK Ministries, for serving our young people!" If you are interested in learning more about this ministry, please take a moment to visit www.upwithmks.com.
Sis_Nickel MK_Retreat_08 Tessa_Candace_Rachel
Lake_Williamson_Fountain MK_Group Sunset_Lake_Williamson
Eating_Crickets_ugh Searching_4_the_Key Sarah_Kameron_Miranda
Amanda_Miranda MK_girls MK_girls_Bro_Hattabaugh
School of Missions, August 2008
We were privileged to take part in School of Missions. Our family enjoyed the teaching, as many of the topics were brand-new to us as "rookie missionaries" (as we were referred to by some who are "seasoned" on the field). We also appreciated the connections that we were able to make, as we took time to strengthen "old" friendships while making new ones. It was good to spend time with those who have been on the field for many years, gleaning from their wisdom and experience. We have joined a wonderful ministering body of people, and look forward to the time when we are "doing our part" to help the UPCI take the gospel to Finland.
Rev. R_K_Rodenbush_EME_RD Rev_Howell_Dir_FM Sis._Rodenbush
Sis_Howell Class_Time Rev._D_Bernard
Sis_Bir_Sis_Goodrum Howells_Blakes Sis_Shalm_Sis_Kim
Sis_Carter_and_Turners Bro_Sis_DeMerchant\ Bro_Casiano
We did our best to find something fun to do during our off days or down-times. Some of the ladies enjoyed swimming and walking together (Sis. Kim is our hero, smile), while the men played basketball and volleyball. There were also two "special" dinners. One was the Regional Dinner, which allowed the missionaries from each region to fellowship together; also, the Abernathy's celebrated their 24th anniversary on the same day that the Shirley's celebrated their 45th. The other was a Birthday Celebration, where everyone got to "celebrate" their own birthday, complete with cake.
Hoola_Hoop_Queen Walking_Gabe_Sis_Kim Slayons_fishing_with_MKs
Fellowship_Regional_Dinner Hadassah_Bir_MKParaguay Fellowship_Regional_Dinner
Glenda_Sis_Scism_Fmr_Pastor_Wife Christopher_Turner_MKEstonia Abernathys_fun_celebration
     
The services held each had a special significance. During the Sunday morning service, the missionaries who have served 15+ years received a commendation for their labor (some of these are pictured below); one of the missionaries also received Ordination. On Wednesday night, the newly appointed missionaries received their commissioning by the UPCI. Rev. Kenneth Haney preached, then each of us were prayed for by the leadership and committee members of Foreign Missions.
Bro_Sis_DeMerchant_44years Bro_Sis_Enis TW_Drost
Bro_Sis_Abernathy Bro_Sis_Stovall Bro_Sis_Burgess
Sis_Robinson Sis_Kim Bro_Sis_Rivero_Ordination
Commissioning and Communion    
Communion Leadership Rev_Kenneth_Haney
 Commissioning Alphin_Commissioning Mark_Bro_Howell
The_Group  Appointed_at_Gen_Conf_07  Commissioned_for_Service
   Mark_Glenda_Commissioned_woo-hoo  
     
MS - AR - TN - KY 2008 OH 2008 MI - IN - IL 2008
LA - 2008 GA - FL 2008 TX to CA 2008
CA and OR 2008