Father David pleaded that we remember always that, “Missionaries are real people with real needs.” He encouraged the faithful present that day to pray for the missionaries, and to give generously to support the Great Commission.
The pressures of the mission field often cause families to lose contact with one another. Even though living in the same house, the stress and constant demands cause families to drift apart, and this separation can often lead to problems. Even if the families make it through the difficult and demanding challenges of the mission field, this negative pattern can continue when the families come home and have to resume ‘normal’ life back in the United States.
This critical time of re-adjustment is also, sadly, a time when many mission families are left to fend for themselves and get back into the swing of life as a family. Hearing Father David’s talk that day, two members of the Orthodox Church of St. Stephen, Annette Peyovich and Helen Stephenson, were inspired to do something to help families come back together through a much needed vacation upon their return to the United States; either during their furlough or upon completion of their overseas missionary work.
Located in the Orlando area, America’s premier family tourist destination, St. Stephen is uniquely suited to sponsor a ministry designed to give returning mission families a much needed rest and “Re-Charge”
After quickly gaining the blessing of the local parish priest, Father Mark Stevens, and the OCMC, Helen and Annette have been busy setting up the mechanics of their new ministry.
The goal is to provide returning mission families with a one-week fully paid vacation in the attractions area of Orlando/Kissimmee, Florida. This vacation would include time at the attractions, dining, lodging, and even some pocket money.
“Given our location, I think St. Stephen is uniquely suited for this role,” explained Annette, “We are close to Disney and all the other attractions, making it easier for us to arrange week-long stays for returning mission families in an area that most families dream of visiting.”
“We are also,” added Helen, “within easy driving distance of the OCMC, allowing easy co-operation with the staff which arranges travel schedules. These families have, in some cases, sacrificed years of their lives to serve God. We are hoping to give them back one week of time, allowing them to come together as a family!”
Annette and Helen both agree that a tremendous benefit to the Orthodox community in the Orlando area will be to host the families and hear first hand about their experiences as missionaries.
Like all new ministries, “Mission Re-Charge” needs the help of the Orthodox community. To launch this ministry, and to repay those who have sacrificed so much, Annette and Helen, with the blessing of the OCMC, ask for any of the following assistance:
* Cash donations
* Disney Dollars
* Unused hotel nights in attraction-area hotels in Orlando
* Unused attraction tickets (must be free of restrictions)
* Chain store gift certificates (Target, Wal-Mart, etc.)
* Frequent Flyer Miles
* Free Hotel Nights
* Gift Certificates to Restaurants
* Unused Condominium Days or Timeshare Days
Our missionaries work hard each day to spread the Gospel to a sick and suffering world. Annette, Helen and many Orthodox like them are willing to give up their time and talent to help them recover their family ties and ease back into their normal lives.
Remember the words of our Lord:
“He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in that name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means loose his reward.” (Matthew 10:40-42).
Won’t you help?
To contact Helen and Annette for more information or to offer one of the above items, please visit our Website at http://www.orthodoxbiz.com/
For cash donations made using a major credit card, please visit our Website http://www.orthodoxbiz.com/
Please make checks payable to the Orthodox Church of St. Stephen the Protomartyr, and send them or donations-in-
Orthodox Church of St. Stephen
C/O Helen Stephenson
200 N. Thistle Lane
Maitland, FL 32751
Cell # (407) 702-7541
Through the prayers and intercession of St. Lydia of Thyatira in Philippi, have mercy on us and bless our endeavor here. Thank you, and may the Holy Trinity Bless You and our mission families!
