Once a year, each MAF program has something called “Family Conference.” This is a time when all of the families can get together and be spiritually encouraged to continue to do their oftentimes tiring, but worthwhile, work. The Bible says “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal 6:9). But sometimes we need a little bit of help to not want to give up.

The WDRC team at Family Conference 2016.

So, I am glad that MAF places a focus on filling the souls of our entire families to let us know that we are loved and cared for.

Mary Epp shares her incredible energy with the WDRC missionary kids. Photo by Jocelyn Frey.

But this cannot be done without a lot of help to make sure that our team can really just take time and enjoy the conference. This year we had a former MAF program manager and his wife come and speak to us and lead our worship. We had three amazing ladies, who were nothing less than inspiring, come and take care of our little kids; a former MK (missionary kid) who did an amazing job of pouring into our MK teens; and a local women’s ministry that cooked our lunches and snacks.

Rebekah Walsh entertains Pascal Frey. Photo by Jocelyn Frey.

The kids gravitated toward Phyllis. Photo by Jocelyn Frey.

Some of these jobs may not seem glamorous, but it is a huge encouragement to us here on the field when people are willing to come from near and far to serve. They love on our kids, cook for the wives (who are tired of cooking everything from scratch!), and speak to us all in a way that recharges our batteries. They remind us that even though we don’t always see it, God is doing a good work and will in His proper time bring about a great harvest indeed.

So if you have always wanted to come visit a program and are interested in encouraging MAF missionaries, then believe me when I say, “We need you!” And we would love to have you.

Teaching the kids to sing: “You, You, You, You can Trust God!! It doesn’t matter who you are!” Photo by Jocelyn Frey.

A rousing parachute game. Photo by Jocelyn Frey.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities with MAF, visit maf.org/serve/volunteer.