When returning to their passport country, many missionaries have difficulty
reentering the culture in which they grew up. They may find it difficult
to close the chapter on their time in the host culture and begin the new
chapter in their “home” culture. To help with that transition, Ron and
Bonnie have done two things.
First, as a result of their experience in about twenty reentry
retreats including over 200 missionaries, they have prepared a guide titled
"Coming Home - A Guide for Re-entry Transition." That
short book can be effectively used in a group / retreat setting, or by an
individual. You can download the entire book to your
computer as a pdf, a Word file, or as a zip file from the e-books page.
Second, Ron & Bonnie have written a reentry book
for children 6-12 years of age along with a book for their parents to use with
them. The children’s book is 108 pages and the parent’s 54 pages. The
children’s book, written at third grade level, includes the story of a family
returning to their passport culture. Each chapter also has activities such as
scrambled words, crossword puzzles, word searches, mazes, and codes. Each chapter
in the parent’s book has information about TCKs in the Bible, children’s TCK
issues today, and suggestions to help children reenter well. You can download the entire books to your computer as a
pdf, a Word file, or as a zip file from the e-books page.
Third, because they have been receiving inquiries about the reentry
retreats they have done for various agencies, they have decided to offer such
retreats at their home in Wilmore, Kentucky.
New Hope International Ministries invites missionaries to a two-day reentry
retreat for returning missionaries. These retreats will follow the
general theme of Coming “Home”: The Reentry Transition by Ron &
Bonnie Koteskey which is available free of charge on the “e-books” page above.
Why have such a retreat?
After Jesus’ disciples returned from their evangelistic trip and reported to
him what they had done, they were besieged by many people coming and
going. Jesus said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place
and get some rest” (Mark 6). When returning to your passport culture, it
is very helpful to spend some time reflecting on where you have been, where you
are, and where you are going. This is especially true if, like Naomi
returning to her passport country, you say, “I went away full, but the Lord has
brought me back empty” (Ruth 1).
Who is invited to attend this retreat?
The Reentry retreat is for missionaries back from the field for at least two
weeks (a month or more is preferred).
Where will the retreat be held?
We will meet at the home of Ron & Bonnie Koteskey, 122 Lowry Lane , Wilmore, Kentucky. The retreat will be held in the basement with snacks and meals
served on the first floor, so participants must be able to climb steps (lunch
and dinner are provided).
What is the cost of the retreat?
There is no charge for the retreat itself; it is compliments of New Hope
International Ministries.
Where will the participants stay?
Individuals or couples are responsible for arranging and paying for their
own transportation (Lexington, KY Airport is 20 miles away), lodging, and
breakfasts. Lodging in the $50-60 range per couple (double occupancy,
including breakfast) is available within one mile in Wilmore, within seven
miles in Nicholasville, and within 20 miles in Lexington:
When will the retreat be held?
We will schedule each retreat with the group requesting
it. If it is for five or more adults, we will generally follow the
schedule below. If it is a smaller group we will modify the schedule to
fit the group.
What is the schedule like?
Following is the tentative schedule of retreats with five or more adults.
Morning sessions will begin at 8:30 AM and afternoon sessions at 1:00
PM. “Chapters” refer to those in Coming “Home”: The Reentry Transition.
Day 1
Session 1. Morning 1: Preview (Chapter 1)
Session 2. Morning 2: Pages from the Past—I (Chapter 2, Good pages from the
last chapter of your life story)
Session 3. Afternoon 1: Pages from the Past—II (Chapter 3, Difficult pages
from the last chapter of your life story)
Session 4. Afternoon 2: Pages from the Present (Chapter 4, Transition issues
in your life right now)
Day 2
Session 5. Morning 1: Proposed Pages (Chapter 5, “Plans” and dreams for the
next chapter in your life story)
Session 6. Morning 2: Past to Present (Chapter 6, Changes in you and America during the last chapter)
Session 7. Afternoon 1: Purity Preserved (Maintaining sexual integrity while
overseas and at home) (evaluation)
Session 8. Afternoon 2: Worship Service
Evenings: Participants may return to lodging, table games, ping pong, chat
by the fire
Where can I get further information and registration forms?
Contact ron@missionarycare.com.
