"Catching the Wave" at spiritual life retreat

Posted April 18, 2012
More than 100 people participated in a spring retreat organized by Pastor Rich Murray through the Opportunity Village Spiritual Life program.

The retreat theme was "Catching the Wave." People served by the Village, staff, and volunteers joined in worship with Jason Peterson and "The Base" Youth Worship Team.

Guest speaker David Burrier from Hope Ministries told about the organization's support for the homeless in Des Moines and central Iowa. Retreat participants assembled 120 "We Care" personal hygiene kits for homeless children at Hope Ministries. The group had accepted donations for the past month of toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and other small items for the kits.

"The one thing I've learned as a Spiritual Resources Coordinator that's really impressed me the most in what I do is that the folks we serve really want to help others," said Pastor Rich Murray.

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Captain Mike (otherwise known as Pastor Mike Prestby) performed his "Sunshine Island" outreach show. The tropical-themed show illustrated through puppets, music, and creative storytelling how "Sunshine Island is a place where the 'Son' is always shining, the warmth of God's Love is ever present, and discovering the treasures found in God's word is fun, exciting, and always an adventure!"

Volunteers Michelle Day and Alexis Gilbertson helped out with the show as Cheeky and Crackers, monkey and parrot mascots.