MCI Annual Retreat, Samal Island August 2th–5t, 2024

The MCI retreat brings adults and youth together to enjoy the outdoors in a beautiful, safe, fun environment and to recharge by playing, swimming, reading, meditating, fellowshipping, having movie night, and reading our traditional non-fiction book, this time at Emilia Healing Resort. Our keynote speaker was Jeremy Coddington, assisted by Grant Boshart, Ezra Rodarte, Emily and Tommy Poulter, Brad Byers, and Ana Amaya. The theme "All Heroes Don't Wear Capes" emerged from this year's book Ordinary Angels about two toddler sisters whose disease made life saving liver transplants necessary. A struggling hairdresser, Sharon, was the ordinary angel who raised funds and support for the medical needs and gave the girls love in the midst of the loss of their mother to cancer. The book alternated chapters about Sharon’s tireless efforts to garner enough support and about her childhood with abusive alcoholic parents. Jeremy’s provocative discussion questions led students to share about those who had helped them in their difficult lives. The students also watched the film by that title, having a range of emotions from laughing and crying, to most importantly, being inspired, seeing that miracles do happen sometimes changing and even saving lives.

Based on a true story, it beautifully encapsulates the themes of courage, and overcoming obstacles, and, in many ways, mirrors the core principles MCI has upheld for almost two decades. One of our guiding principles has always been to teach students to give back to others. A simple yet profound approach, giving back, has been the backbone of our mission. While staying back from the retreat, Dr. Gloria Amaya, modeling that commitment, became an extraordinary angel caring for Dr. Kay's orthopedic needs. The book and film portray this transformative journey that unfolds when we help someone in need.