Reversed Mission: KYTN welcomes Irish friends for inspiring retreat.

More than 260 women were blessed during this year’s Kentucky-Tennessee Conference (KYTN) Women’s Retreat. Among that number was a special group of nine ladies who traveled all the way from Northern Ireland to join the event.

The connection between the Irish visitors and the KYTN group began after Gail McKenzie, KYTN women’s ministry director, led a spiritual online retreat with the Irish women in June of 2021. She had been contacted by Pamela Petersen, wife to a local pastor in Northern Ireland. Subsequently, McKenzie led an online Bible study in October and November of 2021. These Zoom meetings sparked a friendship, and on June 15, 2022, 36 KYTN women traveled to Northern Ireland to meet with 30 Irish women for an unforgettable retreat.

“We really bonded with the women [during this trip],” McKenzie said. “So, we thought, ‘wouldn't it be neat if they could experience our conference’s women's retreat? Because they do not have these kinds of events in Northern Ireland.”

This ambitious project was aptly named "Reversed Mission." With McKenzie and Petersen’s leadership, as well as the financial support of the conference, this dream became a reality when nine Irish women and two men landed in the Nashville International Airport in early September.

During their stay, the group had the opportunity to visit a few tourist attractions, such as the Ark Experience, Mammoth Cave, Broadway Street and Dollywood. In addition, they also visited some Adventist institutions in the area including Highland Academy, Madison Academy and Southern Adventist University.

“We didn't believe that we would be able to come but God opened the doors,” said Gosha Geslak, member of the Londonderry Church in Northern Ireland. “We are definitely very grateful for this experience.”

The journey ended at the KYTN Women’s Retreat at Indian Creek Camp, which took place September 8 to 10. This event was an opportunity not only for the Irish women to reconnect with old friends, but also for them to make new ones.

“The Adventist community in Ireland is very small that sometimes you feel isolated,” Petersen said. “This trip was important because it helped the Irish ladies realize that they are part of something bigger… we belong to a bigger family.”

Though it was difficult to say goodbye, the Irish ladies shared they have been inspired to take this experience at KYTN to be a light in their communities.

“I have always wanted to live near [an Adventist community],” said Ann Mcmally, member of the Londonderry Church. “I wanted it for me and my children. Coming here has made me realize that, while I love this environment, I’m meant to be where I am. That's the mission God gave me.”

Now the friendship and mission continue as McKenzie and Petersen plan a prayer conference in Scotland for next year.