BT KIDS! REMIX PreTeen Retreat 2019

"This was the best weekend of my life."

"I came into the meeting last night and my ear hurt so bad that I couldn't sit up.  My counselor told me that it was okay and that I could worship even as I was lying down.  I started worshipping and I felt something move in my ear and I knew that God healed me."

"I can't let my dad leaving hold me back from what God has for my future.  This morning I chose to forgive him."

"I feel like I finally have friends who understand."

"Miss Amy... God SPOKE to me!!!"

These are real quotes from ten, eleven and twelve year olds over the years after they returned from our annual BT KIDS! REMIX PreTeen Retreat.  The retreat is the most anticipated weekend of the year for our older Elementary children, and every year God shows up in mind-blowing ways.  Their hearts are so open to the Lord on this weekend, and both preteens and volunteers come with an expectancy to experience the Lord's presence and power in ways that will forever change their lives back in Brooklyn.  Lifelong friendships are also formed on these weekends - friendships that are crucial to our kids being able to navigate the increasingly difficult waters of upper elementary and middle school.

This year's retreat theme is SHINE - and it is in certain ways a Part 2 to last year's theme of "Greater Things."  Last year, our preteens learned that they could believe God to do Greater Things in their own lives and in the lives of their families and communities.  This year, we're focusing on the fact that God can use THEM to be the "Greater Thing" in someone ELSE's life as they shine brightly for Christ in the middle of a very dark world.  We can't wait to be able to share with you the testimonies that come out of this weekend... I believe that this will be the best retreat we've ever had!

My goal is that NO preteen or volunteer would be kept from experiencing this incredible weekend because of financial difficulties.  The cost for a preteen (and a volunteer!) to attend this year is $180.00.  Although we are grateful that we've been able to keep our cost the same over the past few years - $180 can be difficult for a family to come up with, especially those with multiple preteens.  In addition, we have some volunteers who are willing to serve on this weekend but who are unable to do so for financial reasons.  If we don't have enough workers, we can't bring enough children even if they are able to afford the retreat.  

In addition, we often run into unexpected expenses on the weekend that aren't covered in our budget.  For example, two years ago we had a preteen attend the retreat who comes from a difficult home situation - and the preteen's guardian did not send him with any clothes or personal items.  Because of the generosity of people like you, I was able to drive to Walmart with another volunteer and purchase clothes and personal items for the preteen.  We got back before bedtime, and the preteen was able to slide right in to "get ready for bed" time without any of his peers even knowing that there was an issue!!!

I am committing, by God's grace, to sponsor as many preteens/volunteers as possible to attend the 2019 REMIX PreTeen Retreat... and I need your help!  

Would you consider giving a gift of any amount to help send a preteen on this life-changing weekend?  The cost to send one preteen or volunteer is $180.00, but gifts of any amount are welcomed.  Every penny received will go directly to sponsoring either a preteen or a counselor to attend the retreat OR will be used for unexpected expenses such as the one listed above.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Also, PLEASE DO NOT post this campaign on your personal Facebook pages or on any public social media.  If you would like to share it with others, please reach out to me so that we can work out how to do that!  

Thank you for your support, and please begin to pray for the 2019 REMIX PreTeen Retreat! #ItsTimeToShine #RPR2019