BT KIDS! REMIX PreTeen Retreat 2018

"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 "Greater Things," where our goal is that every preteen leaves with God-given faith to believe Him for greater things in their own lives and in the lives of their families and communities.  We also want them to start to realize that THEY can be the "greater thing" in someone else's life as God leads them to share the gospel and to serve and bless others.  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.  This is very difficult for some of our children to come up with, especially since (due to unavoidable circumstances) we've had to start registration later than usual.  In addition, we have many 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, last year 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 2018 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 2018 REMIX PreTeen Retreat!