Cruise: faith and fun
Dave Weston
By Jill Franck
Nearly 350 people sailed on the Caribbean Cruise sponsored by the Senior Adult Ministries Department in September of 2008. “Our group prayed, worshipped and played together, sharing one another’s burdens as well as reaching out to other people on the ship,” said Dave Weston, national director of Senior Adult Ministries, who hosted the cruise with his wife Ladonna. “Our speaker, Dan Betzer, inspired and challenged us through anointed messages and music. Several people in our group used this event to combine a Christian atmosphere with a family reunion, special birthday or anniversary.”
When Linda Upton and her siblings learned of the cruise, they agreed it would be the perfect setting for their annual sibling reunion. Upton said the group of four siblings, their spouses and seven other related individuals could feel excitement in the air as they converged from across the country to board the cruise ship in Tampa, Florida.
“The cruise provided five wonderful days of entertainment, great food, interesting ports, visiting and inspirational services,” Upton shared. “We used the ship’s library as our meeting place. Quite often our family group was there playing games and catching up on family news. From that trip, memories abound along with lots of pictures that captured special dinners, beautiful ports, the afternoon gatherings and our library connections.”
Lorraine Hedlun’s family also chose the cruise as the destination for their reunion. Hedlun described the trip as relaxing and inspirational, and said she thoroughly enjoyed the blessings of the sessions with Betzer.
“Many friends from Springfield and all across the USA helped bring a renewal of friendships and family ties,” Hedlun recalled. “I will always have fond memories of this cruise because four months later on New Year’s Day, the Lord suddenly took my brother, Larry [Mather], home to Heaven! I’m so glad we enjoyed this last trip together.”
After participating in the Senior Adult Ministries’ 2008 Caribbean Cruise, Upton said she highly recommends the cruise as an opportunity for others who want a meaningful reunion with family or friends.
“Our annual sibling reunions have brought us together in a variety of locations, but last year was the first time we took a cruise together,” Upton explained. “It was a very relaxing, refreshing way to travel.”
“Our large events are not only for senior adults,” says Weston, “but also to encourage people of all ages to spend time together in an atmosphere that is spiritually encouraging yet also provides opportunity for outreach ministry to others on the cruise.”
The next cruise will travel from Miami, Florida, to Jamaica and Grand Cayman April 10-15, 2010. For more information, see www.sam.ag.org, call 800-749-7116 ext. 3135 or contact the cruise agent at cthieme@greatsoutherntravel.com.