Methodist Men Fellowship of EMCs' Retreat and Mission Trip

There is typical Tourism and then there is a vastly different type of Tourism.

Are you interested in experiencing more than the typical fare of the generic tourism track of beaches, cultural and historical centers and wildlife – even though they are awesome?
Do you want an experience that allows you to see and feel Sri Lanka at a deeper and more meaningful level.?
Do you want to engage with local communities, contribute your time and resources and enjoy the satisfaction of making a difference to lives?

Be part of the Social Tourism movement. Spend part of your holiday interacting with local communities.

Sanctuary House looks forward to helping groups interested in partnering with local communities. Our background and contacts both in relief and development sectors as well as with churches, orphanages and other community service groups will help create an experience which will change your perspective on life.

A recent experience of a tour group – a unique Retreat and Mission trip

Sanctuary House organized a retreat and Mission tour for a group of 28 men from Emmaunel Methodist Church in Chennai India from 11^th to 16th August. Most of the group were senior citizen. Special care was taken to arrange the schedule in order to ensure their safety, comfort and enjoyment.

The tour included 2 days retreat and reflection at Sanctuary House with national speakers, a half-day tour of Colombo city, visit to Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage and Kandy city tour, trip to Nuwara Eliya including a tour of a functioning tea factory and a visit to a Spice Garden.

THE HIGHLIGHT

The highlight of the tour was coordinating a mission trip to an impoverished community in Mahakande estate near Kandy. The group had brought new clothes, books and other educational resources to gift to the children of this community. They also made a generous cash donation towards renovating the old shed in which the community outreach was being conducted. Sanctuary House also made a cash donation toward this renovation.

THE EXPERIENCE

The visitors also donated their lunch money for a community meal and we were able to arrange for hot cooked meals to be served for 100 people on this day. The EMC group spent the day conducting skits and teaching lessons to the children, as well as interacting with the adults. Even though the visit included a hard climb to reach the community, sitting out in the hot sun and getting caught to a typical Kandy afternoon shower, the entire group enjoyed this experience.

The tour ended on Sunday. After attending Sunday service in a Methodist church in Kandy, the group made their way back to Sanctuary House and enjoyed their final meal and some rest at Sanctuary House before emplaning for their home country eager to share their experiences with others back home.

THE RESPONSE

An Appreciation by the Secretary of the group:

I am sending this mail to profusely thank you for all your excellent arrangement you made for our trip to Sri Lanka which made every one of us, the organizers and the participants, spell bound for the meticulous way in which you planned and perfected much beyond our comprehension. This really goes to establish the selfless dedication and commitment you have.. May I assure you that this is the unanimous opinion of all our Brothers who tasted your love and selfless service. What to speak of the service which your deputies in the Center rendered with a big smile and with utmost order. We have no words to thank. I am indebted to thank you for all that you did to put us safe and return satisfied. On behalf of Methodist Men Fellowship of EMC., in my capacity as the Secretary of the Fellowship and on behalf of the Organizing committee and especially on my own behalf I want to say a big “THANK YOU” Sir.

JLS Robinson, Secretary, EMC Men’s Fellowship