Minnesota-based Mzizi International Church held its third annual Summer Retreat from Thursday 14th - Sunday 17th August 2008 at the Whispering Pines Retreat Center in Wisconsin. The sold-out event attracted dozens of people from several states including Texas, Kansas, Massachussetts and hosts Minnesota. Participants arrived on Thursday evening and were ushered into a time for interaction as they got to know each other. The following morning, they were split into groups and held discussions on various topics. Pastor Phinehas Kinuthia from Houston was the speaker and delivered a powerful message. In the afternoon, it was fun and sports as several took to the water for some boat rides, canoe-ing and water volleyball. There was also horse riding and soccer among other sports.

VIEW MORE PICTURES OF THE EVENT - PART 1

VIEW MORE PICTURES OF THE EVENT - PART 2

After supper, Rwandan-born Kenyan Evangelist Live (yes, that's his name) from Michigan shared a gut-wrenching testimony of his experience during the Rwandan genocide. He gave an account of how his parents and siblings were killed and how he managed to survive and cross over to Kenya. All this is also detailed in his new book. Thereafter, the African night parade began with a display of African attire by all attendees. They then partied the night away with a serious mix of African music by DJ Fresh. At around midnight, participants traded their dancing shoes for a campfire as they played various games. They then retreated to their cabins at around 1am. On Saturday, breakfast was served at 8am and thereafter there was an intense praise and worship session led by Boston's Carol Mungai. Seth Egessa, a Ugandan-born Financial adviser then took to the mic as he gave some insight into money management and financial planning. All then headed to the lake outside the hall as Mzizi International Church Pastor Richard Munala conducted baptism for Mohammed Njuguna. After lunch, participants retreated back to their groups as they prepared for the group competitions. There were 10 groups where 5 were required to perform a dance and the other 5 had to perform a 5-minute skit.

After supper, Pastor Phinehas Kinuthia shared the word as he concluded his message from the day before. Group performances soon followed as each tried to out-do the other in some healthy competition. There was also a session based on the popular Fox TV Show Don't Forget The Lyrics where participants were asked to sing along to popular songs and required to finish the lyrics when the music was stopped. Then followed a dance session with DJ Fresh where no one could resist letting loose. They then went to the campfire at 1am for a session of games and mchongowano that ended (get this!) at 3am! Thankfully Sunday's activities started at 9am with breakfast followed by the closing ceremony. Groups were awarded prizes for their unique presentations as the invited guests were honored with gifts. The camp ended at 12pm and everyone then travelled to Mzizi International Church in Minnesota for the main service at 3pm. Evangelist Live shared the word and thereafter everyone dipsersed to their homes / states. Having sold out as the camp venue could not accomodate more people, the organizers promised to get a bigger venue next year. Mzizi International Church meets every Sunday at 3pm at North Heights Lutheran Church, 2701 Rice Street, Roseville Minnesota 55113.