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In late 2007, the parish of St. Stephen the Protomartyr in Longwood was privileged to host Father David Rucker, associate director of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC). As part of his informative and inspiring talk, Father David related the story of how the pressures of life in the mission field had come close to causing an entire family to unravel.

Father David pleaded that we remember always that, “Missionaries are real people with real needs.” He encouraged the faithful present that day to pray for the missionaries, and to give generously to support the Great Commission.

The pressures of the mission field often cause families to lose contact with one another. Even though living in the same house, the stress and constant demands cause families to drift apart, and this separation can often lead to problems. Even if the families make it through the difficult and demanding challenges of the mission field, this negative pattern can continue when the families come home and have to resume ‘normal’ life back in the United States.

This critical time of re-adjustment is also, sadly, a time when many mission families are left to fend for themselves and get back into the swing of life as a family. Hearing Father David’s talk that day, two members of the Orthodox Church of St. Stephen, Annette Peyovich and Helen Stephenson, were inspired to do something to help families come back together through a much needed vacation upon their return to the United States; either during their furlough or upon completion of their overseas missionary work.

Located in the Orlando area, America’s premier family tourist destination, St. Stephen is uniquely suited to sponsor a ministry designed to give returning mission families a much needed rest and “Re-Charge”.

After quickly gaining the blessing of the local parish priest, Father Mark Stevens, and the OCMC, Helen and Annette have been busy setting up the mechanics of their new ministry.

The goal is to provide returning mission families with a one-week fully paid vacation in the attractions area of Orlando/Kissimmee, Florida. This vacation would include time at the attractions, dining, lodging, and even some pocket money.

“Given our location, I think St. Stephen is uniquely suited for this role,” explained Annette, “We are close to Disney and all the other attractions, making it easier for us to arrange week-long stays for returning mission families in an area that most families dream of visiting.”

“We are also,” added Helen, “within easy driving distance of the OCMC, allowing easy co-operation with the staff which arranges travel schedules. These families have, in some cases, sacrificed years of their lives to serve God. We are hoping to give them back one week of time, allowing them to come together as a family!”

Annette and Helen both agree that a tremendous benefit to the Orthodox community in the Orlando area will be to host the families and hear first hand about their experiences as missionaries.