Randall Murphree
AFA Journal editor
Above, missionaries being treated to a relaxing foot massage at hotel spa
May 2016 – “We are missionaries in Bosnia and Herzegovina working among Muslims and attempting to church plant, though the response is very slow,” wrote Thomas and Madelyn.* “It can be very discouraging. This getaway has been a true blessing to us.”
Thomas and Madelyn were among some 200 missionaries from 32 countries at a Missionary GetAway hosted by Christian Hospitality Network last fall in Krakow, Poland.
“CHN’s Missionary GetAways are an awesome way to serve missionaries who will probably never have another opportunity like this,” said Paul Cowell, founder and executive director of CHN. “We try to treat them like royalty for a few days, but they always bless the getaway team, too.”
A CHN team from the U.S. typically includes doctors, chiropractors, hair stylists, counselors, and worship leaders, all of whom pay their own way because they want to help make sure these front line servants of God know they are not forgotten.
Team members greet missionaries as they arrive at the hotel and carry their luggage to their rooms. Others stuff goody bags and organize a vast array of gifts on tables where the missionaries “shop” for free items of their choice – tools and gadgets for men, clothing and scarves and jewelry for women, toys and games for kids.
“And on the last couple of getaways,” Cowell said, “we’ve had a guy whose ministry is shining shoes.” Keith Lay of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is a big hit at his shoeshine corner, demonstrating that even our most ordinary talents truly minister to the missionaries.
“I was unaware of the need until I saw firsthand the difference it makes in the lives of the missionaries,” said Austin Brooks. A videographer at American Family Studios, Brooks was on the CHN team last fall. “It means so much to them to have time to rest with their families without having to worry about what others expect of them. Serving them was such a blessing!”
The vision for the getaways was born in the hearts of Cowell and his wife Jean. In 1997, they built Whitestone Country Inn, a premiere resort on Watts Barr Lake in East Tennessee. Their main purpose at Whitestone is ministry, and the Cowells give deep discounts to guests who are serving God in fulltime ministry. Then, they began to envision taking the same experience to missionaries on the field.
Since 2002, CHN has hosted 20 Missionary GetAways in four and five star hotels in Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. More than 4,650 missionaries from 112 countries have received four days of rest where hotel, meals, and other amenities are covered by CHN, which relies on churches and individuals to sponsor missionaries and help pay the cost. (See below.)
“We want to see it grow,” Cowell said, “but it will continue only as God moves others to partner with us.” 
*Names changed for privacy
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“It is hard to put into words the encouragement and uplifting that happens in a setting where you can worship together, get loved on in very practical ways, and sit and talk about joys and struggles.”
– Missionaries in Hungary
“The team provided invaluable services to us, such as doctor’s visits, haircuts, and English worship. Without your gift, this would not have been possible.”
– Missionaries in Latvia
“We’ve been on the field 24 years and never experienced anything like this. Thanks for showering us with massages, medical care, snacks, gifts, smiles, and genuine prayers.”
– Missionaries in Czech Republic
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Sponsor a missionary getaway
$300 funds a single missionary
$600 funds a missionary couple
For more information:
thechn.org
865-376-7546
whitestoneinn.com
