Jan 24 - 26, 2025 - Weekends for Bereaved Parents
This is a weekend for bereaved couples and singles to spend some relaxed, unhurried time with other parents who understand the experience of losing a child. As we go through the weekend, we will learn from each other, pray for one another, encourage each other, and find out that we are not alone on this journey. Our goal at these retreats is to point grieving parents to our only true source of comfort, Jesus Christ. Anyone who has lost a child is welcome to come. You are welcome if your child has been in Heaven for thirty days or for thirty years. You are welcome if your child was stillborn and never took a single earthly breath, or if your child lived to be an adult and had a family of his or her own. Come, knowing you will be surrounded by people who care, who understand, and who will pray for you. This will be a safe place, a place where we can honestly discuss our struggles, knowing we will not be judged, because every one of us has been there at one time or another. We will also share our victories, and rejoice with each other as we move along the road toward healing. What will we do over the course of the weekend? We’ll talk about our kids in Heaven and we’ll pray for each other. We’ll explore the beauty of nature around us, enjoy delicious meals together, discuss God’s presence in our grief, and form lasting bonds of friendship. Our time will be informal, but structured. Certainly, we will cry together … but we will also laugh together. There is no cost to attend one of these special events.
Come, knowing you will be surrounded by people who care, who understand, and who will pray for you. This will be a safe place, a place where we can honestly discuss our struggles, knowing we will not be judged, because every one of us has been there at one time or another. We will also share our victories, and rejoice with each other as we move along the road toward healing.
Hosted in Kansas
Learn MoreKansas
Our Kansas While We're Waiting Weekends are held at Camp David International in Hesston, Kansas. This venue is a nonprofit ministry that primarily hosts summer camps for foster children and children whose parents are in prison, and this much-needed program has expanded internationally. During the "off season", they host retreats for groups like ours, and we are pleased to partner with them to offer While We're Waiting Weekends for Bereaved Parents in the central United States! This event is open to both single parents and married couples. Please refer to our Purity Policy, found under the “About Us” tab. Lodging at Camp David for Friday and Saturday nights and all meals from Friday night through Sunday morning are provided, and there is no cost to attend this retreat.
Michael and Peggy Mages
Michael and Peggy’s first-born son, Mason, went home to heaven on May 7, 2020, at the age of 13. Married on May 5, 2001, they have three other children still at home, Macallen, Miles, and Madison. Michael is a healthcare administrator in Wichita, KS. Peggy is a homeschool teacher and Mom. They are blessed to be a part of the While We’re Waiting ministry and seeking to point others to God and His unfailing promises.
Jill Sullivan
Brad and Jill’s daughter, Hannah, went to Heaven on February 26, 2009, at the age of 17. She battled her brain cancer for one year with grace and without fear, accepting it as “her storm” … her opportunity to bring glory to God. Brad is a school superintendent and Jill is a speech pathologist. They enjoy hiking, kayaking, and spending time with their daughter Bethany.
Our Schedule for the Weekend (all times local)
Friday
4-5:15 PM Arrival time
5:30 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Sharing Our Stories (Part 1)
Saturday
8:00 am Breakfast
8:45 am Sharing Our Stories (Part 2)
12:00 PM Lunch
1:00 pm Sharing Our Stories (Part 3)
3:00 pm Free Time
5:30 pm Dinner
7:00 Pm Topic Time
Sunday
8:00 AM Breakfast
8:45 AM Worship and Closing Time
10:00 AM Goodbyes
Frequently Asked Questions
Our retreats are 100% free, though we do accept a voluntary donation at the close of the retreat.
While We're Waiting is a 501(c)3 non-profit that operates entirely off of generous donations.
Waiting List
This retreat is full, but you may complete the registration form to be added to our waiting list.