JourneyMen’s Fall 2010 Retreat “Breakaway”
At any JourneyMen’s Retreat you can always expect great fellowship, thought-provoking studies, R&R, and of course Chef Henry’s famous BBQ. This one was no exception.
Dave Smith kicked things off Friday afternoon with an opening devotion based on Casting Crown’s “The Altar and the Door”. It truly set the tone for “breaking away” by addressing the core of what it means to shed the pain sin inflicts on our lives.
Afterwards, the guys enjoyed several hours of free time and dinner.
That evening, Rod led the Campfire devotion. He discussed the trouble men have in their own faith journey. The importance is not about where you are now, but with getting from “here” to “there” (where God wants us to be).
The men enjoyed more open time, fellowship, and relaxation after Rod’s devotion.
Saturday brought on the heart of the retreat. Bob Down’s 6:30 am devotion (participation optional) built on Friday’s devotions by discussing how to break way using the Apostle’s process. Within us, Jesus initiates the change, the Holy Spirit enables the change, and then the Holy Spirit transforms our hearts. As always, it was an outstanding way to start off the day.
Following breakfast, Jacob Gorrow and Tony Lambert led the Icebreaker activity. Each table provided a “Dirtiest Job” story that adhered to a pair of restrictions: No stories about poop or dead human bodies. However, if a tie breaker was needed, then a “poop story” would be permissible. As it turned out, a tie-breaker was needed, thus dubbing the retreat as, “The retreat of the poop story.”
Steve Jorgensen followed the Icebreaker with an exceptional Large Group Study. He discussed how the “race” described in Hebrews 12:1-2 is our spiritual journey. Our sinful tendencies hinder and entangle us during the journey, disrupting our relationship with Jesus. In order to break away we must consider Jesus and realize we can’t do it on our own.
Lunch was enjoyed shortly after Steve’s Study then everyone had open time until the closing service.
Pastor Rich wrapped up the retreat with the Closing Service. In his message, he recalled the retreat’s events and reminded us that during the race we will each have our own “Poop Story”. It’s what makes us who we are. But we can break away from our past by giving it up to Jesus.
A special thanks to all that attended, especially those that helped with devotions, activities and food preparation. Without you it would not have been successful. Each man walked away filled with the Holy Spirit, food, and some great memories.
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