On Saturday morning after breakfast we returned to our rooms for an hour of quiet time using the introduction to a book recommended by Pastor Ed, Disciplines of a Godly Man by Kent Hughes. The book focuses on various disciplines Christian men need to be engaged in. In the introduction discipline is contrasted to legalism: "Legalism is self-centered; discipline is God-centered".

The focus for the morning shifted from being sons of God to being brothers in Christ.  Pastor Ed gave a sermon on David and Jonathan's friendship as an example (1Sam 23:15-18) of what a Christian friendship is like. David and Jonathan had a total commitment toward each other and toward God. When David was in danger of his life through Saul's persecution Jonathan risked his life by going out to David and encouraging him to not despair, "helping him to find strength in God". We then started off with small groups sharing about our current and past friendships. We quickly found out from each other that having true friends can be very difficult, especially friendships based on a common faith in Jesus Christ. Those who testified of having true Christian friends were also able to testify about the great blessings these friendships have provided to them. One of the great benefits of retreats like this is that the retreat becomes the very starting point for new or renewed friendships. As men we are often very apprehensive about going to retreats because we feel that haven't developed close enough relationships yet to enjoy the retreat. What happens at the retreat though is quite the opposite. Because of the physical isolation from worldly activities and the intentional focus on Christ the retreat is the very place where closer relationships develop much easier and more effectively than during other church activities.

In the afternoon the focus shifted to being soldiers for God. Pastor Ed illustrated from Nehemiah 4:13-23 that the men were to "fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." and from Prov 28:1 that we are also to fight with courage, "bold as a lion." In the small groups we talked about our work life and the challenges we face to be Christians at work. Many of us have difficulties being verbal about our faith in the workplace but we also concluded that the way we perform our work is also a way to witness for Christ in the workplace. Finally, the 'No ESPN Zone' came up. For half an hour we paired off for 4 minutes at a time to talk about anything but sports, technology, cars, dumb movies or, of course, the weather. Some jokingly commented about this being grounds for leaving the retreat immediately but it was too late to do so since Pastor Ed cunningly snuck this one in as the last event of the day. It really was a great time of fellowship, discussing with one another about our families, our lives, our walk with God..all the important stuff.  We then ended the retreat after the evening meal together.

Thank you Jimmy and Scott for organizing this great retreat, John for providing great worship music, and Edward for the great preaching and small group themes.

"We want to use the experience of this retreat to launch the men's ministry. A monthly men's prayer breakfast is being planned, for example.  Let's continue to encourage & pray for each other"  -chae-

"I learned much about where many of my brothers at the church are in their walk with Christ and what their deepest spiritual needs are. It was not just a get-together for a day but rather the basis from which I will be able to relate to my brothers in a more spiritual and encouraging way throughout the entire year." -raimund-

"One of the things that impressed me greatly is how easy all of us were able to share the very personal side of each one of us. I thought the small group experience was a great first step to get to know one another in a much more intimate way.  I hope that we will continue to share our deeper concerns with one another and not stay at the superficial level. 
 Someone once cried out "I am tired of playing church games."  Let's stop playing games and get down to real business. It sounds like a cliche, but He is still in the business of changing lives.  I want to see/experience healing wounds, relations being restored, sinners repenting, and most of all, souls being saved." -steve s-