A REFRESHING RETREAT

Lord, all my desire is before You; And my sighing is not hidden from You. (Ps.38:9)

In David’s apparent helplessness, he state the condition of his inner thoughts. Putting myself between fear and hope, I cast a long look forward towards this year’s Family Retreat at Lancaster,PA. Never in the last eight years of conducting retreat has my soul languish secretly and so in a hurry to get this year’s retreat over with! Because I wanted to see the outcome. Because I wanted to see how the LORD will move in our midst. Because I wanted to see how He will answer our prayers.

Lord my sighing is not hidden from You, placing myself in David’s brokenness! For Satan has  cast a critical and complaining spirit that has disturb and hurt the peace and harmony of the church unexpectedly! This destructive spirit has spread its shadow and tow many others under it.Oh how a simple germ can sicken the Body! Satan may have been toothless but retains his sharp claws. He can still inflict deep wounds. This spirit roars “we will see to it that No shall win” and work the phone to make it happen.I can only pray in brokenness. And build up love in the pulpit.I am aware, but this is God’s battle not mine.So I pray that from the place where this started it all, God shall release love and joy that will  edify the Body  and cast the evil spirit away. I sigh and sigh over it!

But I am not ready for the magnitude of God’s wonderful moves before His people. It’s remarkable! It’s awesome! It’s  grace so amazing! You have to be there to see and experience it. It has to be experienced to be described! The unity, cooperation,joy and warmth as people link to pray,sing and play was just remarkable.You can tell the enthusiasm and satisfaction of people in every aspect of retreat’s activities.And this has become more obvious due to the absence of destructive critical spirit.When God’s presence is indeed recognize we shall be drawn to Him. Suddenly, the venue, no matter how simple or glamorous slide back advertently! Same old songs are sung joyously, worship move marvelously, games were played enthusiastically and focus given undividedly.

Praise God great things He has done. For the hundred fifteen persons who have come, this 9th Family Retreat “Fireproofing The family” erase the ugly scar inflected by the 8th Retreat and cast out the evil spirit that has cause agony in church’s body.  By far, in openness, cooperation,joy,relationship restored and resolved,enthusiasm and focus, it’s remarkably up there. People are markedly grateful  and respectful to God’s leading and kindness this time around. The results of survey taken afterwards banner it all. An overwhelming positive comments and overwhelming endorsement of the same place for next year’s family retreat – a gigantic turnaround of heart by God’s own people.

I know I cannot thank you enough, but I don’t want to miss my opportunity to thank you.Thank you Retreat Com. Members (Tirso Quiachon, Minda Jardenico, Josie Rimmey and Tess Guevarra) for standing still and proven your point true. Thank you Retreat Servants (Jovie/Sis.Ligaya=Children ; Tom/Eden=Sports and Recreations ‘; Ken/Imelda= transporting Band’s Instruments) for sacrificing your time so that others may have theirs fully. Thank You Brod.Perze/Marchesa and Praise Team for preparing and leading in spirit-filled singing of praise and adoration to God during worship and devotional times. Thank you Maila , Dorothy and Raytsur for giving us memorable selected numbers.Brod. Maeng for helping me in Worship Service. Thank you Pastors Rommel,Hylton and Chilton for soul-searching, sin-convicting, obedient-causing messages you delivered from God. You are a wonderful team honoring God. We have winners out of you. PTL.

And for everyone, thank you for showing a very high positive attitude. Thank you for holding it high. My heart rejoices because we BRING the brand of Christianity into the place with us and and not the other way around. I thank God for many,many prayers utter months before this encounter with God take place.Your prayers and mine were greatly answer. His answers are far wiser than our requests.

May therefore this fresh touch of the Lord sustain us through the months that will come,until, the 10th Retreat comes around. After all, it’s only 12 months away.

God has gifted us with refreshing Family Retreat. Salamat po Panginoon Dios.

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST. ALLELUIA.    

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 at 1:10 pm and is filed under Pastor's Corner. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.