It has been an awesome 3 days with the church family at Gull Lake. There are a lot of things I am thankful for as I reflect on this historic retreat. First of all, I am thankful that both churches, in Ann Arbor and Chicago were able to come together and worship as one body. Whenever there is unity, God is pleased and He pours out a blessing (Ps 133).
Secondly, I am thankful for many of the families and married couples who came out to this retreat. Even though it was hard watching all the kids, it was encouraging to see some of the families worshipping together.
Third, I am thankful for friendships with people who have kindred hearts. It was refreshing to hear messages on “idolatry,” “dying to self,” “forgiveness,” and being “committed.” In our generation where being a “Christian” is more like an add-on to everything else in our lives, we were reminded that it was a radical call that demanded our whole life.
Fourth, I am thankful for the answered prayers. We prayed for salvation of souls and God brought people into the family of God. We prayed for God to work in people’s lives and we have witnessed people getting ministered unto. We prayed for God to speak to us and God used His Word to put various convictions in our hearts.
Lastly, I am thankful for the people in our church. Especially those people who helped out and worked so hard to make this retreat memorable. We have some of the best people around who love God and who love to be a blessing to other people. Great people make great churches.
Now, as we are back in our “regular” environment, the reality of God’s blessings at this retreat will have to be translated in our spheres of influence on a daily basis.