The Gathering of Men men's retreat was held the first weekend of August at the Adventist school near Ronan, Mont., when forest fires forced a location change from the Glacier Park area.
The Kalispell (Mont.) Church members served great meals, including flathead cherries that were in season. David George, Missoula (Mont.) Church pastor, was the moving force behind the get-together and Mark Cox, Ronan Church pastor, hosted at the school. Ron Halversen Sr. was the guest speaker.
On Sabbath afternoon the group went in boats across Flathead Lake to Wild Horse Island for a time of prayer and sharing. While there, the men separated into pairs to pray for one another and to get better acquainted.
John Bilbro was chosen as the 2003 Montana Man of the Year. Originally a barber, Bilbro became a literature evangelist and, eventually, a lay pastor in the Jordan area. Bilbro stands out in his faithful love and support of his wife, Shirley, his continued concern as a father and his involvement in missions.
For more information about the 2004 gathering, call Don Mattson at (406) 285-0642 or Ernie Wallen at (406) 675-8973.
Boatloads of men head out to Wild Horse Island for prayer and sharing.
John Bilbro, retired pastor from Jordan, Mont., was nominated as Montana's Man of the Year during the retreat.
Omer Stickney (right) tells a story at the retreat.
