The annual Upper Columbia Conference Men's Retreat attracted 110 men to Camp MiVoden Jan. 16–18 and featured the theme, "Sirs, We Would See Jesus."
"The weekend was a tremendous blessing that helped many things in my life fall into place," commented one attendee.
Another said, "The atmosphere of the whole weekend was deeply spiritual, and I felt drawn closer to Christ by having been there."
Guest speakers and breakout sessions inspired the men to keep looking to Jesus as they build relationships with their families and with God. Lonnie Melashenko, director of and speaker for the Voice of Prophecy, used stories from the Bible to remind the group that, if we would see Jesus, we sometimes need to pull away, refocus and get a new perspective on life. He challenged the men to "stop being caretakers and become spiritual dare-takers." His final session inspired us to remember that not only is Jesus coming again, but He is on the way.
Lloyd Perrin, an Upper Columbia Conference pastor, stirred the group's thinking with his early-morning presentations on building on the Rock, Jesus Christ, and becoming joyous Christians.
Breakout topics included "Avoiding the Fatal Attraction," "Maintaining Peak Performance," "Never Alone: God's Indwelling Spirit," "Discovering God in Nature" and "Seven Strategies for Happiness and Wealth."
A highlight of the weekend occurred Sunday morning when more than a dozen men stood and asked for special prayer. Other men surrounded them, placing hands on them and praying for God's special intervention in their lives.
Plan now to attend next year's retreat. The dates are not finalized, but God is already planning blessings for those who choose to attend.
Lonnie Melashenko, speaker/director of the Voice of Prophecy, was the speaker for the annual Upper Columbia Conference men's retreat.
