Spiritual Retreat at Zion

 

I Press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:14 

This time our theme for our Spiritual retreat for staff was “Stay the Course”.  In life we get bumped and pushed, we run into obstacles and challenges, we have ups and downs.  Sometimes we get off the course.  But we should always stay focused and keep our eyes on Jesus.  He will always direct us and lead us.  He will give us wisdom and discernment.  But, we must be willing to listen and to do what we should do and go where we should go. 

                                  

Our day started in prayer and praise songs.  Then there was a morning speaker and an activity outside.  It was a bit concerning (the outside activity) because it had been raining and the grounds were wet and muddy.  Our task was to get our egg (the unreached people of the world) without stepping inside the big circle, and take it through the obstacle course with us.  Do not break the egg or let it alone.  Always keep it at your side (discipleship). 

          

Some places our team was tied together with ropes.  One place we had to swing from the rope to reach the beam on the other side and then we could not step off until the entire team was together.  One place we had to get over the ropes and inside without touching the ropes.  Often the event was really just like the events of life.  Many challenges come our way.  Without other believers to call on for help and without God by our side, we would never make it.  But when we have others to lend us a hand and God to keep us on the path and give us strength to not give up, we can make it. 

                

We were thankful the rain held off long enough so we did not get too wet and just a bit muddy.  We continued the day with speakers and a wonderful lunch.  The day ended with stations.  One was a craft – the star.  The star can guide us and did guide the shepherds to Jesus.  Focus your eyes on Jesus for the way, the hope, peace, love and grace.  One station was a prayer wall where they could write prayer requests and pray for others prayer requests.  One was the cross where they could read passages in the Bible and fall to their knees in prayer, leaving all the worries and trouble at the foot of the cross. 

          

                      

We thank God for the day and pray that there was something that impacted the lives of the participants.  We thank God that He can get us back on the path even when we slip.  We thank God for His grace and love that is unconditional and we pray that we can listen more closely to His calling and direction.

We also thank Lena and Johannes Ebner who helped a lot with the activities and prepared a couple of the messages.  Mostly, we give God the Glory!!!