Last weekend I did something way out of my comfort zone and attended a men’s retreat at Ted’s Place, a farm in the Hawkes Bay. This retreat, run by Brand New Heart Ministries wasn’t just another men’s event. It was, in a word – Epic!
The reason most messages and retreats for men ultimately fail is simple: They ignore what is deep and true to a man’s heart, and try to shape him up through various forms of pressure.
Last weekend was an honest, no @#!*% journey into the deep passions and desires of a man’s heart, into the healing of the wounds taken in this battle, into the realm of Fatherhood, God and calling – life as it was meant to be lived.
The glory of God is man fully alive
~ St Irenaues
Through the sessions, the times of quiet reflection, the movie clips, the shared adventures and the free time, we discovered something profound about the heart of God and the heart he gave us as men.
It was an incredible blessed and powerful time. God showed up to fill our hearts and bring us his words of love over us.
It was a confronting weekend for me. I learned a lot and have some things to work on as a result of the weekend. It struck me after I left that I had spent the weekend not just with 11 other men after Gods heart, but in the company of kings.
This week’s reflection is a poem written by one of the men that captures the essence of the weekend. Thank you my friend for sharing your heart.
Company of Kings
Clothed by a garment
Purchased at great cost
Put on for battle
But given in love
More jealously sought than a coat of many colours
Pure white over wretched nakedness
Tightly woven threads
Impervious to stain
The wearer now in the company of kings
A garment of praise
~ Cam Porter
Wow – beautiful poem. I wish I had known about the retreat – sounds as though deep and meaningful experiences all round. You are right in what you say about the average men’s retreat. I have found them shallow and surface touching, little more than that. Your retreat appears to have gotten into some serious soul stuff.
I love the expression ‘garment of praise’ – evocative, meaningful!
Thanks. We may be running another retreat in the Wellington area in the next few months. I’ll keep you in the loop!
Similar thoughts have come to me during the week to David. Thanks for summing them up so well and to Cam for his evocative and stirring poem. Remember, you too were one of those kings!
Thanks Rob. I agree Cam sums it up so well. We are all kings of the Kingdom.
I went to the Band of Brothers boot camp with a determination for change. So many of my friends found that change already. I have found the man I lost over 30 years ago and it feels good.. The warrior has awakened. I suspect that you have experienced an awakening as well. The day of playing church is over. It is time for the prophets to arise.
Great stuff. We run Men’s retreats based on Wild at Heart Boot Camps here in NZ. Check us out at http://www.brandnewheartministries.com. Thanks for you comment.