THE TACTICAL ADVANTAGE OF "RETREAT!"

"Judging by Church attendance, Heaven won't be crowded with men."

      If the above quote is in fact true, why is it true? Why doesn't the Gospel resonate with men today in 21st century America? Why are women more disposed to listening to the Gospel? I do not believe that the quote is accurate and that the Gospel does not resonate with men, today.
     Last weekend I had the occasion to spend three days at Camp Ganderbrook in Raymond, ME. I was joined by about 150 other Christian men from all around New England.  There were old men, young men, middle aged men, military combat veterans, laborers, construction workers, computer geeks, and all manner of men.

Camp entrance!

Director's Cabin/Cook's Cabin/Infirmary & Dormitory

     The purpose of the gathering was the annual Men's Retreat. Every year we withdraw from the pressures of our busy lives and gather at the camp to focus more intently on spiritual matters. It's a wonderful time of seeing old friends and meeting new people of like mind from all over New England. It's wonderful to share our stories with each other. I always find it interesting and enjoyable to learn how people became the person that they became. That's one reason why I enjoy reading biographies.
     The speaker this year was a man named Jim McGuiggan. Mr. McGuiggan is an excellent teacher, a master teacher, with many years experience. I say this because I left the camp with more questions than answers. Jim's lessons provoked serious thought. His lessons raised questions that will require further Bible study and further thought. His lessons brought a fresh perspective to the subject matter. His lessons were not conducive to note taking but were nonetheless, well crafted and well presented. 
      Food, coffee, dessert and other drinks were plentiful. No one went away hungry or thirsty. The singing was heavenly! (Pun intended)
     We live in a world where life is hard. The pressures of providing for a family in today's economy are more intense then ever. Each day we men battle to fulfill our obligations to our God, our families, and our Churches. It is healthy and proper for us to "retreat" from those obligations for a few days to recharge our batteries and to refocus ourselves on what's truly important. When we return to out normal lives we are better men, better fathers, better husbands and better Christians for having taken the time to do so.
     If you are a Christian man, you owe it to yourself to attend the Men's Retreat. Plan now to take the time off next September to do so. The next retreat will be hosted by the Churches from the State of Vermont. You will not be sorry that you went. 
     You do not have to be a Cristian to attend the Retreat. If you are not a Christian man, you owe it to yourself to become a Christian. You will not be sorry! If I may be of service in that regard, please let me know.  See you all next year at Ganderbrook! God bless all of you! Enjoy your day!