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What
is the Toolbox?
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| Men's
Advance Thousand Pines
Sept. 9-11,
2005
Paul
Gary
Vince
Rich
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Dear mike, just a note
to let you know how grateful I am to all who organized
this years Men’s Retreat at Thousand Pines. It
was a life changing experience for me in my spiritual
journey. In my opinion it is much harder for men to
grow spiritually in Christ, because of our ego, or our
must be macho facade. But to become part of the Men’s
Ministry was one of the best decisions I’ve made,
and to go on the 2005 Men’s retreat.
On the way up there I made a list of areas in my life
where I needed guidance, and help. At the retreat I
was able to speak with a lot of men about those areas
I needed help in. Not only did I get help and scripture,
but I found out that I’m not the only one with
these problems. Other men are just like me!!!
In closing I was so fulfilled when I got home, I told
my wife; Shannon you look so beautiful!! And she said
thank you!!! And once again I replied; NO! Shannon you
look different, you’re so beautiful, what changed
about you?? Shannon, who is Christ driven, replied;
“It’s amazing what you can see when your
looking through Gods eyes.” What a blessing that
retreat was to my marriage. Thank you Lord!!!!
Paul Christopher Aragon
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Are
We Having Fun Yet! |
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This past September, during the ’05 Men’s
retreat, I had a relaxing, invigorating, and moving
experience. Perhaps we’ll have Ken Poure speak
to us again in the near future. Thousand Pines Men’s
Advance was well planned out as in the past, and gaining
a few pounds should be expected. I made some new friends
and renewed some old ones during the weekend.
The thing that made it meaningful to me personally
is that during Sat. night worship, I went forward
and recommitted my life to walking closer with Jesus.
Over the past four years, I have been blessed with
a loving wife, and two beautiful children. I have
realized the responsibility of parenting and teaching
our children who God is, and how to build a personal
relationship with Christ Jesus. It frankly has changed
my life in that I am very serious about how we can
positively influence our children and shape their
lives as parents. We, as men need to set examples
in all that we do. Worshipping with other Christian
men was a good time to reflect on what God has in
store for each one of us, so that we can each use
our unique gifts and talents to serve Him better.
God is always there for us, we just have to be willing
to let ourselves be led by his plan for us and take
the first step to commit ourselves to it. The retreat
is a unique time to reflect, study, worship, and share
our challenges in life.
God Bless, Gary Holloway
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I would like to first thank God for everything that’s
been happening in my life. I’ve been attending the
Desert Vineyard since February of 2005. Since then I have
met a bunch of wonderful people. I’m entering into
my second season of playing softball on one of the Men’s
Ministry softball teams and have been attending a Men’s
Ministry small group for past few months. I’m really
enjoying them both very much. I was really looking for
some help and some answers. God doesn’t always answer
our prayers or questions when we want, but eventually
He does in His timing.
Oh, how can I forget the 2005 Men’s Retreat at Thousand
Pines. I almost didn’t get to go, but I truly believe
that God opened the door and removed the obstacles in
the way trying to prevent me from attending. It was there
that I rededicated my life to the Lord, in front of all
my brothers from the Vineyard. I didn’t do it to
gain recognition, but to publicly proclaim my commitment
to the Lord without shame. That was a weekend I’ll
never forget!
If anyone reads this and you’re feeling down, lost
or confused, remember, there is nothing that God can’t
handle.
God Bless, Vince Gallegos
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Wow, God
again has opened not his arms, but also my heart. His
truth, love, power and grace have taken root and a new
growth has begun. Hallelujah! The Thousand Pines Retreat
was a special moment, a time of worship and a seeking
of Gods plan for my life. He softened my heart and filled
it with his amazing love, changing my life forever.
I look forward to next year’s retreat and hope
many more will experience the power of Christ Jesus.
With God’s Love,
Rich Engelstad
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| Desert Vineyard Men's Ministry - Lancaster, CA - For Information Call: Steve Aikman at
661-878-5064 |
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