Reach Church Men’s Weekend 10/27/2024

I have been to men’s weekend numerous times, and it has been on my heart for the last year since October 2023’s MW, to see the Summit curriculum impact the Hispanic / Latin American community. Two men attended Reach MW this weekend, who are recently arrived immigrants from South America - They have been through a lot and were quite unsure of how to take in what was happening during the weekend. One of the men in particular arrived recently from Venezuela, having been through much instability due to the ongoing political challenges in the country, and also had very limited English - so I knew even before the weekend that it may be necessary to provide some extra assistance 1:1 to ensure he was also receiving the great messages being shared throughout the weekend.
I spent the majority of my free time with these men, doing my best to communicate the nature of what we were experiencing that weekend, and I am very happy to say that God helped me and gave me the words to do so. The content of Men’s Weekend is not always easy to translate due to its deep/complex nature, so it was a praiseworthy thing that happened. I believe the Holy Spirit spoke to me, the words necessary to share His message to these men - particularly the one who was still learning English.
Thanks all, God is so good!
___
We all have common struggles and challenges. It’s so good to see God’s faithfulness over time, through the narrative arc of someone’s story. I walked away humbled by others’ stories; sometimes it’s too easy to get caught up in our own challenges that we lose sight of what’s going on in our brothers lives.
___
My story is not finished. God has been working in me and He will continue to do so until His work in me is complete. So, I have hope and I can enjoy the ride.
___
He is still moving even when I am still. I can now see a three-chord braid of pride, shame and fear as a through-line throughout each stage of my story.
___
I don’t need to meet any pre-requisites before God can use me. He sees me and loves me in my insufficiency and wants to demonstrate His power through me. I don’t need to be “ready” to step out in faith. God works most powerfully through the people He has placed around us. After this weekend, I will have more boldness to love those around me. I will create regular rhythms of meeting with Christian men.
___
As someone said in the final wind up… I feel like I’ve broken my unspoken agreement with shame and am starting a new one with trust. I’ve found it so difficult to reconcile with my past to the point of debilitation and sabotage of my future and this weekend was a big step in fixing that. I also realized it’s a step-by-step process. I can’t expect myself to reach the finish line immediately.
___
I think this was one of the first retreats where I wasn’t anxious about something coming into it, or during. God just allowed me time to rest, and connect, which I had hoped for. I think I want to shed the ill feelings I have been harboring, and allow Christ to fill the void. I hope to pursue people better from here on out.
___
Life is meant to be lived in vulnerable community with other men. Sharing my story and hearing stories from others is not something I’ve done in life, but I have a desire to know others on a deeper level and share my story with others.
___
My identity is not in my performance or acceptance by other people. God will use me not because I did things the "right way" but because he chooses to use me through both my strengths and my weaknesses. God is helping me "rediscover innocence" and helping me embrace the freedom to be the Jason that he designed me to be.
___
God gave us His glory!
___
It was a great reminder about how much joy and growth can be found in serving others.
___
Insights gained from others experience continues to be helpful in my journey.
___
God was patient with me while I worked through being angry during the weekend.
___
Reminded that God cares personally, rather than as a distant King only. Learning to lean into community.
___
Stories are awesome vehicles to experience the work of God in all of our lives.
___
I am just excited about the future and ready and waiting for God to work. I’m trusting him fully with everything.
I spent the majority of my free time with these men, doing my best to communicate the nature of what we were experiencing that weekend, and I am very happy to say that God helped me and gave me the words to do so. The content of Men’s Weekend is not always easy to translate due to its deep/complex nature, so it was a praiseworthy thing that happened. I believe the Holy Spirit spoke to me, the words necessary to share His message to these men - particularly the one who was still learning English.
Thanks all, God is so good!
___
We all have common struggles and challenges. It’s so good to see God’s faithfulness over time, through the narrative arc of someone’s story. I walked away humbled by others’ stories; sometimes it’s too easy to get caught up in our own challenges that we lose sight of what’s going on in our brothers lives.
___
My story is not finished. God has been working in me and He will continue to do so until His work in me is complete. So, I have hope and I can enjoy the ride.
___
He is still moving even when I am still. I can now see a three-chord braid of pride, shame and fear as a through-line throughout each stage of my story.
___
I don’t need to meet any pre-requisites before God can use me. He sees me and loves me in my insufficiency and wants to demonstrate His power through me. I don’t need to be “ready” to step out in faith. God works most powerfully through the people He has placed around us. After this weekend, I will have more boldness to love those around me. I will create regular rhythms of meeting with Christian men.
___
As someone said in the final wind up… I feel like I’ve broken my unspoken agreement with shame and am starting a new one with trust. I’ve found it so difficult to reconcile with my past to the point of debilitation and sabotage of my future and this weekend was a big step in fixing that. I also realized it’s a step-by-step process. I can’t expect myself to reach the finish line immediately.
___
I think this was one of the first retreats where I wasn’t anxious about something coming into it, or during. God just allowed me time to rest, and connect, which I had hoped for. I think I want to shed the ill feelings I have been harboring, and allow Christ to fill the void. I hope to pursue people better from here on out.
___
Life is meant to be lived in vulnerable community with other men. Sharing my story and hearing stories from others is not something I’ve done in life, but I have a desire to know others on a deeper level and share my story with others.
___
My identity is not in my performance or acceptance by other people. God will use me not because I did things the "right way" but because he chooses to use me through both my strengths and my weaknesses. God is helping me "rediscover innocence" and helping me embrace the freedom to be the Jason that he designed me to be.
___
God gave us His glory!
___
It was a great reminder about how much joy and growth can be found in serving others.
___
Insights gained from others experience continues to be helpful in my journey.
___
God was patient with me while I worked through being angry during the weekend.
___
Reminded that God cares personally, rather than as a distant King only. Learning to lean into community.
___
Stories are awesome vehicles to experience the work of God in all of our lives.
___
I am just excited about the future and ready and waiting for God to work. I’m trusting him fully with everything.