I’m a “men’s weekend” junkie. There’s something about going away together as men that I have found hugely helpful in my (long, sometimes painful) maturing process as a Christian man, my Father’s son.
So when Rhys mentioned that he would be speaking at a men’s conference in Oregon this past weekend, and that anybody who wished to join was welcome, I didn’t have to think twice. I was all-in.
Four of us – me, Rhys, Sam Coggan and Johannes Heim – left Vancouver on Friday morning. After a pleasant chat with a border guard wearing a large knife across his chest (very friendly! I think he likes foreigners.) we cruised down the I5, blissfully munching dried chickpeas (Ed: that was James only) and other such manly snacks, arriving at the conference center a mere 8 hours later.
Great fir and cedar trees surrounded the conference centre. We filed in and met some of the guys there from the local New Frontiers churches. It was a different sort of crowd than we get at Trinity Central – a lot more camouflage clothing in evidence, and something known as a “power tool derby” wrapped up the weekend – but I knew we were in for a great time from the first worship session: these guys were ready and willing to praise God.
There was an encouraging openness to and desire for the things of the Spirit. Guys made themselves vulnerable, which is such a powerful catalyst for God to move. Rhys gave three very helpful talks based on the life of Abraham. I felt challenged particularly in the area of leading and serving my wife and family, and I know Sam and Johannes did as well.
I also learned about Rhys’s rather tragic, yet somehow hilarious experiences in the food service industry. That’s another great thing about these weekends – you always learn something new about your friends!
All too soon it was time to leave, but we left greatly encouraged and blessed.
Ps 133
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brothers to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil upon the head,
Coming down upon the beard,
Even Aaron’s beard,
Coming down upon the edge of his robes.
3 It is like the dew of Hermon
Coming down upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the Lord commanded the blessing—life forever.
