Brothers & Friends,
I want to thank each of the 30 men who attended our retreat this weekend for using their gift to serve our men this weekend! The Spirit was powerfully present with us in the worship, teaching, and fellowship throughout. The Lord brought us several young men between the ages of 13-21: all sons, mentees, and friends of Locking Arms. They expressed how they were blessed and challenged by our time together and they definitely blessed us. One of the things they experienced was our love for one another. One man who was with us for the first time asking great questions remarked that “the sincerity of love really caught me by surprise.” Jesus said “A new command I give you that you love one another as I have loved you. By this love all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” Men commented on the great Italian dinner (Linguine, Veal & Chicken Parmesan) on Friday night from Fabrizi’s Cuccina, the spectacular afternoon hiking around Ohiopyle together, the teaching, and the warm and prayerful support from the brothers.
Special thanks to our worship team led by Stu Hayes who took us to the throne of our “Good, Good Father.” That song of praise will echo in our hearts forever! The team included Doug Lane on drums (Our photographer as well!), Kim Costanza and Harrison Hayes on Bass guitar with Lance Bruno adding support vocals. Thanks as well to our speakers: Jon Kolb, Kim, and Rick Wiater for bringing God’s word to us concerning our Journey of Authentic Manhood into the Image of Christ. Thanks to Dario Donatelli who was a great servant as always coordinating all the details for the retreat. One of the the important elements to having a powerful retreat we emphasized was that each one was a member of the leadership team with an important role in another man’s life to bless, encourage, and challenge.
In the words of our brother Pete, way to be you brothers!