It was going to be a long day. We landed on Friday evening after a week-long training for new
District Superintendents. I had a short night's sleep, woke very early on Saturday, and began my journey to the SoCal men’s retreat. I had circled this day because it was going to be one of the first contacts I would have with the good people of the Southern California Nazarene district. It would end up being an 18-hour day. But wow what an incredible and powerful time we had!
I was greeted by 181 men who were together in the mountains experiencing a dynamic time of
fellowship, faith, and what I call fortitude. Led by the Holy Spirit, our dynamic speaker Jeff Stark
brought anointed and challenging messages aimed at the heart of men. The first thing I saw and experienced was fellowship. Our Hispanic-speaking brothers worshipped separately but we were all together for meals and activities, especially in the afternoon. I was able to speak to so many. We all shared the common feeling that we are one in Christ! We need each other! This retreat was planned for intentional fellowship. I saw it everywhere. ‘Iron sharpens iron, so one many sharpens another.’ Proverbs 27:17
We also experienced faith. Led by the dynamic worship of Pastor Brian Graley, we stepped out
in faith to worship as men who love Jesus. It was one of the highlights of my life to see over a
hundred men with raised hands and voices. It reminded me of the Promise Keepers
conferences years ago when they taught us ‘Real men love Jesus!’ I saw many men coming to
faith and renew their commitment to Christ! The movement of faith was real and I believe will
be felt in our churches here in SoCal.
Finally, I saw fortitude. Saturday night, Pastor Jeff challenged all of us to “step out and step up!”
This was a call for men to deepen their faith and consecrate their lives and in some instances to answer God’s call to ministry. Pastor Jeff asked several pastors to pray with men who came
forward who were answering God’s call of obedience in their lives. The men I prayed with were
honest about wanting to step out in what God was asking of them in radical obedience! I’m
praying for those courageous men.
As the new guy around here, I was encouraged and thankful. God is moving in Southern
California! We are thankful for all who led this great retreat. Thank you Bruce Ashton and
Trevor Matus for your Godly and skilled leadership! I can’t wait for next year's Man Camp!
Jesus is on the move among us!
Shawn Siegfreid
District Superintendent
Southern California District Church fo the Nazarene
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