'Refresh' Leaders Weekend Away
October 17, 2011 by Tania Chin 2 comments
The second ever refresh leaders retreat was an opportunity for Kirkplace leaders to sit back. As Trevor Hodge put it: hoist our sails and ask God to fill us, encourage, renew and direct us. Moreover it was an opportunity to do this together as a team, and for some of us share a rare moment to catch up on our lives. I hadn’t spoken to some leaders for more than 6 months so I knew this time would be very, very special.
Lately, life has not been good for some of us. Murray shared with us that God works out all things for the good of those who love Him, but that does not in any way make what happens to us good. Many of us were given space and permission to grieve. Reflect. Confess. Repent. My husband later told me that this was pivotal for him. For the first time in many weeks he had the opportunity to share with other men where he was at, and be encouraged that he was not alone in struggle.
We sang all day long, and on the beach. A while ago a wise man once told me that singing in church is one of the places where many Christians ‘lie’ the most. I was reminded of his words this weekend. Trevor and Steve gave me plenty of cause to worship God when I sing, and not to fear man.
We prayed and encouraged each other through passages of scripture, as the Spirit led. We prayed in acknowledgement of His glory being recognised, His incredible power, His great love and compassion for us. I was invigorated by the joy of knowing my sin continues to be completely forgiven, washed away, as far as the east is from the west. Psalm 32 “How happy is the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!”
We named some of our big encouragements for the past year. This was a very emotional session for me, as simply thinking of the couple I wanted to be like when I am older, Carl and Fiona Down, drew tears… so when this was articulated and shared by all, I was in a bit of a mess! We reminisced the history of our church and prayed for renewal, for those God had placed on our heart who did not know Jesus, for everyone at Kirkplace by name.
We ate SO well. Brian and Vee made my day when I saw all five food groups and a generous salad appropriately apportioned on my plate during lunch. “Just fruit” he said when we asked what’s for supper – only to add “with berry coulis, minted sugar, and chocolate ganache…”
As for the leaders I spoke to that I hadn’t had the chance to hang with for the past 6 months, they floored me again with stories of what God is doing in their hearts and the outworkings of this for the sake of Jesus. It was a weekend that was stripped back to the bare essentials, remembering in all that we do, who God is, and who we are before Him. A celebration. God reminded me of His love, His people, His death on the cross, and gave me a chance to stop and be still for Him. I honestly cannot imagine time better spent.
Written by Tania Chin (Tania and Ken Chin are leaders of a Wednesday night Kirkgroup)
Photographs courtesy of Dan Au - www.danauphotography.com
Comments for this post have been disabled
2 Comments
Thanks Tania. It was lovely that you guys had a refreshing retreat, were able to encourage each other and had the humilty to share some of your experience with the rest of KP.
zancas rocking it barefeet