A few months ago, two friends, Lorraine Baergen and Alvina Block, found themselves in conversation after The Village meeting had ended and most everyone else had left. Lorraine saw, as well as heard, Alvina’s excitement as she described an opportunity, extended to her and her husband David, for involvement in their local church…

“Other people need to hear about this,” Lorraine remarked. “Stories like yours are the reason we want to make Encounter God available to as many as possible. It’s so encouraging to hear about the work God is doing.”

Hearing about the Lord’s activity in the lives of other people is encouraging. It helps us believe He can and will do similar things in our lives. So I called Alvina to hear, first hand, the reason for her excitement.

“We are humbled and honored to be called by God to lead the Prayer Shield ministry at our church. It’s an organized group of intercessors who pray daily for the needs of our pastors and their families.” she told me over the phone. “It’s such a privilege.”

Recognizing the sacrifice and personal cost to such a responsibility, I asked about their preparation leading up to this important role.

“I feel like God has been preparing us for this for years,” she said. 

Over the next forty-five minutes, Alvina proceeded to share an overview of her past twenty-three years.

 Alvina recalled a significant “Women Aglow” meeting in Fort McMurray in 1988: “Those were hard days back then and I had gone with a heavy heart. After the talk, an invitation was given for anyone wanting prayer - so I went forward. God gave the young lady praying for me, a picture.”

“She said she saw me with one hand raised up in worship, my other hand reaching down as a warrior.”

Alvina paused, the significance of this picture of intercession as fresh as when first received.  

“In 2000 I was able to attend a ‘Set Free’ seminar at New Life Church in Kelowna, BC. For me it was the beginning of freedom from legalism and religiosity. Psalm 119:32 was a highlighted verse that weekend. ‘I will run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.’(TNIV).”

And when Jesus sets His girls free, they are free indeed.  

Throughout 2004 and 2005 Alvina became involved in a Healing Prayer Ministry where she remembers being ministered to as well as being used to minister to others. “I went in with my suitcases of pain and started learning. It was during that time the Lord revealed a spirit of fear blocking my path. I volunteered, at one of the sessions, to be a counselee in order to help demonstrate the process of prayer, never realizing the deliverance and freedom I would receive as a result.”                                                                                                                                                  

Alvina recalled receiving a picture from the Lord to sturdy and encourage her:  “I was a small, green plant complete with leaves, breaking through a cement walkway.” Like the life-giving, written Word of God, this vision still gives her strength for the places she walks today.

“From that time to the present, David and I have been able to attend six Encounter God weekends, the first one in November 2009. We have seen the necessity of repetition in breaking down strongholds in our lives. Being part of the retreats has shown us the lasting benefits of confession of sin, declaration of freedom and listening to Jesus when He speaks.”

“More than ever I see the need for inner healing. This life is about a war, fighting an enemy whose ‘purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.’ Jesus comes to us, breaks through strongholds and brings new life.”

When asked if there was one Encounter God Retreat that stood out above the others Alvina replied “At some point over the weekend of the April 2010 retreat the Lord showed me a cord with a frayed end. In reference to it He spoke this truth: “A cord of three is not easily broken. You, David and I are the three and I am bringing both of you back and making you strong – not just for you but also for your children.” Alvina then went on to describe, through her tears, the thrill they received as parents when all three of their adult children joined them at the next retreat.

In October 2011, David and Alvina were able to attend an Empower Weekend in Steinbach, Manitoba where they were given opportunity to explore and learn the purpose of the spiritual gifts each child of God is given. Through the teachings, they confirmed that the Lord has wired them to be Intercessors, both individually as well as together. Seeking complete surrender to the Lord, they had asked for prayer.

“The prayer team was so

encouraging; their words so uplifting.  One of them shared that Jesus saw my life as a beautiful garden, selflessly giving to all who had need. He told me to keep giving without worrying about running out. People would be attracted to my garden, He said, including predators. ‘Do not put up a fence, pray them away. Do what you do best. Don’t feel guilty about the rest.”

“This was life to me,” Alvina said. “At the time, I was trying so hard to do everything. The Lord relieved me of that burden.”

One short week later, David and Alvina attended a prayer luncheon after the Sunday service at their church in Kelowna. There were many concerns needing prayer, among them the Prayer Shield Ministry.  

“We were sitting at different tables praying with the people around us. David told me later that it was while he was specifically praying for the coordinators for the Prayer Shield Ministry the Lord spoke ‘You are the couple.’ ‘But what about Alvina?’ he had asked the Lord. ‘Leave Alvina to me’.”

Meanwhile, across the room, Alvina, having months earlier declared to her Heavenly Father “I am available”, was praying “O Lord, you have prepared us for this….”

As if this was the climax to Alvina’s life story, neither of us spoke for a moment. Her story, like a picture, had become focused and sharp through the process of retelling the significant God-Encounters over the years. Together we could see the hand of God leading and guiding, speaking to and preparing this dear lady.

In a recent blog entry Chantelle aptly wrote – “Attending an Encounter God retreat in itself will not make our life better – Jesus will. He is anxious to speak to us, to get into our heart. When we seek Him, He is sure to answer. Encounter God is one way of seeking Him. Of making our relationship a priority, of dealing with our hurts or hang-ups and being willing to be vulnerable to receive all that Jesus has for us; learning to live in the fullness that Jesus had in mind.” …

It would seem Alvina is experiencing that very fullness in these days. And she gives the praise to her Lord Jesus.

 In a recent conversation, a young woman began to relay her story of coming to faith, growing up in the church, actively participating in a youth group, traveling overseas on a mission trip and now fully immersed in her career. Church was still a part of her life and conversation. But was her life impacted by a deep and growing life with Jesus? Was there a marked impression in how she lived her life, as a follower of Jesus?

 Though we enjoyed the conversation, we were deeply puzzled. Her boyfriend with whom she shared her apartment, did not share her spiritual beliefs and her expressed faith in Jesus. We chatted briefly as we met, and it was clear that her faith commitment was a piece of her life separate from the whole, and did not speak into how she lived.We were puzzled as to why she attended a local church, why were spiritual matters even part of her discussion. And then we saw the ring, and knew wedding plans were on the horizon. Wedding plans that included a man who did not know Jesus or express any interest in him.

 In the same week, we had dinner with yet another couple who quickly spoke of their church – a solid, bible-teaching church in the same city. We were excited to dig in together on spiritual matters, but were sadly disappointed. When we asked about their spiritual journey, the vacant look in their eyes spoke volumes. Wasn’t their church engaging them in some sort of deeper journey? Where was the “abundant life” Jesus promised to his disciples? How do we help believers take up the keys and access all that is rightfully theirs under Jesus’ new covenant?

 These stories are not unique and do not stand alone. Beyond these, what about the stories of anger or bitterness that have found their way into the landscape of most every local church? A gap exists and separates the commitment made from its expression lived out.

 And it is that reality that shapes many conversations with pastors these days. How do we do ministry that will set the believer apart in their lifestyle? How do we invite them into a deeper, more profound day–by-day walk with Jesus? How do we lift the commitment to a higher plane of doing life with the King of Kings?

 It is a new day. Discipleship as we knew it, as program or course-driven, has lost its luster and impact. The new expression builds on a foundation of authentic, transparent community, and unfolds with stories of transformed lives. People who have heard Jesus speak love, forgiveness and healing into their lives experience a deeper, more profound life with Him.

 Recently I asked an individual about his life with Jesus, and he said,‘I have been forever changed.’ Touched by Jesus- and that changes everything. The joy on his face told me that it was true. When Jesus speaks truth,and for the first time we hear His voice, we are forever changed. And that change, closes the gap!

 Just maybe, Jesus is directing our conversations, drawing the lines on a map that will guide us to the place we have been seeking. And just maybe, that map will take us to a deeper and more intimate experience with Jesus.

Answer:  Audience participation.

Next Question: Which form of communication do my prayers most resemble….?

Prayer can often sound like a radio broadcast – a one sided speech in which the other party (God) is given no real opportunity to interact.  Dear God.  Thank you for this day.  Please bless my…

Isn’t this how we are taught to pray?  Often.  And does God hear and honour our heart in prayer?  Absolutely!

Yet, as Jesus spoke of his relationship with us, He promised us more than silence on the other end.  He told his disciples about the Holy Spirit coming to “…teach you all things and…remind you of everything I have said to you .” (John 14:26)  In John 10, Jesus calls believers His sheep, who will listen, know and follow His voice.  That sounds very interactive to me.

So what happens when we view our prayers as conversations between us and our amazing God?  Let’s take into account that a dialogue, in nature, has at least 2 players.  It requires taking turns, listening, and considering what your counterpart has said before you respond. 

Now throw in your conversation partner – the Creator of the Universe.  Kind of turns things up a notch from “dial and gab.”  So we must consider listening prayer as a tool, like any other discipline.  We hold the things we “hear” lightly and fall back on other sources of confirmation (such as the bible) to keep us in alignment with His will.  And, like any other discipline, listening prayer needs to be practiced and persevered with.

So rather than discuss a “how to” on listening prayer, I’d like to share what listening prayer has come to mean for me.

Rosalind Rinker so beautifully describes prayer in Prayer: Conversing with God as “a dialogue between two persons who love each other.”

So simple. So profound.

Who could I love and value dialogue with more than my Heavenly Father?  And who could have more loving and valuable things to say to me, than He?

My listening prayer journey began 7 years ago, as a wide eyed disciple in the Youth with a Mission’s training program.  Our speaker led us through a short excercise in which we stepped into a familiar gospel account.  We were invited to imagine ourselves in the scene.  This ancient story lept off the page as I touched, tasted and smelled the story before me.  What richness and depth it brought into my understanding!    A few years later, I got to practice another aspect of prayer at a women’s retreat.  The speaker led us through an exercise in which we asked Jesus to bring to mind a memory.  Jesus proceeded to show us a lie we believed from this memory and what the truth that replaces it is (much like the experience I described here or Bonnie’s experience).  As the fruit of that prayer unfolded over the next year, my desire to hear God’s voice and perspective increased.

I began to seek out resources and opportunities to learn more.  I met a girlfriend who also enjoyed listening prayer. The two of us would get together to ask God questions, eagerly anticipating His response.  Then, last spring, I attended the Encounter God Retreat.  To my delight, I found that we practiced hearing God’s voice speak into many areas of our life.  Further opportunities to practice came as I began attending the village.  At this home group we are broken into smaller groups with specific questions to seek the Lord in.  As we pray through these questions, our understanding of Him is deepened and affirmed in the responses we experience.

As I continue my journey with the Lord, I am blown away by the truths He speaks to me in those quiet moments of waiting.  God’s words are LIFE!  When I take the time to stop and listen for His perspective, He reminds me of his truth.  Whether it is a verse, picture, word or other descriptor, He takes images of the everyday and infuses them with his timeless wisdom. He knows just what I need each moment and how I can best understand it.

Often the things He shows me relate to my present day experience.. so they “look” a little different than they did in biblical times.  The underlying truth, however, remains.  It is this truth that enables me to live effectively for Christ, being constantly re-aligned with Him. 

A good example occured a couple weeks ago as Jesus met me during some quiet listening prayer in my living room.  The venue He chose was a deeply wooded forest.  As He approached, He took me up with Him in my imagination and we rested among the treetops.  From there we could see over the entire forest.  Here, He asserted, is where I belong – seated beside Him. 

My gaze fell to the forest floor.  Here, amidst the dirt and darkness is where I usually view myself.  The errors I make, the times I fall, the struggles I face.  Yet Christ asserts, through this beautiful picture, his promise:  I – the old me, the flesh – have been crucified with Christ.  Chantelle the dirt dweller no longer defines me!  Rather, I get to live raised up beside Him, securely positioned as His beloved daughter.  The woman high atop the trees represents my new nature, and when in doubt I can return and rest in the picture He gave to me. 

Prayer encounters like this one refresh me with hope.  They shine light on sometimes forgotten realities of life with Christ.  In moments of worry, confusion, or simply being, I can take a moment to pause, ask and listen.  The Sovereign King of kings has much to say to this small child… what does He have for you?

Thank you:  Much of what I have shared on listening prayer been inspired by various teachings and resources I have studied.  Amongst those, I would like to express my gratitude and acknowledgement of the following:  Brad Jersak’s book “Can You Hear Me,” Rosalind Rinker’s “Prayer: Conversing with God,” and various teachings from Southland Community Church in Steinbach, Manitoba.

Imagine an old cinematic theater.  The crushed red seats to sink into.  The smell of popcorn lingering in the air.  The ticket boy, who takes and rips your ticket, granting your access.  You are here to listen,  see, and  be entertained.  There is excitement, a buzz of anticipation crackling through the crowd.  Families shuffle down the row to find their seats.  A projector is mounted at the back, and heavy canisters encasing the film.  A hush falls over the crowd as the lights go down.  A canister is hoisted onto the projector, the screen crackling to life as the movie begins…

The scene continued to play out in my mind.  I prayed, imagining how the future of Pre-Encounter events would look.  God shed light on my prayer through this metaphor – the picture of a theater from the past.  The theme was clear and simple:  Pre Encounters are to reflect His heart.  He used this cinema metaphor to relay His role to me.  It is  He who writes the program, selects the actors and draws in the audience.  We are all simply there to take part in His masterpiece, as he reveals his plan for us.  

So  what exactly is a “Pre-Encounter?”   Its name contains the first clue… it is an event prior to an Encounter God Retreat. The concept came to life one day when we realized the best way to describe an Encounter God Retreat is to provide a taste of the experience.  So we designed a “taste tester,” serving to give those who want to develop a deeper walk with God a sense of what they will experience at the retreat.   That is how Pre-Encounters began…in a local home, for an evening!  A gathering of people – those who have participated in past retreats and those who are interested in future ones – united by the common passion to know Jesus in a deeper way.  The evening is spent sharing a meal, worshiping, telling stories of personal journeys, hearing teaching that takes us deeper into the heart of God and finally closing with small group, listening prayer.  The model is similar to our Village gatherings with a unique focus on stories shared by  those who have attended a retreat. 

 As the past participants share their stories, a funny thing occurs.  We’re back in that theater, watching a movie play out.  Their  comedy evokes laughter, thrilling moments  jump start our adrenaline and tragedy brings forth tears.   We allow ourselves to “take part” in their narrative and we can, to some extent, learn from what we see.  We may be reminded of our past or inspired for our future.  We can see ourselves in their struggles, in their hurts.  We can hear our thoughts echoed in their fears, see our hopes mirrored in their own.  It is clear, our human condition is a shared one.  Yet there is light amidst the dark.  Those speaking each describe their personal meeting, their  “encounter” with Jesus, which changes everything.  Is He not the light of the world?  Yes, and light dispels darkness!  The truth of Him has been unveiled uniquely to each retreat participant, but the message is the same.  Freedom.  Truth.  Love.    Their past experiences collide with our present ones,  and hope seeps into our scene .   Because if He so longed to meet them, would He want no less for each of us?

Pre-Encounters continue to be a great way to  “get your feet wet” for a retreat.  But let me finish with what is hopefully an obvious disclaimer.  Attending an Encounter God retreat in itself will not make our life better –Jesus will.  He is anxious to speak to us, to get into our heart.  When we seek Him, He is sure to answer. Encounter God is one way of seeking Him.  Of making our relationship a priority, of dealing with our hurts or hang-ups and being willing to be vulnerable to receive all that Jesus has for us. Learning to live out the fullness that Jesus had in mind. And as the screen fades to black, may his truth colour your world .…Jesus is changing our lives.

At the beginning of the Encounter God Retreat we were all encouraged to pray a simple prayer: “Lord what do you want to do in my life through this weekend?”

This question recognizes the reality of a compassionate Heavenly Father and essentially invites Him to be actively involved in our lives.

I had prayed and now stood among the many, waiting; anticipating God’s response.

Just when I began to think there might be something wrong with my hearing, He spoke:  I want to secure freedom for all of your tomorrows, to enable you to receive my love and trust me enough to have fun.

I blinked through fresh tears while recording this tender promise. Life had been uncertain in so many areas. Unpredictability seemed the pattern of each week fostering a somber, serious attitude. The idea of having fun didn’t even register on my radar screen.  

Jesus’ words, however, were wrapped in hope and with the presence of hope came a whisper that suggested I might even dare to dream again.

But then a nagging question surfaced, interrupting the peace - Why is it so hard to maintain balance in my life? Why the pattern of over commitment and burn out?

Later, in the quiet of a sanctioned prayer time, the Lord took me back to a high school hallway. Surprised by the random memory, I maintained the position of “observer” and watched a long-forgotten scene play out.

I stood before an open locker while my two best friends opened theirs to my immediate left. They laughed together about something and when I tried to join in, both became silent. Their response had become a pattern over the previous few days and now I begged them to tell me what I had done wrong, what I had said that caused them to ignore me. My pleas went unanswered, their hostility reinforcing the silence until they simultaneously slammed their locker doors and walked off, signaling the close of our friendship.

 I never spoke to either of them again.

Though I felt the sting of rejection as fresh as when it first happened, I also sensed the Lord’s comfort and as the sun breaks free from the horizon, illuminating the land below, Jesus, the Son, shone His light on a gnarly root in my life.

 As the father of lies, Satan had seized the opportunity to speak into my pain with his twisted and skewed perspective, planting insecurity and doubt deep in my heart. Given the chance, I would have crawled over broken glass to win those girls’ friendship back and now I realized I had embraced service to Jesus with a similar desperation. I had lived with the lie that I needed to work to ensure that my friendship with Him would not end in silence and ultimate rejection.

As one who enjoys gardening, I know the benefit of working the soil around the base of a stubborn weed that has had a chance to establish deep roots. I’ve witnessed the return of a flowerbed pest when there was no visible trace of the weed but in my haste, part of the root had broken away and was now continuing its pattern of growth and penetration.

Similar to the root of a virulent weed, the motivation behind my tendency to over commit was exposed by this memory and the lie I had subconsciously lived with: “I must work to keep Jesus’ love,” was replaced with His Truth: “I loved you before you ever started “doing” so just “be”.

 Accompanying this realization was a new energy and enthusiasm; I was excited to roll up my sleeves and get to the next unwritten season of my life.

Thankfully God, my Heavenly Gardener, understanding the process better than I and knowing His time frame to be effective, has nestled us in the supportive atmosphere of the Village.

Brand new in 2012 is the more intimate setting of Tribes (small home-based groups) and, with anticipation, we trust it to be the next step in the Lord’s plan for walking us into long-term freedom and fullness and allowing us to assist others while on our journey.

 “And I am sure that God, who began this good work in me, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus comes back again.” (Philippians 1:6) 

 I was driving to work and considering all that lay before me.  How could I make it all work?  What was the plan?  As my mind shuffled through options, Jesus brought forward a familiar picture to me – a dance.

 Dancing is something I have loved all my life, so He immediately had my attention.  A very clear picture formed in which I was partnered with Him.  The dance that we performed was magnificent; a gorgeous, sweeping and exciting dance!   Imagine the great ballroom dancers of old, sliding across the floor with such elegance and style.   As we soared across the floor, He highlighted to me the meaning of this picture:

 God is the lead and I am the follow.  What happens when I relax; when I focus on our frame and our connection?  In keeping my intent on Him, I am able to “hear” what He leads.  When he steps, I am with Him.  When He pauses, I still.  When He maneuvers, I spin, slide and dip.  It’s exhilarating, it’s breathtaking, and it’s a masterpiece.

Yet, what if my focus wanders elsewhere? 

What if I work really hard to do the “right steps,” forgetting amidst my striving to watch where He leads?  Or what if I try to anticipate His every move, jumping ahead to the next thing?  Worse, what if I pull back, attempting to do my own steps – how does the dance look then?

Or perhaps I could just watch my Lead from a distance – observe His timing, gait and rhythm.  And once time is up, go on my merry way to imitate the best I know how.  How would my dance appear as I do the steps alone?

 Or what if we are dancing together over something precarious; along a narrow ledge or over a path strewn with debris?  Going my own way, I am sure to stumble or worse.  Yet if my eyes are on my leader the dance can continue over any ground – the steps are made in safety. 

Having learned the basics of a few partner dances, I can tell you one thing.  It does not come naturally to me to follow.  I want to be in charge or lead at least some of the time.  Yet God doesn’t call me to dance in the singular.  I am invited into a partnership, a communion.  And within that, I can resist Him at every turn or insist upon the steps I chose.  But to truly dance in partnership, there must be surrender.  And as I give up everything to fully listen and follow, I find I am dancing at my highest level.  I can spin faster, step cleaner and take joy in the steps He leads.

It would seem this is God’s way of reminding me of a precious truth.  Jesus explained it to his disciples like this:  “If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.” (Matthew 10:39)  In surrending my will to his, I find the freedom to live in all the richness God has to offer.  And that is the finest dance of all.

 “Dear Pastor: After much prayer, we regret to inform you we will be resigning from…”

It was a hard letter to write. My husband and I had been a part of the church since its beginning; we loved the people and the ministry but we were burnt out and not able to carry on to the end of the ministry year. Trusted counsel suggested we step back from church attendance and so we entered a sabbatical with the purpose of restoration and realignment with the Lord.

The intended length of resignation was six months, but as the Okanagan moved from summer to fall, we were far from “stepping back in.”

For twenty-eight years our identity had been wrapped up in belonging to and supporting our local church; now we struggled with the disconnection, feeling like an island. We had unplugged and seemed helpless to plug back in.

We committed to apply the principles of Proverbs 3:5-6.  We chose not to rely on our circumstances and feelings, determining to trust the Lord for direction and insight. We experienced peace as we rested, but did not receive the “re-entry” plan we hoped for.

That December the Lord gave simple instruction to my husband: “Call John Baergen.”  From that call came a meeting and then an invitation to attend an Encounter God Retreat.

Admittedly, I was skeptical. Over the period of disconnect from our church, now nearing ten months, the results of ministry-meltdown had reinforced a need to self-protect. We faced several significant challenges in our lives and the thought of attending another retreat seemed trite and impractical.

Thankfully, the Lord knew the deep desire of our hearts and was persistent. John’s invitation seemed to morph into an invitation from Jesus to receive a new and fresh touch for the next season of our lives.  

The retreat proved to be the next step in our process of realignment – Jesus was everywhere.

The retreat hosts welcomed us with genuine enthusiasm. The worship was like a refreshing spring rain to our dried and cracked hearts. The gentle, Truth-filled teaching sessions agreed with beliefs we had embraced for many years. The process of listening prayer exposed misconceptions and lies, uprooted patterns of sin and reinstated our position as children of the King. 

In the sanctuary of this setting, the Holy Spirit met me at a great point of need. I received perspective regarding a reason for my burnout and brokenness. Taking me back to a high school memory, He replaced the lie I had believed for over thirty years with Truth that set me free to just be me. Hope for a healthier season of ministry washed away the resentment and bitterness that had reinforced a need to protect and defend.

It would be wonderful if all it took was the realization, confession and declaration to walk in complete freedom and fullness from then on.  As we all know, however, the life as a Christ-follower is a process of “working in and walking out” the transforming truth of God’s love. This is where we have seen the blessing and benefit of the Village atmosphere.

The Village is structured to resemble, in a condensed format, the atmosphere of the retreats. Worship, teaching session, sharing and listening prayer in small groups reinforce the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is in this regular weekly setting that I can measure the greatest, consistent pattern of personal healing.

Is it different than any other small group setting? Likely not, if you gather for intentional, focused prayer with an attitude and expectancy that God will speak. It is in this context, as we meet to support each other in our daily God-encounters, that we celebrate the process of healing and encourage each other to get back to God’s business through the work of the local church.

It’s been quite a journey for my husband and me. A short six-month sabbatical has lasted almost two years and yet in the process we have been given the gift of realignment with our precious Lord and His kids. We are so thankful for His plans for us; plans that have included the Encounter God Retreat and our Village family!

It is often surprising what memories God brings to mind that are connected to the lies.  In my case, this retreat was no exception.  God reminded me of a particular lunch break in elementary school.  I was hanging out with my friends on a grassy field.  Unbeknownst to me, the girls had planned a dandelion “sneak attack.”   In the middle of our games, the girls surrounded me.  Giggling, they rubbed dandelions up and down my arms and legs, leaving behind bright yellow streaks.

“Okay God,” I thought, “what’s the big deal with this memory?” Though I remembered being somewhat hurt, I certainly wouldn’t have classified it as “traumatic.”  After all, my friends had only meant it in fun.  Curious as to what He’d reveal, I continued forward in listening to God.

Jesus showed me that my lie was rooted in the fear of not knowing what would happen next.  In my memory, I was completely unsuspecting of this weed ambush and was not pleased with the outcome.  The lie was planted that if I could control what was happening, then perhaps I could prevent such things from occurring.

Next I was invited to see God in this picture.  The speaker led us to ask, ‘Jesus, where were you in that moment?”  Jesus showed me that He was right there with me – and even though I was surprised by the incident, He was not.  He knew all about it and was with me before, during and after the event.

To you, this revelation might not seem like a comforting one.  To me, it made the world of difference.  His truth revealed was that He is not surprised by what ‘life’ brings my way.  He knows exactly what is going to happen and He is always with me in the midst of it.  I don’t have to be in fear and I also didn’t have to be in control.  I have His steadfast presence beside me and the confidence of being held by my heavenly Father’s hands.

This picture helped me understand.  It changed the emotion of the memory from fearfulness to peace.  It replaced thoughts of self-protection with the reality of an Everlasting Defender.

Surprising? Yes. New information?  Not really.  The difference was all in the delivery.  Instead of being taught as second hand material, the truth was spoken into my life by Jesus Himself.  My feelings were similar to the Samaritans in John 4: “Then they said to the woman, ‘Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves’.”  ~John 4:42

I spent most of the sessions perched on a chair at the back of the chapel – watching, listening and participating alongside other attendees.  Scanning the room, I was struck by the diversity represented:  60 some individuals from across B.C. and Alberta, spanning the age demographic from college students to retirees.  As varied as their age and location was their spiritual journey.   Pastoral staff, baby believers and those who had given up on the local church were all in the mix.  Uniting these attendees was a common thread – the desire for more out of their walk with Jesus. 

As we moved through the worship, sessions, prayer times, and meals the presence and power of Jesus were tangible.  I could sense it in the singing, in the laughter and amongst the conversations round the dinner table.  I saw it in the heartfelt prayer conversations and experienced it in sessions breaking the destructive power of past hurts, hang-ups and habits.  When we seek Him, the Lord is indeed sure to answer. 

The weekend took on many emotions for those attending.  Words like “freedom,” “healing,” “impacting” and “hope” were often quoted as an attempt to sum up what has taken place.  One participant stated that the weekend should be “called an advance instead of a retreat.”   How true!

What happened at the retreat should be no surprise to us.  Throughout history God is reaching for his children.  He longs to walk and talk with us, encouraging and refreshing us along the way.  Sometimes through correction and sometimes through delight – He knows exactly what we need.

And I’m so thankful,

Chantelle

“But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 ESV

Have you ever felt that way? This feeling, this empathic response, is one that Lorraine and I hear with increasing frequency. This feeling of unrest has been part of my own spiritual story throughout the past many years. The most recent interlude became significant and life altering for me and Lorraine.What was changing inside me? What was I seeing?

We launched The Leadership Center Willow Creek Canada with a mission to build prevailing local churches, which are still a critical aspect of Christian life in the 21 century. However, God placed a call on our lives and we began to notice a new and discomforting reality across our country.  At the outset, I did not want to acknowledge what I thought I was seeing: an increasing number of gifted, called, and skilled Christian leaders leaving ministry at the height of their effectiveness. Exit conversations revealed a common thread.  Many of these leaders appeared to have come to faith at a time of crisis, and truly their lives were radically changed.  All too quickly they pursued pastoral or key leadership positions in church-related ministry.  Yet the foundational depth and internal wholeness necessary to lead well into the future were not in place.  As ministries grew, demanding mature, centered leadership, all too many exited the ministry scene. This untimely exit from Church leadership was usually evidenced by emotional stress, moral failure or addictive behaviour. It was when the names and faces were ones we recognized, our passion moved from our ‘head’ to our ‘heart’, and we were now ready to engage. God now had our full attention.

But what could we do? Was there an answer to what we were seeing?

These questions led to a time of prayer-filled exploration which, due to our own family need, took us to small city in southern Manitoba. There we observed how a local church literally changed the spiritual landscape of their community through an intentional encounter with the living God. In that small Manitoba town, God was stirring something deep inside both Lorraine and I. Ultimately, we stepped out of the security of an established ministry to launch a new ministry with the express purpose of seeing every Christ follower, whether 25, 45 or 65, have an encounter with the living God that would give new hope, purpose, and wholeness for their unwritten tomorrows.

We have just completed our third Encounter God Retreat and are amazed at the sustained life-change in many, many people. The individual transformation stories stand to affirm the direction God had taken us and are the encouragement we need to move ahead with increased confidence. We are so thankful to God for inviting us into this adventure to restore hope for the greater dream.

I no longer see my self standing at the window, looking into the future asking, ‘Is this all there is?’

Are you still looking for something more in your spiritual life?