H7 Story: Men After God's Own Heart
The 2024 Men's Retreat at Longview Ranch was nothing short of a blessing. It was so good to get away with my two oldest sons and be challenged by God's Word, eat good food, and enjoy some pretty cool activities together, like skeet shooting, paintball, and pickleball, and that's not even half of the fun we had!
My sons and I enjoyed teaming up with other men in the LumberJack Competition, where we were timed in swinging axes and sawing large logs in half. It was cool to hear my sons cheering each other, me, and other men on as we competed. It was a great boost of confidence for them and a bonding experience for all of us.
Our very own Lead Pastor, Scott Wakefield, kicked off the preaching on Friday night. And he set the tone for the weekend, especially for me and my sons. His message was about God's intent for Adam to work and keep the garden. The perfect plan for Adam was in the garden, not somewhere "out there." We all tend to think that the “Big and Important” stuff is outside of where we are planted. Because of this, we often neglect the garden in which God has placed us. Men are given their wives and children as gifts from God; they are the garden he is to keep and nurture. That is where men must focus their working and keeping as they disciple their families. My sons reflected on this as they recognized that, even for them at this stage of their life, God has given them a garden to work and keep for His glory while under their parents' care. They recognized they needed to slow down and trust God with where He's planted them at this phase. I am genuinely grateful to God for the ministry of Longview and all of the men striving to be and shape their sons into men after God's heart who love and lead their families and society.
by Travis Chapman
Our very own Lead Pastor, Scott Wakefield, kicked off the preaching on Friday night. And he set the tone for the weekend, especially for me and my sons. His message was about God's intent for Adam to work and keep the garden. The perfect plan for Adam was in the garden, not somewhere "out there." We all tend to think that the “Big and Important” stuff is outside of where we are planted. Because of this, we often neglect the garden in which God has placed us. Men are given their wives and children as gifts from God; they are the garden he is to keep and nurture. That is where men must focus their working and keeping as they disciple their families. My sons reflected on this as they recognized that, even for them at this stage of their life, God has given them a garden to work and keep for His glory while under their parents' care. They recognized they needed to slow down and trust God with where He's planted them at this phase. I am genuinely grateful to God for the ministry of Longview and all of the men striving to be and shape their sons into men after God's heart who love and lead their families and society.
by Travis Chapman
Posted in Tell the Story