James 5:16 “..The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (NKJV)

On Jan 20th and 21st 2006, 38 men from Calvary gathered at Alton Bay Christian Conference Center on Lake Winnipesauke for our Men’s Winter Retreat. We had a great time of Worship in singing praises to God, studying His Word, and deepening our relationship with Christ and with one another.

Our Guest Speaker, Dr. John Talley Jr., treated the men to 3 sessions of bible college level practical application in prayer. In a nutshell, we were taught that the effective praying man must have a personal relationship with the Lord, have persevering prayer that is purposeful and positive. He must adore Christ, ask for needs to be met, intercede on behalf of others before God’s throne with thanksgiving and confession of his own failings.

Although the calendar said it was winter, temperatures reached the 50’s on Saturday, a nice temperature for being outside during our free time. The rush of water from snowmelt could be heard coming from the foothills nearby. The thin layer of water on the ice surface dashed the eager hockey players from a pick-up game, but did not discourage a few of the men from wandering out onto the Bay to check out the handiwork of the ice fisherman. Nor did it discourage a few die-hard skiers from getting in a half dozen top to bottom runs at Gunstock Ski Area.

A great retreat, as this one was, creates a longing for more times of teaching and fellowship. Providing a time to draw away from a busy and hectic world, to draw closer to God and to improve our relationship with Him.