I was proud. And justly so.
I’m a proud man. Proud of my wife for being the godly woman she is. Together, we’re proud of our children and the things they are accomplishing.
Sometimes the things we’re proud of are big deals. Graduations. Weddings. Purchasing a home. The birth of our grandchildren. Raising godly families. Pursuing God’s call.
Sometimes they’re little things that might easily be overlooked. Loving gestures. Shows of compassion. Expressions of thanks. Doing what is right because it is right.
I’ve been a husband for nearly forty-one years. A father for almost thirty-eight years. And a pastor for thirty-seven years. This past weekend was one of my proudest moments as a pastor.
The Men’s Ministry, quietly led by Will Kesler and Jason Coffey, sponsored a men’s retreat at Johnston’s Woods, a wonderful retreat center just south of Cleveland.
Many were praying and fasting in anticipation of this event. Others were taking care of all the details. Still, others were preparing to teach. All of those involved were hoping that maybe thirty to forty men might attend. The number was closer to ninety.
Some were as young as sixteen. Some were as old as eighty. Some were single. Most were married. A few have been members of CPC from the beginning. Others have not yet officially joined our fellowship. It was a wonderfully diverse gathering of men.
None of the pastors of CPC were directly involved in this effort. Elders Ken Henry and Dee Hobbs did most of the teaching. They effectively communicated the opportunities, privileges and responsibilities that men have to help each other become the husbands, fathers and individuals that God can use to profoundly impact our church, community and world for the cause of Christ.
What they taught wasn’t theory. It was based upon the clear teaching of Scripture and their own experiences and examples.
Only time will reveal the depth of the impact of this past weekend. By God’s grace, the impact will be profound.
As I sat and quietly participated in the gatherings, I was proud. I experienced a sense of deep satisfaction. For me, it was a wonderful moment.
The Lord was honored. The brief times of worship were joyfully respectful of our great Savior and King. His Word was handled carefully. Profound truths were taught effectively. Men responded with quiet agreement, insightful questions, and genuine emotion.
It’s no secret that I’m not particularly fond of retreats. But for me this was a wonderful moment in time.
If I tried to thank everyone involved, I would forget to mention someone deserving of recognition.
I’ve given you a few names. There were many more who worked, prayed and fasted to make all this possible. I don’t believe any of them did it so they’d get their name in the Newsletter. But I hope that each of them will know how grateful I am for all they have done.
More importantly, I believe the Lord was honored and pleased.
Now, I pray — and by God’s grace will continue to pray — for God to bless the labors of their hands.
Pastor Caines