I feel refreshed again after completing the Mens Encounter Weekend. It was an intense weekend of voluntary self-exile, not only away from family and friends but the daily routine of our work, computers, telephone and newspapers [“exclusions”]. Was it worth it? Answer: A BIG YES!!

There were 11 of us. And all those exclusions which we were “deprived” of during the weekend were meant to enable us to have a personal and quality time with our Lord Jesus with the least distractions. Honestly, many of us don’t really spend quality time with our Lord every day and even if we do it’s more often than not a fleeting meeting like a “Hi and Bye” thing, never for a moment think how hurtful this can be to our Lord.

At the Encounter Weekend, we are presented with a series of experiences, personal teachings and ministering that will result (if we are honest with God) in visible, manifested change in our lives and walk with God.

Going to this Encounter Weekend is like going to a spiritual hospital. I received Godly consultation, a complete spiritual check-up and how to go about receiving the cure. I found there were excess baggages and rubbish in my “temple of God,” some without me even realising were there. I learned that all these excess baggages are the causes of our inner struggles or pain that have also caused so much hurt and pain to our family and friends and most of all to our Lord. They are sins which we have taken lightly or pretend that they are not there. How can we be servants of God if our said household is not in order? All of us need that cleansing and we have to realise that only the blood of Jesus can do that.

So I went with certain expectations and I received more than I had expected. I met with Jesus during the teaching sessions, the ministering time, my quiet time, at the fellowship meals and when I went to bed – in fact the whole day. God showed me the causes of those struggles I have; the sins I never knew I had; and He did emphasised that He love not only me but every one of us just the same inspite of all our imperfections.

All of us were ministered to – we experienced a new level of healing and were delivered from bondages, voids and the unexpected. I have come out of that weekend with God feeling so much more refreshed and renewed. Now I can move into the next chapter of my walk with God more confidently with His grace and help.

Thank you to the elders, pastors, and helpers who have worked so hard to ensure that we are well taken care of and that everything went well. Thank you also to all my brothers and sisters-in-Christ for all your prayers and encouragement.

Our church conducts the Men’s, Women’s and Youth Encounter weekends every year. I would encourage those who have not attended any of these encounters, to do so. God doesn’t want us to have a sub-Christian life. All of us need to be break free of every obstacle that prevents us from becoming all that we can be in Christ.

To God be all the glory.