“That The Man Of God May Be Perfect”

On the weekend of November 9-11, 2007, 45 brothers from Canada and the East­ern United States met for the second annual Brothers’ Weekend. The location was Hidden Acres retreat, in the rolling hills of central Ontario, about a 90-minute drive west of Toronto.

It was a joyful event for all brethren attending. Starting with the readings on Friday evening until we dispersed after lunch on Sunday, the focus of our time and attention was on the theme “Called to be a Man of God”.

We had four 90-minute sessions (three on Saturday and one on Sunday). For each session, the brother leading the discussion first made a twenty-minute presenta­tion; this became the basis for a number of small group discussions. After about 45 minutes of these small discussions, a brother selected from each group gave a brief summary to the full group.

The individual topics were as follows:

  1. “Called to be a Man of God among Brethren”, led by Bro. Colin Badger
  2. “Called to be a Man of God at Work”, led by Bro. Dev Ramcharan
  3. “Called to be a Man of God at Home”, led by Bro. Chris Sales
  4. “Called to be a Man of God in the Ecclesia”, led by Bro. Ron Leadbetter

The exhortation in the memorial service was given by Bro. Mark Carr, following the general theme, “That the Man of God May be Perfect”.

On Saturday evening, there was a group prayer session. At this time brothers could request that we pray altogether for a particular situation or person as identified. It was with deep appreciation that our prayers of praise, thanksgiving, and help were offered. May our Father in heaven hear and answer our prayers.

During our weekend together there was time for recreation such as walking, table tennis, and the late evening bonfire. Friendships were strengthened and new friendships made. We all left encouraged and a little more confident as each “man of God” grows day by day to become more like “the Man of God”.

Brothers, do mark in your calendar November 14-16, 2008, for the next Eastern “Brothers’ Weekend”. Join us for what, God willing, may be a time to build each other up in the faith and hope we treasure.