Number 119:  July 31, 2007

Last weekend we hosted our second annual Men’s Advance. Over 50 men advanced to a primitive campsite about 9000 feet above sea level in the Pike National Forest for manly talk about God and the things of God. The camping spot was so primitive we had to fight off a contingent of Geico spokesman for the area. There was no running water, no electricity, no cell phone coverage, only men hungry to learn more of God’s goodness.

It the middle of this open forest land, someone had convinced the park rangers to construct a descent size pavilion. This was a godly blessing as the rains descended both Friday and Saturday night. Since we literally were “home on the range,” despite the weather and the resultant cold, there was never heard a discouraging word.

Of course there was coffee and red meat and port-a-lets. The area might have been primitive, but with the help of modern inventions, we turned the barren wasteland into a livable, functioning, semi-manly-paradise. Since there was no football or golf available, it was only a semi-manly paradise. However, horse shoes, volleyball, fishing, naps, and gas powered, environmental destroying ATV’s, made Saturday afternoon a pleasurable experience between Bible teachings.

The land was flat and semi-open so RV’s and tents popped up everywhere as God’s men appeared throughout the day and night on Friday. They came early to reserve the pavilion and set up orange cones to direct the lines of traffic into the wilderness. They were there by noon setting up an outdoor kitchen that Emeril would be proud of. [I would have referenced Rachel Ray but this was a men’s gathering.] They came in the evening after work. Men from age 7 to almost 87 were there. There were men experiencing their first fellowships to men who have been around almost 40 years. No matter to God, He could and did meet their hearts desires.

There was great effort put forth to make this weekend a blessing so God’s Word could be easily received without concern for anything. Great help was needed and many willing to serve arrived to provide it. Thank you very much for your superb performance.  

This was the setting so men could be men and enjoy the greatness of God’s Word which was plentiful. Saturday morning we had the first 6 of 15 teachers to handle God’s Word. The theme revolved around the goodness of God. Among the topics we toured throughout the weekend were Romans chapter 10 concerning salvation, prison outreach, Samson, what good works really are, God’s power in operation, sonship rights, what and why Jesus Christ accomplished, and “of course” the unity of the spirit.

The weekend brought great individual benefits as a greater commitment to doing it God’s way was stressed. Men’s hearts were tenderized by the Word of God which was held forth. A better heart of service to our heavenly Father was encouraged. This mountaintop experience continued to build the hope of Christ’s return into one’s mind and heart.