Men’s Retreat 2021
Written by Tan Seng Chai
We were grateful to God that 50 men from Zion Bishan BP Church had a blessed day on 4 November 2021 (Deepavali Public Holiday) immersing in God’s word, authentic sharing and fellowship with each other in the first Men’s Ministry (MM) offsite event in almost two years.
Due to safety measures and controls in view of Covid-19 pandemic, we have not been able to hold our annual Men’s Retreat 3D2N residential program. We thought the inconvenience and disruption were to be temporary but surely God has His plan and timing as the pandemic continues to rage on, and even more rampant with the outbreak of Delta variant. The Retreat Committee hence decided to trust in God and hold this 12th edition of Men’s Retreat as a 1-day event.
God reminded us to trust in Him and be peacefully confident that He will give us strength to face our difficulties. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)
The theme this year, “Brokenness to Brotherhood”, reminded us of our sinful nature and vulnerability in manhood journey. We thank God for Pastor Hon Chin Foang from Good News Baptist Church as our Retreat speaker. It was most edifying to listen to God’s words (Genesis 32-33:11) about the way, the works and the wonder of brokenness for us to see the face of God. We also reflected on the message about men’s need of brotherhood to finish well (2 Timothy). Through the messages, God’s perfect wisdom were revealed to us to be steadfast and to be persistent in pursuing Him as we minister to men.
We were touched by authentic sharing of testimonies by brothers about broken relationships, cross-roads of life journey, facing the giants of fear and anxiety, as well as responding to regrets in life. It was truly a heartfelt reflection of our lives among the men, encouraging one another in a SAFE place. “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
The session ended with sharing of the journey of Zion Bishan’s MM since its early years, from a small group of men supporting one another initially, progressed to organize more action-based programs to connect, equip and transform men. God has further blessed MM with a band of brothers in a core team to expand participation rate of MM programs in recent years. MM is currently soliciting ideas to advance this journey to multiply faithful men and grow this community of brotherhood that can count on each other and ultimately to finish well together.
