Testimonials
As I was sitting on the back patio on Saturday, I was reading a book about joy. I was taking in the beauty all around me, and really thinking about the message in the book. It would have been a perfect situation, had it not been for those wasps. They drove me at least twice right off of my cozy swing. Swatting them away, I purposed not to let them keep me from this wonderful truth I believed God was showing me in this book. The author was talking about our need to “taste and see” the Lord all around us. He went on to say that at our conversion, our “taste” for Jesus changes. By God’s grace, we are then able to see Him for who He is, and to taste His sweetness. From that point on, when we see Jesus and His glory, it is always joy. Our purpose then becomes to see the Lord all around us. As I paused to let this thought sink in, I closed my eyes and folded my hands across my chest. I began to ask God to help me understand what this would look like in real life. It was a good theory, but how can I see him all around me when life is soooo busy and often so full of trials. After a time I opened my eyes and as I opened my hands, a wasp flew out. Apparently, the wasp had been in my hand while I was praying and I did not notice it. God spoke to my heart and said, "You see, life’s trials and business will never go away, but when you are truly fixed upon me, seeking me sincerely, all things fade and are no longer distracting." I began thanking God, declaring how amazing He is that He would arrange such a lesson just for me. I believe He then spoke back and told me that it is through those very 'wasps' that He will always show me His glory. So, now when life seems crazy, I thank God for the 'wasps'.
These moments with God can and do happen even amidst our crazy lives. But, because of God Quest, I am reminded of the closeness that is always available to me. Sometimes I forget how fully God can touch me. Taking the time to listen and allow Him to touch the places I so carefully hide away makes all the difference.
I explained a God Quest retreat to a friend recently like this. It is like playing in a basketball game. The coach is on the sidelines, always telling you what to do, giving advice and direction to you. But, because you are caught up in the game, it’s easy to be more focused on the other players, the ball, and the cheering crowd. That is why the coach calls a time out. He brings you out of the game so that you can stop and listen, and clearly hear what he wants you to do. Then he encourages you to get back in and win the game!
Thanks again, Donna." ---------- Christine, Sheffield Lake, OH
Also, when I returned from the retreat on Sunday we found my 93 year old mother-in-law to be having hallucinations. We spent nearly a week staying with her around the clock until we could get her into a facility that helped her. I was able to share the verses from Psalm 91 (from Friday night's orientation) with her one night to help calm her fears. That next week we drove an hour plus each day to check on her there. And at the same time our son suddenly needed us to look after his two girls after school a few days as they were experiencing some trauma in their lives. But even with all that to do, I felt the peace and the calmness of the retreat.
Last Sunday Roberta and I shared our retreat experience at church. I didn't have much time to prepare, but as I was reading over my journal, God seemed to tell me what to share. We have a small church but I felt everyone listening so intently as we spoke. Praise God. I hope our words were meaningful to at least one person.
My retreat coffee mug, sitting on the kitchen counter, led to my sharing my faith with a hurting person. I may have to give it to her someday. But I hope not soon.
I think God really wanted me to know (name withheld) for some reason. It seemed we were put together that first night at dinner for some purpose. I haven't figured that out yet. but I am journaling again and I know God will tell me in time if there is a connection.
The retreat was a gift from God. Words cannot explain how meaningful this renewal is for me. Thanks so much for your prayers before and after. I give God the glory and praise. Bless you for all you did to help Him." -------- Cheryl, Marshallville, OH
Thank You. You started them in my life."
I believe God is using your gifts in the GodQuest Ministry."
God Bless you and all you do. Thank You.
It was so peaceful, so quiet, so nice. (smile)
Everything was well organized. You didn't miss anything. That's nothing but God.
Please keep me on your list and let me know when you get your "2006" schedule.
Again, I want to say Thank You for this lovely time for teaching me something new. To all that helped you set up this weekend - Thank You.
It just seemed to have ended too quickly."
You truly showed us the love of Christ and made us feel so welcomed.
I enjoyed the teachings, encouraging words, and the worship brought back such special memories.
I have been studying meditation, contemplation, and silence in the spiritual classics by Richard Foster. This weekend helped me put them into practice. May the LORD continue to bless each of you and this excellent ministry."
My life is so hectic - this weekend is a good reminder to take QUIET TIME often!.
I love the "resort" (Spruce Hill Victorian Inn and Cottages, Mansfield, OH). It is comfy and safe!
Everything about this weekend was wonderful!
This ministry of Silent Retreats has been a God send.
It's had a lasting impact on my life and God has used it to minister deeply to me.
My husband said, 'Why are you gonna pay money to be silent? Doesn't that sound weird to you?'
I said, 'Don't knock it till you've tried it!' - and handed him the MENS brochure.
Thanks again."
You provide a free and safe envirnoment for us. The length of the time you offer is unusually long. Most other retreats (though not silent) conclude much earlier. While they are wonderful, too, they don't allow the relaxed envirnoment to enjoy or stay focused Sunday morning as our thoughts go towards packing and being checked out in time. This extra time this morning has added (what feels like) an additional week to our weekend retreat.
I have had an unusually hard time focusing on scripture and letting God in my life the last 14 months. ... It was nice to bond with Him again and to have the support of a community of fellow believers who love to spend time alone with the Lord also." "
I also want to thank you for all the "little things" you did to make us feel pampered... the mugs, candy, candle, bubble bath, etc. Especailly the sign on the TV that really helped avoid temptation.
I thank you so much for the opportunity to be alone with God. I needed it more than I knew.
Thank You for all the hard work you put into these retreats. They bless so many women and I know that God is going to continue to bless this ministry with great abundance. I'm so thankful that you have been obedient to this calling.
You and GodQuest will continue to be in my prayers."
Your welcome to me as soon as I opened my car door, the note awaiting me this morning, and the prayers offered on my behalf are all such an encouragement to me.
The solitude and silence given to me are certainly a treasure for me. All the extra thoughtful provisions were greatly appreciated: the wonderful room with candles and such, the art bag, the hot chocolate.
May the Lord continue to bless you and this ministry."
the BEST retreat I have EVER been on
(in about 16 years I have been to about 16 retreats).
NO! and KNOW! (okay, that's two words)
NO Restrictions (except no talking)
NO Schedule to Keep
NO Messages to Note
NO Crafts to Make
NO Social "Have-to's" or "Hi's"
It was just Jesus and Me, and getting to know God better.
All this with just the right amount of friends (and talk) mixed in.
I am sooooo relaxed, sooooo at peace.
Why? I could take this for a week!"
I pray all of you had a great time of renewal and refreshment, too. I look forward to the next time to participate in a GodQuest event. Thanks for your love."
Such a wonderful time of resting in the Lord, being quiet enough to hear His voice."
- Another correspondence at a later time:
"Thank you for arranging another Silent Retreat. Without distractions of our busy lives, and the beauty of nature around us ... our hearts and minds so easily are drawn to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Quiet time with Him at home is so good ... but at a Silent Retreat it seems deeper and richer."
I'm very interested in being a part of it.
I believe you have tapped into what really matters to our Savior, time with Him.
I will be looking forward to hearing from you." "
"During Holy Week I noticed that my heart was unusually tender as I thought about Jesus, His coming to the earth and continuing His redemption all the way through His abandonment by His friends and even His Father.
As I attended a Sedar on Thursday and especially Sunday during worship, I felt a great sense of gratitude toward Christ because He was willing to knowingly walk into that deep suffering for me.
I thought then that my weekend of silence and being alone with Him had made me more attuned to Him as a person. I know that the next time I take a silent retreat it will be different, but I sense that the Father will tailor make it for what I need then."
God bless you and your co-workers as you continue God's work in this wonderful ministry."
"In quietness and healing we find the joy of an ever-present Father."-------- Mary, Canton, OH
... My thoughts often return to the Retreat weekend and I can't help but smile - I try to remember each face and voice. It was such a good time. I enjoyed everyone who was there and I look forward to seeing them again.
For me, it was a cleansing time to get rid of the staleness and accumulated dust (Spring-Cleaning) from over the winter of my life.
He can use me now to a greater degree. What a blessed relief....."
My weekend alone with God has helped me greatly, since I've been home!
It also was a hard weekend, as the Holy Spirit went "plowing" in my life!
I am looking forward to the next GodQuest!"
I'm leaving with a better picture and clear understanding of what I must do. God has answered through much scripture: WAIT PATIENTLY.(scripture references)"
Since attending my first retreat, I now refer to the retreat as MY weekend with God. It is a wonderful time of fellowship with Him because I have the time and energy to focus on Him without all the distractions I would have in a normal day at home.
It is time well spent as I come home refreshed and renewed in my relationship with God."
"Be still before the
Lord, and wait patiently for him" - Psalms 37:7