Band of Brothers

How do I put this retreat into words? It was a retreat put on through a group of men with a ministry called Band of Brothers. The goal is for men to be honest and real with each other, so as to be able to help each other in our pursuit of God's heart.

As God worked it out, my friend Joel (top left) and I were able to go the the retreat a day early and hike Long's Peak. What an adventure that was! Check out http://spaces.msn.com/members/wadedara/ to see those pictures.

From there we went on to the retreat, and were joined by John Willingham (far right) - our new intern, and Jeremiah - one of the students in our ministry.

The four of us made a "Band," sharing discussion time, bunking in the same room, basically doing "life" together. During free time on Saturday we hiked up the big pile of rocks in the middle of the picture above. It was an amazing time of community, and it led into us opening up with each other about where we were at, where we had been, and our hearts desire to be free from so much of the junk that so often pulls us down.

One of the points that really stuck with us from the retreat was that "To be known is to be loved." It was awesome as masks came off, stories were told, and we were able to know and love each other.

I thank God for putting men in my life who desire to walk with me. I am so thankful for these three here in Colorado Springs - and for the others that God has put in my life through the years and across this country.

If you are one of those men, and are reading this now - please leave a comment and tell me how you are!!