The gazebo where we are holding our retreat meetings

Many of you have been kind enough to commit to uphold these retreats in the Dominican Republic in prayer. I realized that it might help if you knew our general schedule for the next couple of days. (Remember that the time zone here in the Dominican Republic is an hour later than Eastern Time. For example, we’re four hours ahead of California).

Also, for those of you who lead retreats like this, I though you’d be interested in the flow of what we planned here.

“Rest With Purpose” Retreat
November 16-18, 2009
Facilitated by Alan Fadling & Samuel Luna

In the midst of a season of very busy ministry and teaching, Jesus extended this invitation to his weary disciples: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. (Mark 6:31).” We invite you to such a time away with the Lord to find rest, refreshment and restoration. This spiritual leadership retreat will provide times for soul refreshment and encouragement in time alone with God, as well as in time together in community. You will return to your places of ministry with a fresh sense of God’s presence and God’s encouragement.

Time            Program

MONDAY

2:00pm            Arrival/Check-in

3:30pm            GATHERING #1

• Introduction
• Worship
• Time in scripture (Psalm 84)
• Teaching: Sabbath & Ministry

5:30pm            Break

6:00pm            Dinner

7:30pm            GATHERING #2

• Worship
• Discussion: “What brings you here? In what ways are you feeling hungry for God? Are you tired? What hopes or desires are in your heart as you come to these days of retreat?”
• Orientation: What is this retreat like?

9:00pm            Retire for the night

TUESDAY

8:00am            Breakfast

9:00am            GATHERING #3

• Brief reflection on Psalm 84
• Message: Jesus’ Way of Being Alone with the Father
• Orientation to extended time alone with God

10:00am            Time Alone with God

12:00pm            Quiet Lunch with Spiritual Reading

• Samuel reading some Henri Nouwen prayers

1:00pm            Debrief Time Alone with God (together)

2:00pm            Relax / Nap / Rest

4:00pm            GATHERING #4

• Question & Answer time
• In twos (couples or friends), talk together about what is helping you walk with God? How can you pray for each other in your walk with God?

6:00pm            Dinner

7:00pm            GATHERING #5

• Worship
• Message
• Discussion

9:00pm            Retire for the night

WEDNESDAY

8:00am            Breakfast

9:00am            GATHERING #6

• Worship
• Message
• Discussion

11:30am            Break

12:00pm            Lunch

1:00pm            CLOSING

• Communion

1:30pm            Retreat ends