I’m back! The retreat is called
‘Reel Recovery’ and originally started in the US. It’s free and supported by volunteers. I highly recommend it for men with cancer. Give yourselves a wonderful break.
During the day we fish with a buddy whose job it is to teach fly casting, and to hold you up when necessary. The Tongariro river is swift. After breakfast and after tea (all provided) we get together for what is called, ‘courageous conversations.’ A question is put to us and we answer in a circle.
On the first conversation the men were all bravado and funny jokes, but it wasn’t long before the true feelings started being expressed. For example, “What did you lose most after being diagnosed with cancer?” ”weakness, loss of concentration …” One guy broke down when he said he couldn’t support his wife and 7-year old son anymore.
Thanks for praying, because I couldn’t find a laid-back opening until the last day. The question was posed: “What did you
GAIN most after being diagnosed with cancer?” I had my answer because the Lord had told me …
‘the Christian hope.’ So, when it was my turn, I shared:
“Look fellas, no amount of positive talking is going to change the fact that we are on the last leg of the journey. So, what I gained was this:- hope! I always knew it in theory of course, but I gained a new appreciation of it. As some of you know, Im a Christian, but I won’t preach at you. I just want to share a few words from the Master.”
Then I quoted nice and slow.
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
They all looked at me like I was from another planet. That’s OK, we’ve got the Holy Spirit, so He can take it from there. Thanks again for praying.
