Lighted Way Ministries Spring Retreat, 2007
This past Tabernacles Retreat was a tremendous blessing – which is a real answer to prayer. We experienced
insightful health talks in Dr. Michael Casey’s series about Health Principles for Plagues Protection;
we were grateful for the simple yet vital tools for victorious Christian living Mark Maccarone shared
in his Prescription for Victory series;
we were challenged to reach for purity in Danette Davis’ talks
about the Dangers of Mingled Seed.
And these things are just some of the powerful messages that were
given at this spiritual feast.
It all started with building two sukkahs together in a teaching session about the spiritual meaning behind the trees and materials used to construct the sukkahs. Throughout the retreat, we dined in the booths enjoying wonderful fellowship together there beneath the boughs.
There were spiritually rich meetings for all ages held all day on the Sabbaths and Sunday. On the weekdays, workshops and nature activities filled the days with family bonding and time to deepen friendships.
Marci Lee (with Tim’s help) taught a very helpful Kitchens Medicine seminar about how to find natural healing in one’s own kitchen cupboard. She also demonstrated how to make green smoothies. The other seminar was given by Danette Davis and Shauna Manfredine, who taught on How to Study the Bible.
We enjoyed a powerful sanctuary tour which involved dressing up like priests and Israelites, carrying our stuffed lambs and walking through the life-size sanctuary as we “acted” out each activity. It was very meaningful to all!
The nature activities which took place included a group bus tour through the Wildlife Drive-through Safari and a trip to Bandon’s Westcoast Gamepark Safari (the only petting safari park on the westcoast). Those who attended were excited to pet a caracal, a couple of descented skunks, a cross-eyed opossum, a baby tiger and some ferrets. Several of us took the opportunity to sit in the baby tiger’s play area and tussle with him or hold him for a bit. It was a very memorable experience which reminded us of some of the joys that await us in the kingdom of Heaven.
Several attended this Feast of Tabernacles for the first time. The people in attendance were from a variety of religious backgrounds including: Mormon, Messianic, Assembly of God Seventh-day, as well as Seventh-day Adventists.
Another high point in this week was a special baptism service for Christopher
Manfredine (age 13). Many joined us out at the Hernandez family’s home to
witness the river baptism.
We all sang around a campfire, rejoiced in witnessing
the baptism and then went up to the Hernandez home to do an anointing and prayer
session over Christopher. The presence of the Holy Spirit was felt by all.
In fact, one person who attended now wishes to be baptized (by their pastor
back home).
So the retreat was filled with spiritual food, wonderful experiences together, friendship, prayer, music and fellowship.
Throughout the week of the retreat, a total of six wonderful vegan meals were prepared and served to the whole group under our sukkahs in the Noah’s Ark dining room. These meals were lovingly prepared by: Danette Davis, Marci Lee, Cindy Hernandez, Brenda Kaneshero, Danon Taylor, and many other precious sets of hands.
Sharon Turner blessed us on several ocassions with special music by harp and voice.
During this last retreat, many came forward to reconsecrate their lives to Christ. Several of these dear ones have contacted us to tell us the beautiful fruit of these living comittments. Lives and homes are being impacted for heaven. Gladly we praise the Father for these victories. As we are certain this is why He so wisely instructed His people to keep these holy days.
All glory to our heavenly Father, our time together this past Tabernacles was truly spiritually rich. No wonder our wise Creator called it a “feast!”