The Men and Young Men’s Alliance Presents
The National Men and Young Men’s Retreat
Church of God of Prophecy Eastern Canada
Friday to Sunday Oct 31 – Nov 2
Top 10 Reasons
Why You Should Come to Men’s Retreat…
The Men and Young Men’s Alliance (COGOP National Men’s Ministry) is hosting the National Men and Young Men’s Retreat October 31 to November 2 of this year.
Now, I have spent many, many countless hours deeply contemplating the Top Ten Reasons as to why you should attend this event, so hear me out…
10. Safety in numbers…
Remember the movie Independence Day? Well, if aliens attacked there would be about 200 men and young men there to help mount a counterattack and save our families…
But seriously, together as a community we are stronger.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
We need to be like the Convoy Systems of WW2. (Click on the link to read the blog). These merchant ships traveled in groups to safely navigate the Atlantic Ocean from the devastating threats of NAZI submarines attacks. It was the only way they could be safe.
Similarily, we need to be like those Greek soldiers who fought in a phalanx formation…
(They held spears in the right hand to attack together, meanwhile holding shields on their left side to protect the warrior beside them.)
To me that has always been an effective metaphor to explain how we need to live cooperatively as men.
Men’s Retreat is a time for us to connect with one another and draw on each other’s strengths.
9. No politics…
Absolutely no annoying or unpopular political figures will be there.
Are you tired of this depressing political environment? Are you aware that the word politics comes from the Latin and means literally “blood sucking ticks”? (Look it up!)
None of that will be there, you have my personal guarantee.
8. It’s a time to engage…
Men’s Retreat is a great opportunity to engage and connect with young men and to help them in their journey into manhood. Do you remember the significant men in your life growing up? Yes? No? In any case, be that person to someone else.
Young men will be there from your church, and maybe even your son -if you have one. Let’s be there for them!
As a national ministry, one of our guiding focuses is to “Ally with boys and young men.” This retreat will be a great opportunity to build connections with our young men.
7. Get motivated…
Remember the Men and Young Men’s Forum last year? Dr. Timothy Quek delivered a deeply powerful message on the topic of Men’s Motivation. You can listen or re-listen to the message, and the follow up podcast interview called “Too Many Umbrellas”. He will be attending this Retreat, so prepare to be blessed and challenged!
By the way, Part 2 of “Next Tuesday’s Podcast” will feature the conclusion of Dr. Quek’s interview and it is titled: “Babylon Does it Better but…“
6. Improved American/ Canadian relations…
Dr. Bishop Roger Ball (from the Bronx) will be our keynote speaker this year!
5. Do nothing for the weekend…
You don’t have to cook any meals, change any diapers, make any lunches, mow any lawns, study for any tests, write any essays, file any taxes… You get the picture?
Come for an enjoyable and relaxing weekend!
4. It’s a great deal!
Are you tired of shrinkflation, inflation and bacon that costs $6.99. The Men and Young Men’s Retreat is a great deal!
Seriously, where else can you get two nights accommodations, and four meals for $330? I dare you, try and find anything like that. I bet you can’t.
Also, we are actively searching for sponsors to help reduce the cost for our young men (19 and younger).
We will be shortly starting a Sponsorship Program where business owners can benefit while contributing to this cause.
Also, our Men’s Leaders will be encouraging our local churches to help support their young men.
You can etransfer a donation to the Church of God of Prophecy Eastern Canada at <conference@cogop.ca> and partner your support with us! Be sure to write “Men’s Retreat sponsorship” in the comment section.
3. You deserve a break!
Remember that MacDonald’s slogan? “You deserve a break today”. It’s true! (Well, maybe your body deserves a break from fast food…)
Nevertheless, you work hard, right? You deserve a weekend away where you can focus on you. Self care is important. (Check out this article)
Can I get a witness? Enough said…
2. Two words: Amazing and Phenomenal Spiritual Growth
(Okay, that was five words…)
Men’s Retreat has been amoung the most spiritually important times of my life. I received blessings and at the same time discovered deep deposits in God’s word.
I experienced the challenging and momentous move of God, and found a reservoir of support from the older men around me, and developed confidence to move forward in my spiritual life.
This upcoming Men and Young Men’s Retreat will be an amazing opportunity to become Divinely and Dynamically Connected to God.
1. Personal growth as a man
The number one reason hits very close to home. Men’s Retreat has been among the most significant times of personal growth for me as a man.
When I was a younger man, I had this nagging question in regards to my development. One day it was as if I woke up and looked around at my life and saw that I had a wife, kids and a mortgage, and then wondered “How and when did I become a man?“
Men’s Retreat has been the North Star in that journey of realization, and I believe that many others have experienced a similar narrative.
Our organization has a rich legacy when it comes to this event. Listen to the conversatins that I had with Bishop Trevor Reid. You’ll discover how amazing it was last year in 2024. This year it will be even better! (Listen here)
Today we look forward to the future of Men and Young Men’s Retreat! We look to it being a relevant, fresh and exciting period of connection to God, each other and our young men.
A Word to our Young Men
Before I wrap this up, I would like to send out a special invitation to those interested in attending who are 19 years old or younger.
- We want you to be at this event, and we are working to reduce your cost.
- The National Men’s Ministry has resolved to make this organization more inclusive and relevant to you. One of our Guiding Focuses is to “Ally with boys and young men,” and that’s why we renamed ourselves “The Men and Young Men Alliance.”
- We have created a special program for you this November.
- Our goal is to encourage at least 50 young men (19 or younger) to be in attendance!
The Last Word
We look forward to all of our men and young men signing up in during the June registration. Start making preparations from now!
The National Men and Young Men’s Retreat is an event not to be missed!
An updated flyer and more detailed information will be following soon.
Call To Action
What is your most memorable Men’s Retreat memory? Dig up those past pictures and email and share them with us. (We would like to create a collage.
Contact us if you have questions or wish further information.
The Genesis Man Project 