Annonymous

There was a feeling of excitement and anxiety. We didn’t know what to expect. Who would be there and what would the accommodation would be like?

We arrived at ‘De Vere Venues’ in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, just in time to welcome in the Sabbath. By this time, I believe many of us had established where we would be spending our next wedding anniversary. The hotel was a picture of elegance. The panoramic landscape of untouched woodland and fields with rivers flowing by, really did speak of God’s breathtaking glory. This set the atmosphere for the whole weekend. All worries and problems were left behind on the M1 motorway.

After enjoying our first meal of the weekend, we rolled on into the conference where we were introduced to our presenters. Each presenter challenged us in a different way. The weekend was full of discussions, debates, banter and some very necessary ‘laughing’ therapy. Pastor Jack set the tone for the weekend with his devotion, calling for us men to "try something different". The inspiration for the devotion came from 2 Kings 7:3, 4.

Gifford Rhamie began the weekend with the question ‘What type of man does God want us to be?’ This presentation was the topic of much debate and enlightenment. We were challenged not only to lead, but to demonstrate our leadership by serving our families. Nigel Channer followed with his presentation on, ‘Becoming the father your children need’. In this presentation, Nigel shared with us the ‘7 secrets of effective fathers’. As well as learning from the presentation, opportunities were given for the fathers present to share their experiences of parenthood.

Perhaps the most enlightening of presentations, was the one addressing ‘The female perspective’. We were forced to ask ourselves some trying questions on how we related to our wives. Leebert Hughes, a qualified and registered Christian counsellor, then spoke to us about techniques and modes of dealing with conflict.

Adrian Deazle closed the weekend with a talk on finance, addressing how to manage our finances, and to become financially independent. This presentation was described by one attendee as the icing on the cake. Some basic skills of finance management were shared and advice was given on how to get ‘bad’ finances in order and how to improve existing financial management.

Led by two able musicians and a willing worship leader, each session began with a song of praise, uniting us in harmony.

Over the course of the weekend we bonded as men; as we opened up and shared with each other about our life experiences and marital and parental joys, trials and tribulations. I believe this weekend benefited all the men who attended, albeit from different backgrounds and experiences. Not all the men had children, or were married. The youngest attendee was twenty. This ministry is for all men; at whatever age and stage you are at in your journey.

The NEC Family Ministries department would like to bring your attention to the next two Men's Ministries programmes, especially focussing on Fathers and Sons: The Fathers and Sons Adventure Day on May 23rd and the Fathers and Sons Retreat from the 20th - 22nd August. Be sure not to miss out! - Editor