After the March retreat with 9 pastors and their spouses, the participants requested us to form a ‘Community of Love’ to help them live according to the new life they had experienced during the retreat. I agreed to meet monthly with them as long as they are diligent. They settled on the third Thursday of each month (we move some because of national Holidays), and I arrange to be in Jakarta for them as best I can. For the March meeting two weeks after the retreat, only three of the couples were present, so I figured it was a safe commitment: they would soon loose interest.
But for the April meeting, I was surprised to see that all nine couples were there, and they had brought three couples along. I set forth the arrangement that every odd month meeting would be alumni only, and even numbered months would be open to potential participants in a future FOR LOVERS ONLY retreat.
This past week in Jakarta was a big test for them, as they are all Charismatic or Pentecostal churches, and here in Indonesia it is a ‘must’ to have 10 days of prayer and fasting, meeting each day, from Ascension day until Pentecost. Six of the couples made the sacrifice!
We are planning the next FOR LOVERS ONLY retreat September 4-6 at the same venue in the mountains outside Jakarta. This will be another test of the group’s resolve and dedication!
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