Thursday, July 17, 2014

Consider A "God Quest" Silent Retreat

Have you ever been on a silent retreat? Neither have I, but I met Donna Lewis, the retreat founder when I was first widowed and she's been inviting me to these retreats ever since. I'll not be able to go this year, but maybe someday. .  And maybe this would be something just right for you! So I want you to know about it. I'm not paid to say this, and I do not receive any financial renumeration for posting this.
 
For more information please visit the GodQuest website.
The following is from the brochure and website:
 
Plan a "Get-away" this Fall at GodQuest either in New York or Ohio.
The Abbey, New York (Piffard,southwest of Rochester)
September 19-21 (women only) Weekend $185
Deposit $35
Balance due August 19
Spruce Hill, Ohio (Mansfield, between Cleveland and Columbus off I-71)
October 15-17 (men & women separately) Mid-week $185
Deposit $35
Balance due August 26
October 17-19 (men & women separately) Weekend $225
Deposit $35
Balance due August 26
The Origin

Origin of GodQuest
By Founder/Director Donna Lewis
We were experiencing an unusual amount of stress within our family. With four school age children, the demands of the pastorate, and a rebellious teenager, tensions were mounting, and I felt like running away.
It was either I "run away" or "plan a get away'.
So I called a nearby Christian retreat center and that next week planned a two night stay. It was time alone to think my own thoughts and to be my own person.
During those days away, I had time to sort out my feelings, pray, and be quiet before God. I read the Bible in large portions, gaining an overview of what the book was about. I also had the time to mediate on a single verse. I came back refreshed, and with a whole new perspective.
Ready to be stressed again, but this time fortified, stronger, and healthier. Every year after that for six years, I went on a 3-day personal retreat.
In the fall of 1992, I participated in a silent retreat at the Laurelville Mennonite Church Center, southeast of Pittsburgh, PA. It inspired me to have the first GodQuest in April, 1996. Since it's inception we have held many retreats in several different geographical locations.
God is so good... the problems we were experiencing when I took my first retreat have all been resolved. Praise be to His Holy Name. Personal retreats for me have been like an oasis in the middle of a desert.
"Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him" - Psalms 37:7

GodQuest retreats usually appeals to two kinds of people:
1. The young mother with small children or the harried father with demands of a high pressure job who is stressed out and feels like running away.
2. The mature Christan who sees the value of taking a "Sabbath Rest" to become closer to God.

This type of retreat is not for everyone. It appeals to a small population of people who understand the value of getting away to do nothing.

4 comments:

  1. Sounds like it would be wonderful!

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  2. Doesn't it? I mean, who doesn't want to get away at times? And this is in a protected setting which allows you plenty of time alone with just enough structure and guidance. It's good to hear from you Sharon.

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  3. Another wonderful place to go is "The Cove" (Billy Graham) in Western, NC. They offer personal retreats. It is a secluded, peaceful area in the NC mountains. It is a bit more expensive then above retreats, but it includes all meals buffet style -- delicious! They provide a Bible study guide for spiritual renewal if you don't have your own plans. It is an absolutely beautiful mountain setting with quaint rooms, walking trails -- quiet, reflective and spiritually, emotionally, and physically renewing. The only time you are "required" to be with other people is at meals, and you meet some wonderful people from all over. I went about seven years ago. It was a perfect place to "get-away" with the Lord. Just thought I would share, for those who may live closer to this area. ~ Beth ~

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  4. Thank you Beth! I didn't know anything about personal retreats at The Cove, that would be a great place to go too!

    ReplyDelete

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