Men, our annual retreat has been cancelled this year due to COVID-19.

My name is Al Bulckaert, and I speak on behalf of the committee in saying that we are saddened but believe this to be the right decision. We look forward to being together next year when we, as men, will worship together louder, and more enthusiastically than ever.

The title of the 2021 Retreat will be Man Overboard (God’s Purpose for His Men) and will be based on the book of Jonah.

Summary of the Book of Jonah

The book of Jonah is filled with irony. The author uses a repetition to highlight themes, with emphasis on the words: Arise, Down, Hurl, Great, and Evil. God is referenced 39 times in the book’s 48 verses, and it contains 14 questions and 6 miracles. Jonah’s “sermon” delivered to the Ninevites is a mere eight words.

The storyteller constantly turns the reader’s expectations upside down. First, God’s prophet proves disobedient. Pagans prove insightful. What is expected, almost never occurs.

Second, the story is purposefully sensational. Big storms and a big fish help grab attention.

Third, the story is didactic which means it aims to teach. Jonah teaches us truths about God. It also teaches us truths about ourselves as people and men of God.

Here is your assignment: Find the 6 miracles by God!

Themes

• God’s Omnipresence: He will never let us go
• God’s Grace and Compassion: Is relentless and we do not know it
• God’s Sovereignty: He is in control all nations, people and events
• Salvation: Through Judgement and Mercy

Topics of presentation:

1. Disobedience (Ch 1)
2. Prayer and Repentance (Ch 2-3)
3. Grace (Ch 4)
4. Our Relationship to God’s Word, God’s World, God’s Grace

Verse 2:9 “Salvation belongs to the Lord” is one of the most significant biblical verses. This is Jonah’s confession that God is the sovereign source of salvation and God is free to save any of His children. During a life-threatening crisis, we have the assurance that God is in control and he will not abandon us. Sometimes, we feel like we are deep in the belly of a great fish. Amid global, personal and economic despair our faith in Christ is our hope and we pray that many unbelievers will turn to the Lord in repentance, and like the Ninevites, receive compassion, strength and salvation from him.

Men, I trust that you are encouraged by this short overview of the book of Jonah to join us next year to receive God’s Word, Wisdom, and Grace.

Blessings and Health to all.