Thanks for all your prayers for our retreat to Carolina Creek from April 30th to May
2nd. The 20 participants spent time in prayer, worship, recreation, and small group sharing. During that time, we saw God at work in the lives of the Agape members. Kirk and David spoke about the prodigal son and his return from the Far Country to the Father’s House, asking the attendees to identify their current resident status: Father’s House resident or Far Country resident. Young men and women shared honestly about their lives — both successes and failures.
At the conclusion of the retreat, David invited a public response to the gospel, and several young adults prayed with the staff and volunteers. Many said, “I’m tired of living in the slop. I want to come home to the Father’s House.” Many of the Agape members were renewing their commitment to a life submitted to Jesus, but one young man gave his life to Christ for the first time. It’s exciting to see this happen. We know the road is rough and long, but we rejoice at the work God does. Although this retreat seems similar to past retreats, the experiences and the individuals are new. People are more receptive to the gospel when removed from their daily distractions. Being closer to nature and surrounded by true, Christian love can soften the tough defenses used to guard against 
vulnerable situations. I am thankful for your prayers and God’s Spirit at work in our ministry. Please pray that the commitments made on the trip will bear fruit over the coming months and years.
