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Internet Church Retreat
Saturday, 31 July 2010 00:17 | Written by Patrice Aka | 
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First Internet Church Retreat - Report.
As you know last month we, as a church and ministry, had our first retreat in the most wonderful setting of Ffald-Y-Brenin (meaning Sheepfold of the King), Pembrokeshire. Everyone had been really looking forward to it and the Lord was faithful!
We had a most glorious time in His presence and were able to function, in everyway, as one body. Every need and chore went seamlessly and we all found our places and purposes without conflict but joy.
We settled in and began with some praise and worship, followed by Patrice’s first teaching on Communion, then communion itself, which was a simple but anointed affair. Later that evening Patrice shared, once again with clarity and simplicity what Baptism is all about, ready for the baptism on Saturday afternoon.
Saturday morning we began our series of teaching on: “not by power, nor by might, but by my spirit says the Lord” Zech. 4. The afternoon saw us head for Newport Sands Beach!
The clear blue skies had disappeared and the mist had arrived, closing in the valley and causing all the glorious views to hide behind a grey blanket. But whilst it was miserable to the human eye the Lord reminded me of Isaiah, when he saw the glory of the Lord fill the temple, and it was as if the glory cloud had lowered once again. So when we got to the shore, I did not see the misery but was awestruck by the whole event.
The beach was deserted but we joyously danced down to the tide like some deranged motley crew! What a sight! ;-D
Tamsin, who we were about to baptise, was freezing and covered with goose bumps, teeth chattering. But as we entered the water and she stood confessing her faith in Jesus she warmed up! As we came out of the water I felt as if the very rocks were shouting His praise! “Do not despise small beginnings”! It was glorious! Then as we walked up the slip road a strange man greeted us with a smile on His face saying, “Praise the Lord!” The Lord led this couple, to the beach that afternoon and they thought it crazy because the weather was so bad and there was nothing to see… except a very unexpected baptism! So they followed us back to the centre and joined us the remainder of the day and on Sunday! It appeared we had been an answer to their prayers.
Throughout the day we had various times of very powerful praise and worship where the Lord presence was real and tangible, each so special, so personal, so awesome.
Sunday continued with more powerful teaching as biblical examples were shared of great men ad women of God who were weak but who learnt that it is not by might, nor by power but by His spirit! In the afternoon we enjoyed a really pleasant walk across the mountains, and it was truly awesome to see Ian, who had his second chemo treatment only a few weeks ago, enjoy the challenge also!
In the evening, the powerful times of praise and worship just went up a gear, as the anointing flowed above and beyond expectation! And the spirit moved in power and glory! It was amazing to be a part of it!
In fact it was something echoed by all, as everyone truly “felt a part of” what was happening. Everyone bonded together wonderfully, each of us amazed and blessed by seeing the church be a church, be a family, living it and experiencing it first hand.
After returning home it is clear that this report must end with “TO BE CONTINUED…” For whilst the retreat is over, the baptism over, the teaching over, there is a greater sense of something great having begun, of a journey being embarked upon that none of us could have anticipated! I feel almost uneasy because there is an anticipation and nervousness in the spirit. We feel as though something is going to happen, but can only wait, watch, seek and see the truth of what that is. The Lord knows what was started this weekend.
So, whilst this is a report of what happened, it is moreover a report to express “what next”? Well, that only the Lord knows. Although we have decided to return every 4 months as a group, beyond this… there is expectation in the air, and we will indeed keep you updated! In the Spirit doors are opening, what they are and where they will lead, we believe will be made known in the not too distant future!
TO BE CONTINUED…
If you want to see some photos of our time we have uploaded them onto Facebook, and here is the link (you do not have to be a member to view them!):
Simply click on it! To see a nice big image of the photos, click on the first one, which will lead you to a larger image and then simply click on "next" to view the others photos the same way...Enjoy!
Finally, we are looking forward to our next retreat which will be taking place from Friday July 3rd until Monday (mid-day) July 6th, 2009. The cost will be £75 per person all-inclusive and will once again take place at Ffald-Y-Brenin, Pembrokeshire, Wales. Please note that spaces are limited so if you are interested in joining us please contact us ASAP. Places will be given on a first-come-first-served basis.
With much love and blessings
Patrice and Rachael
Founders of The Internet Church
Last Updated (Saturday, 31 July 2010 00:18)