As the vibrant orange flames danced in front of our eyes, laughter and tears filled the air, while anger and vulnerability were laid bare. The campfire became a crucible for profound human connections, transforming our lives through shared struggles and triumphs.
A life-changing weekend at a veterans men’s camp brought me closer to my faith and introduced me to six brothers I never knew I had. This unique retreat provided a space for spiritual growth, shared experiences, and deep connections, forever changing my perspective on faith, brotherhood, and personal growth.
I attend Crossroads Church (Cincinnati, OH) Church in Cincinnati, OH, and have been a steadfast believer since I was saved at the age of 16. Just three weeks after my salvation, God introduced me to my wife – a clear act of divine love and power. My recent experience at the Man Veterans Camp stands among those awe-inspiring moments, as I truly felt God’s presence, guiding and shaping my mission for 2023.
So let’s start with a question:
What is your current mission for 2023?
Imagine gathering with a group of strangers in a remote location for an intimate, three-day experience aimed at forming deep connections, sharing personal struggles, and building spiritual growth.
Upon arrival, I greeted my fellow camp members with caution and curiosity, unsure of what to expect. As we exchanged stories about our military service, humor and camaraderie began to break down barriers. It astounds me how similar and different all the branches of services are. The brotherhood of war was common amongst my platoon. The stage was set for a weekend filled with vulnerability, growth, and connection.
Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Gathered around the campfire each night, we delved into deep conversations, challenging each other’s beliefs and values. The warmth and light of the fire symbolized the presence of our Lord and Savior, providing a safe space for us to share our innermost struggles, fears, and aspirations.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
As we found common ground through shared experiences and values, a sense of trust and brotherhood emerged. We bonded over our love for our families, our passion for service, and our desire to grow as men of God. Together, we began to explore ways to continue our journey of growth and accountability beyond the camp.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
I left the campfire each night with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the stories and accomplishments of my newfound brothers. I recognized the value of our shared experiences and the wisdom gained from our collective journey, and committed to supporting them as we moved forward.
Colossians 3:16 – “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
As the weekend came to a close, we departed with a newfound sense of brotherhood and a commitment to continue our journey of growth and accountability. We vowed to maintain our bond, support one another in our spiritual and personal development, and serve as living examples of godly leaders in our ongoing battle against evil.
Matthew 28:19 – “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
One week has passed since this amazing life changing experience. I cried more that weekend than I think I in my entire life. That means something as I would always think I was broken having not cried when my kids were born or when I lost family or friend. God removed every layer formed over my heart that weekend and it has shaped my purpose to be even more focused in 2023 into building leaders for the Kingdom. I’m thinking to my next camp experience where I hope to share this same feeling at the upcoming Father-Son camp.
Are you seeking a deeper connection with like-minded individuals who share your faith and values? Follow my journey as I share insights from my own experiences, and consider joining a man camp or similar retreat to discover the power of brotherhood, spiritual growth, and accountability.
Did this story inspire you to share a similar experience? Sit with me at the campfire–what was it like for you? Leave a comment below, and let’s continue the conversation.