Our Third Annual Spring Preachers' Retreat was held at Quail Creek Resort (quailcreek.com) in Hartselle, Alabama (April 13-15). What a fabulous time we had! Pastors and wives who attended testified that God gave them a renewed vision for their field of service and some wonderful new friendships to refresh their spirits.

Pastor Jim Schettler was our speaker. After spending eighteen years as the pastor of the Campus Church in Pensacola, Florida (during which time he was our pastor), he is now the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Santa Maria, California. His preaching is powerful, riveting, and substantive. Those who attended testified that the Lord met definite needs in their lives through Pastor Schettler’s preaching. We can hardly wait till he comes back for one of our future retreats at Quail Creek!

The ministry in music for this retreat was provided by the Calvary Quartet of Simpsonville, South Carolina. Actually, two of the quartet members had to be back at their jobs, so former quartet member Evangelist Ben Everson and his brother Joe filled in. The Everson brothers were the perfect complement to Terry Snow and Carl Hiner of Calvary Quartet. They are involved full-time in their own evangelistic team known as Bible Revival Ministries.

Daytime hours were filled with golf for the men (or relaxation for those who decided to rest) and a luncheon, shopping outing, and jewelry-making craft time for the ladies.

Most of our attendees make a point to return to this retreat every year. At a cost of only $290 per couple for food, lodging, and unlimited golf (thanks to the supplemental gifts of Christian businessmen), it’s a getaway well worth its price!

Mark your calendars now to join us for the 2010 Spring Preachers’ Retreat (April 5-7). We will again meet at Quail Creek, and our speaker will be Dr. Bud Calvert (pastor emeritus of Fairfax Baptist Temple, Fairfax, Virginia). You won’t want to miss it!

Testimonies

“I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed last week. Marilee and I had such a good time. We had a great week, but I really believe those couple of services in the chapel [at Quail Creek]…were the highlight of our week. Know …how it ministered to us… the sweet spirit in that conference. I really hope to bring my staff members to [your retreat] someday.”

--Pastor Jim Schettler (First Baptist Church, Santa Maria, Calif.)

“It has been such a joy to attend the Pastors’ Retreat…such a blessing to rub shoulders with experienced pastors and their wives—to glean nuggets of wisdom, Biblical philosophy, and practical tips. This time has been refreshing, encouraging, reviving, and convicting….We are ready to serve Him with more love and vigor than ever before!”

--Pastor and Mrs. Mike Jones (Grace Baptist Church, Panama City, Fla.)

“To be able to fellowship, give and receive encouragement, and get to know others who share the same passion and struggles has been an immense blessing for us.  From year to year the retreat just gets better. We anticipate this time of rest, relaxation, recreation and renewal!”

--Pastor and Mrs. Dave Schindel (Trinity Baptist Church, Franklin, Tenn.)

“This retreat has been one of the most enjoyable and refreshing ones that I have been to. We have been the last three years and have enjoyed each year more and more. Rich and Angela are incredible hosts that give wholly of themselves. I highly recommend this retreat! You don't want to miss it!”

--Pastor and Mrs. Rusty Smith (Mikado Baptist Church, Macon, Ga.)

“The preacher's retreat has continued to affect my ministry as a pastor.  I came home with a clean heart and a new perspective.  God dealt with me about some things of the past that had been affecting my present ministry.  Pastor Jim Schettler had been in contact with God because he knew exactly what to preach to me.  I appreciated the wonderful fellowship of other pastors and the years of wisdom that they were able to share with me.  I enjoyed playing golf, but it was the time spent with men and women of like faith that was the greatest encouragement.  I look forward to next year.”

--Pastor Jim Voss (Calvary Baptist Church, Tallassee, Ala.)