The participants of this years English Writers Retreat (EWR) were greeted by warm and welcome smiles of Vancouver, B.C. church members. Their kind hospitality allowed all of us to settle down quickly into our new, temporary home for the week-long event.
The beauty of Gods creation surrounding the church provided ample inspiration, while the inviting chapel with its arching woodwork welcomed those seeking a quiet place of prayer. Walking into Vancouver Church as one of the EWR participants, I could feel only the love of God from the kind and caring members, as well as in the fellowship shared among all the writers.
Having participated in last years EWR in Hillsborough, New Jersey, I was looking forward to a time of quiet and rest, in which I could write for God and not be distracted by worldly things that surround me at home. I was also looking forward to a time in which I could learn from others and be edified. With more participants joining this years retreat, I was hardly lacking in any help or advice and I had no cause to be disappointed in my expectations.
This year, Bro. Stephen Ku and Sis. Elaine Shek for-ged the way for the rest of the participants, providing guidance for all and helping everyone refine their writings. Preacher Timothy Yeung also offered his wisdom in prayer sessions. The rest of the participants-both veterans of EWR as well as first-timers-exchanged plenty of advice and comments, edited each others work inside and outside of peer editing sessions, and gave plenty of spiritual support.
We immediately began writing, starting with a relatively small piece, a devotional, to give our brains and hearts a slight kick start to begin writing for God. A couple days later-before we began our full-length articles-helpful church members took all of the participants out on a small excursion, where everyone was able to appreciate the wonder of Gods creation.
Lovely white, mountain peaks and grassy hilltops provided the backdrop for us as we sat down together and studied spiritual works written by other authors. Later on, a lovely, if slightly chilly, wood surrounded us as we began to brainstorm for our full-length articles.
It was a fruitful and productive week for all. Many reflections and thoughts were shared, both on paper and in companionship, and many words of wisdom and advice exchanged through peer editing, Bible studies, and work sessions. We devoted ourselves to writing devotionals and full-length articles, with ample time spent in spiritual cultivation in order to better write for God.
The Bible studies this year focused on several《Psalms》, which allowed us to spend time cultivating ourselves through the word of God and through prayer. Hymn sessions also gave a brief and welcome pause to work sessions where everyone could fellowship and praise God in song. The daily walks provided an outlet for pent-up energy and rusty brains as a result of sitting indoors all day.
The week passed by all too quickly, but by the grace of God the entire EWR was fruitful in providing time spent with God, time writing for God, and time edifying and learning from each other. Many smiles of laughter and companionship were shared, and the love of God surely touched and surrounded us all throughout the entire time.