Fall Retreat 2006

This year ECF had our annual retreat from October 6-8 at the Presbyterian Center in Holmes NY. We had a good time of fellowship and getting to know one another in the midst of nature. We had three different speakers who all shared honestly in their testimonies about how God worked in their personal lives and medical practice. The common theme through their stories is that God is faithful and He is the Master weaver.


In the first session with Dr. Hawkins, started with her personal testimony and a discussion of two questions:
1. When was the time you felt closest to God?
2. What are some of the things that are hindering you from feeling close to God right now? Are there doubts? temptations? anger and bitterness? overwhelming burdens?

Among the common themes running through the discussion of when people felt closest to God was
- in the midst of community/fellowship when there was a collective desire to gain momentum towards Him
- knowing that one was living in His will
- through serving others (according to His will)
- through prayer - just talking to God honestly and openly
- by trusting Him even if we are not sure of the outcome

This was followed by a cookout lunch and free time




Then we had a chunk of free time to hike/chat/play basketball....

jump and pose for pictures,

and not to forget, a special time of bonding between friends.


In the evening, we were joined by Dr. Mark Travin, a nuclear cardiologist at Montefiore, who shared his testimony and led an interesting discussion. While some people left to go back to the Bronx, the night remained long among those who stayed - chatting, getting to know each other, playing games.

On the final morning, both Dr. Hawkins and Dr. Ally Ko shared. Dr. Ko is a gynecologist with a lot of experience in crisis missions, serving for example, during the earthquake in Pakistan. She is also the new New York area director for CMDA. We look forward to her many visits to ECF and are grateful for her trekking all the way to the campsite by train/cab to spend the weekend with us.

After packing up, Dr. Hawkins prayed a prayer of blessing for each one of us. She also looks forward to having prayer times with anyone who would like to drop by her office, Belfer 709 during the weekdays.



I'm sure all who came, whether it was for a short time, or for the entire trip, were blessed. Thanks to those who put all their efforts into planning the retreat, even in the midst of exams and other pressures. Thanks to all those who faithfully prayed and are praying for us as a fellowship. Keep up the good work!