The pastors and elders of River of Life
Churches held their 4-day retreat last February 25-28, 2018 at Puerto Galera
White Beach accompanied by Pastor Doug Kelley and his wife Cathy Kelley
Upon
the arrival at the venue, the party had a hearty lunch and Pastor Doug Kelly
along with his wife Cathy Kelly, gave t-shirts and hats that had the logo of
River of Life. Everyone took pictures and settled into their designated rooms.
After dinner, they worshipped the Lord lead
by Doc. Joanne Gallardo, followed by the first sharing of Pastor Doug. He
talked about INITIATIVE and how leaders are the ones who take initiative.
“Brother
Mike had initiative. He came to the Philippines because he had initiative.”
“If
you don’t like how much money you’re making or you don’t like your
circumstances, CHANGE ‘EM! CHANGE THEM! It might take some time but don’t quit
until you changed it.”
On February
26, the day was pact with a whole day of sharing by Pastor Doug. After
breakfast, the followers of God worshipped and sang praises for Him. Pastor
Doug talked about INTEGRITY.
“Sometimes we think that
integrity is just don’t lie and that’s a part of it but there is more to it.
See, I believe that integrity has to do with moral authority.
Spiritual suicide is when you lose your
morality.”
“Don't
say it, just do it!”
Pastor Manonson and Pastor Dimajutoc shared
their life testimony on how God called them and made them His faithful
followers.
After lunch and a heartfelt praise and
worship lead by Pastor Sanchez, Pastor Doug proceeded his talk and discussed
about INTERCESSION.
“Alive in Christ, dead to self.”
“Pray
like our life depended on it.”
Brother Cornelius came and was prayed over.
After another session of praise and worship
and dinner, Pastor Doug talked about INTERNAL MINDSET.
“We
don’t do what the world wants. The world is interested in selling and we are
interested in giving.”
“Our
first and primary faith should be in the Lord.”
“This
is all about having the right mindset see if you think wrong, you’re gonna act
wrong. We don’t see things as they are, we see circumstances things as we are.”
“God
wants to see that we are all in.”
Pastor Doug talked about INTERRELATION on February
27, after another session of a wholesome praise and worship. Pastor Doug
discussed the 7 Principles;
1.
It is not good for us to be all alone
The
greatest ill is not poverty but loneliness-mother Theresa
2.
We need a purpose bigger than ourselves
3.
We need to be part of a team doing something lasting value
4.
We need help when we stumble and fall
5.
We need the warmth of caring relationships
6.
We need someone to watch our back
7.
We need our family to be bundled
After lunch, the pastor and elders along with
their wives and children went island hopping and snorkelling.
Afterwards, everyone came back and ate a
hearty dinner, followed by a solemn praise and worship. Pastor Doug talked
about INTERESTING.
“Make the gospel interesting!”
After the talk, Pastor Doug started to
prophesy to the people in the room and the night was filled with shouts of
prayers.
Everyone was packed for the last day of the
retreat (February 28) as they ate breakfast and praised God joyfully. Pastor
Doug shared his last message and talked about INDIVICIBLE.
“It means undivided. We must work hard to
hold our unity.”
“You and I are called to live a
life. You’re to be the example.”
"APART
or A PART?"
After the talk and sharing of thoughts from
the elders and pastors and their wives, the retreat was ended by a group hug
and a chance to hug each other.
They all head home and said goodbye to the
power couple who came and shared God’s word and resources.
"I will see you every day in my
heart," says Pastor Doug.
