The 7 I's: PASTORS AND ELDERS’ RETREAT

By: Jonah

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.