I have a deeper understanding of repentance. Previously, I thought that it was normal for me to be falling in and out of sin. After all didn’t Paul say that the “spirit man” and the “fleshly man” are always at war within one’s self? Now I realize that I am actually living a stunted Christian life. During the session, repentance was defined as turning away from sin and walking back towards God. From this illustration, I learn that in true repentance, one should never turn away from God to face sin again.

By fleshing out the details through the use of some imagination, the parable of the prodigal son provided new insights into the Father’s love for the prodigal son. I never realized that the Father was constantly looking out for his lost son. Nor did it occur to me that when the Father put on best clothes on his son, it was to cover the son’s filth. God does not want to condemn us nor put us to shame for our sins. He longs for us to return to Him.

God spoke to me about the importance of living in holiness and righteousness. In session four, I left all my “sins” at the cross and I told myself I shall not take it back.  There is a need for me to take personal responsibility for my spiritual state. I can see the benefits of joining a man’s accountability group as I lack the self-discipline to persevere. God’s message for me is to focus on holy living and He will reveal the ministry that he ordained for me one step at a time.

Before the Encounter Weekend, I felt very ordinary. I have some strength, but many more weaknesses.  After the Encounter Weekend, I realized in a deep and meaningful way how precious I am to God. My faith in Him increased as I understood that He loves me so dearly. I have strong confidence in facing life’s uncertainties as I am in the hands of the Almighty God who cares for me.

The Encounter Weekend is a must for new believers as it provides them with deep understanding of God and sets them on the right path towards spiritual growth. Those who are spiritually dry or have back-slide will benefit tremendously as the Encounter Weekend brings them back to the first love they had when they accepted Christ.

Of course, the Encounter Weekend may not be necessary for those who walk closely with our Lord. For these brothers and sisters, they are already encountering God daily during their Quiet Time.