Video: Couples Experience Fellowship, Food, Fun At Valentine’s Weekend Retreat

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MACON, MISS. (WCBI) – At this camp, there was music, messages and a ropes course with stations like “Leap of Faith” and “The Flying Squirrel.”

It’s part of an annual “Couples Retreat ” at Lake Forest Ranch. Andy Savage is pastor at High Point Church in Memphis. He was the speaker during the retreat and said all couples face a major issue.

“We all come to marriage selfishly, we look for marriage to fulfill our personal desires, we want to get what we want out of the whole deal , and God’s plan is different, God’s plan is best when we approach marriage from the standpoint of humbling ourselves, and choosing to give to one another and die to that selfish part of ourselves that always wants to get our way,” Pastor Savage said.

Using scripture, Savage said couples must surrender their marriage to God and honor Him.

“Surrender is the word we often use in warfare when one side of the battle finally gives up and says I’m not going to fight you anymore, that’s a great picture of the Christian life and especially when it comes to marriage and anything we would call God’s plan, it involves us surrendering and saying God I’m not going to fight you anymore,” Savage said.

Nick Hall is assistant director at Lake Forest Ranch, and says the deep woods, scenic lake and the remoteness are a perfect backdrop for the couples retreat.

“We are literally in the middle of nowhere and so when you come a lot of people don’t have cell service, they are away from home, kids you don’t have distractions,” Hall said. 

Whether they have been married for only a few months, or longer, couples say the retreat is special. 

“I don’t care how good you think your marriage is, you can always use some help in your marriage, even if you have problems in your marriage , this will help work through some of those and if marriage is good it will help it get better,” said Chuck Cotton.

“I think it’s important, to like actively think of your marriage. Out here, at Lake Forest, they do a great job of bringing in people that are intentional, not just about the marriage , but about how that impacts the rest of your life,” said Joe Cain.

The retreat wrapped up with a three course dinner and a challenge to put what was taught , into practice.

Lake Forest Ranch has a Father and Son fishing retreat set for April, and a host of summer camps. For more information , go to www.lakeforestranch.com

www.andysavage.com