Floyd Godfrey, PhD

In April 2024, I had the profound privilege of spending time at a retreat designed to assist men facing various life challenges. This event was not just any gathering but one particularly enriched by the presence of 19 Mennonite brothers, whose devotion to faith deeply influenced everyone around them. This experience taught me invaluable lessons about the resilience of faith and the power of community support.

Strength in Unity and Faith

The most striking observation from the weekend was the remarkable strength in faith displayed by these men. Despite the diversity of struggles faced by attendees—ranging from personal crises to family issues—these brothers exhibited a steadfast belief in the healing and transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. Their unity was not just in shared beliefs but in their collective action to uplift those in distress.

Christ-like Compassion in Action

Throughout the retreat, I witnessed a living example of Christ-like compassion. These men did not merely offer prayers; they actively engaged with everyone, providing both spiritual and practical support. Their approach was gentle yet impactful, focusing on listening, understanding, and then guiding. It was evident that their actions were deeply rooted in the love and teachings of Christ, serving as a practical demonstration of the gospel.

Inspiration through Servitude

The dedication of the Mennonite brothers to servitude left a lasting impact on me. Their commitment to living out their faith through service was not only uplifting but also instructive. They embodied the scriptural call to "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2), and their example was a powerful reminder of how we, too, can live out our faith in tangible, meaningful ways.

Encouragement for Christian Leaders

This experience has profoundly inspired me and highlighted the transformative power of faith when coupled with action. Let us take heart from the example of these Mennonite brothers. Their unwavering faith and dedication to service are vivid illustrations of how we can effectively minister to those in need and foster environments where healing and growth can flourish.

Floyd Godfrey, PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed counselor for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.