Wow - just returned last night from an amazing weekend on a marriage retreat put on by my church at Barnabas Family Ministries in Keat’s Island, British Columbia, Canada. The weekend, in a word was AMAZING.

The location was remote - no TV’s cell reception or wireless access - and also no distractions. 16 couples from my church joined speakers Steve Bury of Urban IMPACT in Seattle and his wife Sandi to focus on building healthy marriages and making healthy marriages contagious. The sessions ranged from the usual stuff (Communications, Praying together, etc) to the fun and goofy (planning special occasions for your spouse) that had us shedding tears of laughter.

We made a ton of new friends from our church as well as some friends at Barnabas that we’ll keep in touch with.

The accomodations were first class - more Bed and Breakfast style than hotel style with wonderfully decorated rooms with antiques, stunning views of the Howe Sound and the Sunshine Coast and food that was absolutely unbelievable. Gourmet with a focus on locally grown ingredients. Our favorite part of each meal (other than diving into the food) was the “unveiling” of each meal. Kathy, our host would uncover and describe each course of the meal in (drool inspiring) detail. They even do cereal right.. their home made Granola was to die for (we bought their cookbook)

The stories the staff members share on the origins of the Ministry itself are inspiring and speak to God’s hand and God’s timing. The ministry takes it’s named from Barnabas - Paul’s companion on his missionary journeys who was known as the “Son of Encouragement” - and their aim is to encourage Families and Marriages to be fruitful and meaningful in Jesus’ name.

If you are in the Northwest and looking for an awesome spot for a Marriage or Family retreat, you should check out Barnabas. You will leave with relationships with your family or spouse, as well as your fellow attendees strengthened and your batteries recharged.

Most importantly to me - it made a real impression on my wife. I was raised in the church but fell away for a time. My wife was not raised in the church due to family conflicts. Her faith walk and my faith walk are in different stages for sure and she went more as a favor to me. She genuinely enjoyed herself, loved the companionship with the other couples and got a lot out of the weekend that helped her in her walk. I even say her read the Bible and have a discussion with me on something she read for the first time in 11 years of marriage. The friendships we built with other couples will continue to nurture her faith walk and I am so glad we did this.

God Bless,

Wade