Young Men Retreat to Steel Creek

by Donovan Dobbs

On November 2-3, seventeen young and a few old men ventured into the wilds of Northwest Arkansas. This brave group hazard the bitter cold and the roar of killer elk near the camp! In the morning, we awoke to hearty nourishment that ultimately proved to help in our survival of the grueling day of the death-defying climbing before us. Throughout the plunge from 2100 feet above sea level to 600 feet above sea level, the men stayed together and fought the mountain. When we finally reached the bottom, all were accounted for, but a few were cut and bleeding.

OK, the trip was not quite as harrowing as I just described, but it was fun. The group was a mix of young and older—not old. When we arrived at the camp on Friday night, hot food prepared by our personal outdoor chef Eugene was waiting. Dinner was hamburgers and seasoned potato halves. It was a good meal, but dessert was the bomb! It was blueberry cobbler cooked in a Dutch oven, and it melted in our mouths. This meal was the first of three fixed with expertise by Eugene. His cooking alone was worth the trip. Every man there left on Saturday full and fat or fatter.

Friday night was a real blessing. Dallas posed the question about Christian leadership and what is it. Each man participated. The discussion focused on God's role for men, and the consensus is that a leader should be a servant. It was encouraging to hear the younger men contribute and talk about leadership in their lives and generation as it applies to God. If you had listened to the conversation, you could not help but be encouraged by the commitment to Christ from those who participated.

For those who did not go, you missed beautiful scenery and invigorating exercise. One highlight was the discussion as we walked down the mountain and through a bamboo forest. (I never knew they had a bamboo forest in Arkansas.) The discussion centered around different Christian authors and their theology or in some cases, the lack thereof. As the conversation ebbed and flowed, I thought what an interesting conversation to have in the mountains and woods that God has skillfully crafted. Talking about Christ our king in one of his magnificent kingdoms that is how to spend a day.

Those of us who went were blessed and developed or strengthened our relationships with each other. I am sure that I speak for all when I say thanks to Dallas and Sam for planning and providing the trip. I can hardly wait for the next outing!