From the June 2020 Listening Retreat
It helped me to see a better way to communicate with God, and make Him more personal. It has given me a peace that I did not have before and a confidence that if I slow down enough to listen, God will direct my path.
The individual time was perfect to listen and notice what God wanted me to hear (I really believe He ministered to me in a very specific way). The last hour of prayer in the break-out room seemed to be completely superintended by the Holy Spirit (Bob’s prayer). We were all there for our brothers to listen and join with them and God in a spirit of deep compassion. I was also the recipient of much compassion from my brothers and mercy from God. I cannot say enough how enriching this short investment of time was for me. I continue in an attitude of dedication and contemplation to God, I pray that continues as a life style of listening to Him!
The Lord spoke clearly to me today. I heard Him in words Barbara spoke, the teaching presented by Bob, and through the scriptures referenced in the teaching. Bob said the disciples had faith in Jesus but not the faith of Jesus. Then he challenged us with Dallas Willard’s teaching that the world is perfectly safe because God is unfailingly competent. The Lord used all aspects to reveal a stronghold of fear. He spoke directly through the scriptures including the lesson of Jesus sleeping in the boat when they “were in great danger”, Psalm 5;12 and 1 Peter 3:4. 1 Peter 3:6 says ” You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear”. It was amazing, and so clear I recorded it all in my journal. The special gift was when Kim Nelson saw a picture of Jesus & me stomping on sandcastles of fear—not as work but as a joy. We were laughing together. All I can say is, Thank you Lord. And thank you for allowing the Lord to use each of you in a profound way in my life.
The Lord convicted me that my lack of intimacy with Him on a regular basis is due to my pride (included my own thoughts, priorities, distractions). It did not come as condemnation, but as the 2nd affirmation in the same week of pride as the root issue. Wonderful to hear God clearly and know that He wants me to destroy those impediments to fellowship with Him! Thank you!!!!
He spoke to me re his purpose for me in a way I could understand. He spoke to my heart.
From the May 2020 Listening Retreat
Provid[ed] a very timely and repeatable work to do with God in my soul of souls. It was wonderful to see you again. This topic and the things I gleaned from it are going to be very useful in my next long-term ministry to my son. Having the opportunity to have a memory of long ago brought back into sharp focus gave more clarity to an area of my life I’ve been working on for years.
From the February 2020 Listening Retreat:
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the awesome listening retreat you and your wife offered in February. It really has been a very meaningful time for me and I’m experiencing a new breakthrough in my conversations with God. May God bless you and keep you and your wife safe during this time.
From 1990-2018
Barbara and Bob served as leaders at the Center for Renewal in Simsbury from 1990 – 2018. From 2010 – 2018 they were the Co-Directors of that ministry. The following letters of recommendation will give you some idea of the depth and breadth of their ministry:
A letter from a pastor from 1998
A letter from a pastor in 2016
A letter from a pastor from 2016
A letter from one who lives alone
A letter from a Pastor recommending Spiritual Direction while on Retreat