February-March, 2003

2003 "Winter Wonderland" Retreat Report
The 2003 "Winter Wonderland" retreat was a blessing! As always, the Lord Jesus faithfully met our needs and we can't thank Him enough. Everyone was grateful for the hospitality provided by the CFMR staff, the beautiful home, great food and loads of fun! The ministry thanks everyone who attended this retreat, and we look forward to "Winter Wonderland" 2004!!

UPCOMING RETREAT - Mark Your Calendar!
May 2-4, 2003 Married Couples retreat - CFMR's next Married Couples retreat is scheduled for May 2-4 (two night stay) and will be held at the Haley Farm Bed and Breakfast and Retreat Center, Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. The theme is "Marriage - Two Shall Become One". Registration for this retreat begins February 17, 2003. Please contact Eric and Joan either by phone (301-387-8208) or the CFMR website at www.cfmr4u.org, to sign up for this retreat. The ministry will provide lodging and food (with the exception of Saturday night's dinner). Donations are accepted if you desire to give a love gift to the ministry.

FEATURED ARTICLE: Safe in His Hands

Referenced scripture: John 10:29

"My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater and mightier than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand".
The referenced scripture is a beautiful reminder to me of how loving and caring our Heavenly Father is to His children. According to God's word, no matter what happens in this life on earth, the Father is in control of His children's salvation. His word states, "He is greater and mightier than all...". That means no matter how bad things look for you and your family, be encouraged by the fact that God is greater than any circumstances.

In my family, I have loved ones who need the Lord to intervene in their lives and move in miraculous ways to set them free from the evil in this world. My responsibility is to pray for that individual and be encouraged knowing that God is greater and mightier than all, and no one can snatch that person from His hand. Many times we as Christians can be so quick to judge a situation and send that person to hell long before God has said the final word. God's word tells us "He desires that none should perish" (II Peter 3:9). I pray that every Christian has a renewed mind about God's thoughts toward His children. His word also tells us "For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).

If you have a loved one, friend, or neighbor who seems to be bound by the temptations of this world and you believe there is no hope for that person, change your thinking! Start professing God's word over that person's life and watch what God can do. Remember, "there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God" (Romans 8:38-39). Even when it seems hard to trust God, keep on believing and before long God will demonstrate His power to you in an awesome way! God is not calling on us to force others into His kingdom, but He desires for us to have longsuffering, patience, and love while waiting for Him to perform a miracle. Let's be determined to please our Heavenly Father by reaching out to His lost sheep with loving kindness.

--With love, Joan

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!The Christian Family Mountain Retreat (CFMR) ministry is a non-profit organization ordained by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our commission is to reach the lost with the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and, minister to married couples and families in need of healing and restoring what was lost or stolen in their relationships. All donations are tax deductible. Thank you and God bless you!
CFMR’s Staff: Eric and Joan Bair, Joan E. Bair "Gramma Bair", Marcia Bair , Tim and Tina Miceli, Ralph and Sonya Pagan.