Kamp Out, Kayaks, & Kids

Joe and his two daughters embarked on a unique adventure at Disciple Daily’s first-ever Campout and Canoe Trip. Their day began at Lone Oak Retreat with a hearty outdoor breakfast cooked by the campers, setting the stage for the weekend’s highlight, an unforgettable canoe trip.

Stretches of the Guadalupe River wind south out of the Texas Hill Country, feeding Canyon Lake. Papa Keith (Myer) is the director of The Fellowship at Lone Oak Retreat. He had expected that we would need to carry our kayaks and canoes over dry patches due to the current drought. Surprise! We discovered that flowing water ran the whole route from beginning to end. God is good all the time! Towards the takeout point from the river, Joe was observed leaning back with eyes closed and arms stretched wide, saying, “I don’t want it to end.”

Twas The Night Before
The retreat began twenty hours earlier as campers arrived at Lone Oak Retreat in New Braunfels. In the Garden of Eden, there weren’t many rules to obey. That was our plan for this event. While Keith turned on the grill and set out the ingredients for a hamburger and hotdog supper, dads and their children played yard games and explored our territory, including the vineyard and olive grove. Campers cooked for themselves once everything was in place and the blessing had been spoken. Dads took the lead with their children, teaching them how to cook on a grill. Papa Keith has a thing about mealtime and ministry. “People need to be filled with the goodness of God. Don’t leave them hungry.”
 
True discipleship is fostered in intimate settings, not large groups. As the sun set, we gathered around the table for a profound spiritual experience. The Sabbath arrived, and we delved into a deep discussion about Satan’s rebellion against God. Everyone participated, and a father and his daughter shared the story for the first time with the group, a testament to the power of intimate spiritual conversations.

Before heading to our comfortable beds in the Sukkot, people spread out. Some went to the pool and hot tub; others played ping pong. Voices carry in the night. The soft conversations between fathers and their children echoed around Lone Oak Retreat, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
 
Morning Has Broken
Lone Oak Retreat is a wild-bird sanctuary. Just before sunrise, they flitted from tree to talking to one another. Rousing from rest, the campers were ready for breakfast and the adventure ahead. Papa Keith had been up long before anyone else, getting sausage and bacon cooked, pancake batter mixed, and the grill heated up. Once again, campers cooked for themselves. It appears there may be some emerging chefs in our midst.
 
Once breakfast was completed, while still at the table, campers heard the rest of the story of Creation. Once again, following a great conversation about the orderly manner in which God made everything, the stage was set for one person to tell the story to the rest of the group. Without missing anything, Joe told the entire story of Creation (Genesis 1:1-2:3) for the first time.
 
Throughout the day, our thoughts returned to what was happening among us, discovering what discipleship looks like. It is purposeful, unhurried fellowship, learning how to multiply the life Jesus has given us to those who do not. The goal is the generational transference of our Ezra 7:10 mission:

• Studying the Bible systematically from beginning to end
• Practicing the disciplines of our faith in an open community
• Teaching others to do the same.
  

The road to becoming a disciple of Jesus is oppositional to many forces. It is the road less traveled. Children need fathers (and grandfathers) who will sacrifice themselves for their wives and families. The men with us this weekend are the real deal.  

We've already received glowing reviews from our first camp guests, who couldn't wait to share their experiences at Lone Oak Retreat. We're excited to announce that we have events planned at the retreat every month. After our successful campout, we hosted a Hymn Sing on Sunday evening, and we can't wait to see you at our future events.  

Rosh Hashanah starts at sunset on October 2nd, followed by Yom Kippur ten days later on October 11. If you live in New Braunfels or San Antonio, join us at Lone Oak Retreat on Saturday evening, October 5, for a hotdog cookout (Not Kosher) and some worship. We will discuss Rosh Hashanah's and Yom Kippur's relevance to all Jesus followers in the 21st Century. Space is limited. There is no charge for this event, but donations are accepted.