How the Men’s Warrior Retreat Transformed Robert and His Sons
“I wanted to share my personal experience attending the Triumph of Hope Men’s Warrior Retreat August 15 -17, 2025. This was my second men’s retreat in as many years, but this one had a different vibe for me going in because my twin boys would be in attendance as well. The three of us are still new followers of Jesus. I was baptized in early 2023, and my boys were baptized about ten months later that same year along with my daughter. I went to the first retreat at the behest of my wife, but I think all three of us were in search of something more at Lake Martin.
Friday night started casually enough. I got to catch up with a few old acquaintances, but I didn’t know the majority of the men in room. Everyone had a name tag, and since we were all there to strengthen our faith or learn more about God, I found it easy to introduce myself and strike up a conversation with a total stranger. The evening began with introductions, expectations, communion, worship music, our first speaker of the weekend and then we ended with prayer.
We dove into the deep end on Saturday. Prayer, worship, communion, ministry, healing, and then three speakers that offered their own deeply personal and powerful testimonials. Each individual shared their story and walk with Christ. I was captivated, inspired, shocked and moved to tears multiple times throughout the day. During our breaks, fellowship amongst men continued over lunch, dinner and back at our cabins. Total strangers of all ages with very diverse backgrounds examining and talking about their faith in real time.
Sunday was incredible. Men baring their souls before other men they had only met thirty-six hours earlier. It was honest and raw. Our speaker that morning pulled no punches and described a life before Christ that I think few could even imagine. Even more remarkable was how he had been transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ and how he is using his new lease on life to help others who are struggling with addictions or weighed down by their sins. His call to action was direct and intentional. We as husbands, fathers, employers, and friends have an obligation to be bold in our faith, stand up as men, and spread the Word of God without apology.
I watched men pray over other men. I listened to men open up and reflect on a lifetime of sin. I witnessed healing for others and had one of the intercessors pray over a lingering issue for me which has been miraculously healed. The food was great. The worship team and music was fabulous. The fellowship was even better. And at the end of it all, a large number of men walked into Lake Martin under their own volition and were baptized publicly, including myself and both of my boys. The Men’s Warrior Retreat confirmed what I had only recently discovered. That it was impossible for me to do everything on my own. I need a relationship with Jesus. After all, He is the way, the truth and the life.”
Robert H.
