Take a look below at what men said about their time away at our 2007 Weekends Away For Men. To find out more about our weekends away in 2009 please click here.

2007 Weekends

SCOTUS COLLEGE (Scotland)

I really valued the freedom to be myself in the company of other Christian men without any signs of pretentiousness - just guys getting together and enjoying being together talking about real things in our lives with God in the midst.
Being with men only was, to my surprise, very freeing and affirming and had a different spiritual dynamic and fruitfulness to other events. I came away being more affirmed in my male identity and able to give myself to the Lord as a "work in progress", knowing Jesus can use me in this progress and help me to grow in it.
The ecumenical dimension was so important to me and has helped enormously in my understanding of breaking down barriers. The atmosphere of acceptance without the 'manly' competition and judgement was very refreshing.
I have become aware of how the sharing and witness of other men helps to feed and sustain me spiritually. I leave the weekend feeling affirmed in much of what I do and how I do it.
This weekend has been a blessed time. Fifty-nine years ago I went with my Dad on a men's retreat. I have wanted to go again for some years. The main feature of the weekend has, for me, been a new view of forgiveness.
I found the teaching sessions thoughtful, valuable and relevant. I have been encouraged to see other men and to share with them about what God has been doing in our lives.
It was a pleasure to spend time in a faith context in the exclusive company of other men. I found it to be liberating and it is something that I want more of in the future.
God is definitely in this weekend. The talks spoke directly into my life at this moment, a divine appointment indeed. A blessed time. A male chorus singing with the angels – wow!
I came to take time out to discern God's direction in my life. I was not disappointed.

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MOUNT ST MARY’S COLLEGE (North)

It has been wonderful being with brothers and becoming real with them. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing men’s voices raised up to God. There is a taste of heaven over the weekend.
I left the weekend reminded of the need to listen to God, to praise God, to read God’s Word and to be a disciple. I am reminded to "be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 45). Thank you for helping me to take another step forward on my spiritual journey.
What a blessed time of rest and relaxation. Bonding with other men and discussing similar issues was a revelation. Thank you.
It was my first time here on my own. I was made very welcome and feel greatly encouraged. I leave influenced directly and indirectly across a range of issues that relate specifically to men. I feel cleansed and reconnected with God. Thank you – see you next year!
Just to say how challenging and supportive I found the weekend. It was a long time since I had spent time in an all male environment in a school setting - 34 years to be exact!
I felt as if God was working powerfully in my soul moving blockages and opening doors.
I found meeting in a group with other men really very moving. I do not know how to stay in touch with such an amazing group of men.

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WOLDINGHAM PARK (South)

Five years of rust have been broken down, allowing my emotions to work. God has reminded me of His goodness, patience, and forgiveness. I also gained great encouragement from other members of the group I joined.
I found the weekend to be the most spiritually rewarding for a long time. I had the best experience of Reconciliation I can remember.
The talks and workshops really helped me, as did meeting in a small group. The sharing and the sense of brotherly love among us was phenomenal.
It was my first time at a men’s weekend and it has brought me great peace and contentment.
This weekend – designed by men for men – exceeded any expectations I had before arriving. I loved the supportive and friendly environment.
I was able to find and be my real self, to surrender more to God and be willing to do His work.
Well done! Thanks for a fantastic weekend.
The Lord really touched me with His love. I became very aware of being in God’s presence… and the teachings were fantastic.
I was the youngest man there but didn’t realise it. I felt as welcome and equal to all the other men present.
I don’t think I will know quite what effect this time will have had on me for some time to come. I take home with me the encouragement to make prayer a more central part of my life.
Another big step towards self-discovery and my true vocation in life. I can’t wait for next year so as to refuel.
I had a close encounter with God and He assured me in an area of my life that I have been praying for.
I was a ‘troubled soul’ when I arrived. However, I leave the weekend knowing that the Lord is firmly embedded in me. Thank you.
Great weekend. Great balance of teaching, discussion and prayer. Great encouragement. Great refreshment. Great time to reflect and think about the way forward for my life.
I came to the weekend unable to forgive myself and hated myself for sins I had committed. After prayer and hearing the talks I feel free and now know and accept God’s love for me and can accept loving myself.
A wonderful opportunity to recharge the spiritual batteries, to be nurtured, fed and loved.
When I came I felt somewhat alone in my problems. I realise now that I am just one of a large group. The talks really helped in giving me guidance for the future.
I hadn’t been to a weekend for some years. After this weekend I realise what I missed!
As an Anglican mixed in with many Catholics I thought might prove to be a problem. In fact it turned out to be a joy for all of us.
I have been coming for years and there was a sense that I have ‘done it all and been there’ thereby not expecting much. However, the teachings were fresh and showed me a new and practical way to face up to my life.
Through the wonderful teaching, sharing and prayer I have come to understand the peace God brings and have laid down my ‘baggage’, able to rest in his loving presence.
As always, a refreshing and revitalising weekend, maintaining my conviction that God wants men in the West to re-establish their identity in a positive and godly way.
My third weekend – and it’s been consistent! After initially being reluctant to attend, I have found a welcoming and accepting environment which has helped me to grow as a Christian man. Thanks for organising a great weekend.
I’ve been before but not for the last two years and was reluctant to come – but pleased I did as I received so much this time.
The weekend offered me a great opportunity to explore and develop my relationship with God in an atmosphere of support and encouragement. I just don’t understand why some men choose not to take advantage of this awesome time out.
I have experienced an overwhelming faith and commitment by men who were as broken as myself. I have been searching for a place where men can grow in faith all my life. I leave this weekend with a new commitment to Jesus Christ.
This was my first weekend and I have really enjoyed it. The speakers have been inspirational and have helped me to at least start walking my long journey.
My life changed last year after an amazing Harvesters’ weekend. This weekend has added to it and given me further guidance.
God answered the prayer I came with to this conference. He has shown me more of Himself – His love, mercy, kindness and compassion.
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