Back in 2007, the disciples on this island of tourism decided they needed a little down time and spiritual revival. Whereas disciples in the States would normally have a conference that they could go to, the expense of getting off St. Thomas and traveling to the mainland made it prohibitive for many of the members. So, the disciples decided to spend a weekend at one of the most beautiful eco-tourism resorts in the Caribbean, Estate Concordia.
Built on a hillside overlooking the Caribbean waters and British Virgin Islands, Concordia is a compound of framed cabins covered in canvas, each one solar-powered and able to sleep five people, and each with its own kitchenette, shower and toilet. The units are elevated three to seven feet above the wild brush and are connected with walkways, also elevated, and stairways. Looking over Drunk Bay to the south and east and Salt Pond Bay to the southwest, with Ram’s Head between the two, make for some gorgeous, sweeping vistas. The trade winds blow consistently from the east and keep the temperatures pleasant throughout the day and cool at night.
The church initially brought in guest speakers to do classes in a conference format (i.e.: men’s class, followed by a women’s class, followed by a marrieds or parenting class, followed by a single’s class), but with one couple doing all of the classes.
Over the last two years, the format has become more relaxed, with a “retreat” atmosphere being the operative word – plenty of time to swim, fellowship, and enjoy a devotional or two, rather than more formal “classes.”
For 2014’s retreat the church invited Jon and Brittany Sherwood, currently from Columbia, South Carolina, to join us and do one of the devotionals, and for Jon to preach on Sunday morning. The Sherwoods were joined by Brian and Deb Taylor, also from Columbia, who are considering the possibility of moving to St. Thomas to help with the work here.
The weekend kicked off with a singing devotional on Friday night. Saturday morning, a group of about a dozen people completed the hike to Ram’s Head. It was a great time to enjoy the beauty God has created all around us, and the views at the end of the hike were particularly breathtaking. At the top of the climb, Jon and Brittany shared some thoughts leading us to praise God for his hand in our lives.
The middle of the day was spent in fellowship, and in the late afternoon Brian and Deb headed up a devotional at the edge of Coral Bay, St. John’s large natural bay and harbor on the east end. The evening was capped off with a moonlight devotional led by Dean and Melissa Bump.
Sunday’s service was held at Concordia’s Pavilion, a weather-protected structure looking out at the gorgeous blue waters to the south, and Jon preached a great message on persevering by keeping God’s promises before us, just as Caleb did, while he waited 40 years for God’s promise to him and Joshua to be fulfilled.
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