Testimonials
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The following testimonials are what folks shared on a Sunday evening at the closing ceremony from various Via De Cristo weekends. The words below will give you an indication of what individuals gained by attending a VDC weekend.
Two questions were offered for them to answer: "What does Christ mean to you now?" and "What have you gained through this weekend?" Some comments are from individuals, and others are answers from a consensus of 4-6 folks together.
Women's Closing
- He (Christ) meant everything to us before, but now we have the tools to return His love.
- We have a stronger God now that we can rely on than we thought.
- I'm very excited to see what the Lord has in store for me now!
- Christ is longer just a fact in history, He is a friend.
- I have a renewed spirit, and an Ideal to go for; and with God's grace I can achieve it.
- We have a deeper relationship with Christ. We know why God brought us here.
- I was reluctant to come, but it was a wonderful experience...people I will never forget. If you have the opportunity to come, don't hesitate, just do it!
- Unconditional Love. It's too easy to forget. We have a vision and a mission and want to pass it on. If I'm single my whole life, it's OK because I've got the perfect groom.
- I learned what a personal relationship with God is.
- We learned that our faith needs to be renewed continually.
- Sisterhood & Friendship for a Lifetime. All that we've learned has just been amazing.
- What did we gain? Five pounds! God chose us to come to this weekend with these people. We have a closer awareness and closeness with Christ. Now we will reflect the face of Jesus!
- We gained a knowledge of what was always there for us....grace.
- It's so much more than a "retreat".
- We've seen so many examples of grace this weekend it boggles the mind.
- The power of prayer!
- Christ came into my heart and broke down walls.
- We experienced Christ's love through our sisters.
- Total and absolute acceptance of each of us by God, even with all of our faults.
Men's Closing
- We gained strength about the power of group reunions. I learned that the love between men and in the community is just awesome and I thank God for it!
- The term brother meant something completely different before this weekend. Christ is the son of God; we are sons of God, that makes us Brothers in Christ. It became 'real' this weekend. He is MORE than my Lord. Christ wasn't just in the Chapel!
- A special God-thing happened!
- The weekend not only provided a path, but the purpose for the path.
- Awesome! Overwhelming! Unconditional Love! 50 new brothers. A feeling of power that pours through you in waves -- love, tears. This kind of experience is indescribable. I have a network of friends I can call anytime for anything.
- He (Christ) is the center of our life. Brotherhood. Drawing and focus of your life. Re-invigoration, Action, Direction. I have been truly blessed. I felt many emotions. I was amazed, but most of all I was blessed.
- This was a great weekend to refocus and get back on the train tracks.
- I am humbled by the faith and love that was shown.
- This weekend clarified things in our life. It helped to understand by seeing and experiencing the love of Christ. It will make me a better pastor.
- A new beginning, a new hope for the church. What did we do to deserve this?...Nothing. John 3:16. I want to bottle up the way I feel right now. Hold me high and make me remember this weekend always!
- Christ wears flesh so much better after this weekend. It has been an incredible gift. The church is the hope of the weekend. This weekend is the hope for pastors!
- I overcome my fear of public speaking. My palms sweat so much I became dehydrated, but through all the hugs, I dried my hands.
- Via De Cristo is REALLY something special.
- It's obvious God was in this thing!
- He (Christ) is also a guide and a support. He won't leave us alone and boy am I glad!
- It's been pretty powerful I don't bear my cross alone. I feel fulfilled with the brotherhood developed this weekend.
- We all have a story and came here for different reasons. We learned that we all came together because of those reasons.
- I gained a lot of respect for God and others. I need to re-organize my priorities!
- I was able to be with God again. I was able to meet WITH Him.
Co-ed Closing
- I'm renewed, we're fresh in our faith
- I feel very excited about my future walk with Christ.
- God has moved me.
- He pierced my barriers and my heart is no longer stone. He pierced me.
- Are we going to take the easy way or be courageous enough to take the difficult way?
- Christ can handle anything we give him.
- God rocks more!
- The tools we talked about equip us for the problems of life with methods and processes so we can follow on our own spiritual journey.
