As I sat at a table in the water park at Great Wolf Lodge, I commented to my wife of the delight I felt at seeing the smiling faces of the brethren after enjoying the wave pool or the expansive hot tub, the exciting rides or just enjoying a cool drink and visiting. They were truly having a wonderful time with each other.

But that was only a snippet of the four day event. A Friday evening Bible Study officially initiated the Winter Family Weekend with Matthew Fenchel bringing the study and encouraging the brethren to keep going towards the goal despite the challenges of being a Christian in a world not going the same direction. The dessert social followed and then more fellowship and hymn singing. A total of 714 partook of this opening event.

Sabbath began with a variety of five teen seminars and five adult seminars in the morning hours. Pre-teens had two hours of Sabbath school. These, too, were well attended with nearly 500 taking advantage of theme-related topics in the seminars and biblical lessons in Sabbath school for those under 12.

Sabbath services utilized every seat in the house with right at 1,100 in attendance. We had over 250 connections to the webcast, which could represent one thousand more because several churches were connected in addition to individuals.

Greg Thomas, pastor of the Cleveland, Ohio, congregation delivered the message, which was about what we will pass on to generations after us. He challenged us all to be the ones who drew lines in the sand to stand for God’s law and His way, breaking the cycle of bad inherited family traits. He used several vivid biblical and personal examples to drive the lesson home. Deuteronomy 7:9 was a scripture that he referred to regarding what we will do for our future generations. Everyone was inspired and uplifted by the sermon.

Sunday and Monday began the educational and sports activities. Seminars featured topics regarding fellowship, family and children, dysfunctional family issues, a Council of Elders question and answer session, Ambassador Bible Center seminars, World News and Prophecy topics, the new website and a special taping of the Beyond Today program. A live audience was able to view the three presenters—Darris McNeely, Steve Myers and Gary Petty—each present their own program. The room was filled to capacity.

Dances for the teens, young adults and family were all well received and well attended. The family dance featured music from the various decades and décor to reflect the eras. There was music for all to kick up their heels. The DJs, Michael Ball and Zach Hoover, Randy Curran and Jonathan Magee each did outstanding work for the enjoyment of the brethren. At the teen and young adult dances, a photo booth was set up with various silly props for the participants to pose for a photo with their friends, available to download and share online.

For our family fun night, we began with free pizza for the 900 who indulged, and the water park was busy afterwards for those who enjoy a good splash. It was kept open until 10 p.m. for us to use on Dec. 25. For those not interested in the water park, games were hosted in one of the ballrooms, and a jam session was held where an eclectic set of music was performed by musicians of all ages in a casual environment.

The sports were all in the same location. Basketball and volleyball were in the same building and across the parking lot were three indoor fields for pre-teen activities, flag football and speed-away. Chattanooga retained its title in men’s basketball as they won the final game by a close margin, beating out Old School. In volleyball, the Block Party team won the championship. It was a delight to see teams playing against one another and yet helping each other up when one fell down and showing gracious attitudes when defeated.

Our mission statement is: “To enhance godly relationships through inspirational, educational, social and athletic activities in a moral and positive environment.” Our scriptural guide is Colossians 2:2: “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love…” I believe that we achieved our mission through the many workers and through the guidance and inspiration of God through His Holy Spirit!

We look forward to Winter Family Weekend 2012, which will be held once again at the Great Wolf Lodge in Cincinnati, Ohio!