Last weekend I was at Skycroft Conference Center, a popular retreat site where we did several retreats when I was singles pastor at Immanuel Bible Church. I spoke to the men of Chinese Bible Church of Maryland on the life of David.

                    The men (I'm standing next to pastor John) 
                      - we had Chamber of Commerce weather!

I had a great time "talking shop" (i.e, ministry) with their English pastor, John Tung - they have three services - one in English, one in Mandarin and one in Cantonese. He has recently been through the roller coaster of cancer and God has used it to refine him and sharpen him for ministry.

I asked him about the biggest challenge he faces regularly in ministry. He responded without hesitation "We have to do everything three times" (referring to their 3 services). When I asked what was his biggest blessing he said "Doing everything three times." What a great answer!

                      Pastor John Tung (center) kicking back with his small group

The men enjoyed small group time, which is always a special part of any retreat. The small group discussion questions I wrote prompted some interesting discussions among the generations.

                       Some small groups took advantage of the comfortable
               leather chairs outside the coffee shop, aptly named "Hebrews".