b'Jesus often withdrew to lonely places anddiscover who they are in Christ and how God prayed; He took retreats. In Matthew 4, itsdesigned them on purposewith a purpose. recorded that Jesus spent 40 days in the wildernessThese events have been so successful, in part, in fasting and prayer. This not only fortified Himbecause of the absence of distraction and the beau-to withstand Satans temptations, but it also servedtiful setting where they have taken place. With as preparation for His three-year ministry. Theresnothing to hijack participants attention and with an example here for us, as well as for the guestsGods glory all around, people talk to each other who come to our ministries for help.and connect with God in fresh ways. Citygate Net-Citygate Network created its Hope in the Gatework president and CEO John Ashmen, who, like program as a model for retreats and for programmyself, once ran a Christian camp and retreat cen-capstones, plus as a way to gain exposure for yourter, recently reflected on the latest Hope in the Gate ministries. Hope in the Gate brings together peo- event: One of the chaperones/counselors who was ple in the final phase of recovery programs withwith us at the last retreat told me that by mid-singer-songwriters, instructors, life coaches, out- morning on the second day, he was wondering why door activity specialists, and other people who arethey had never done a retreat before. He said he invested in the program participants growth. Thehad never seen so many emotional walls [among unique mix utilizes alfresco experiences, musicthe participants] torn down in such a short period written about the participants journeys, Scripture,of time. People were enjoying the outdoors and counseling support, and education to help peopletalking to each other on a deep level. 36 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022'