b'Isnt it crucial that your guests hear the voice of God as they work out their recovery and prepare for the life they were born to lead?The challenges faced by todays guests at life- the Gate retreats. In the solitude of the rustic transformation ministries beg for innovative andTennessee hills, the participants are given an novel solutions. While the retreat model canopportunity for Selaha pause from the rigors hardly be considered novel, its not a modalityof recovery and the urban dinto hear Gods that rescue missions and similar ministries havevoice and be fully in His presence. Connecting used extensively in their programs, or even as partwith the outdoors helps reduce stress, depression, of building their teams cultures or enhancinganxiety, and boredom, all of which are known engagement. If we want to be countercultural inrisk factors for relapse. a society ringing with noise, distraction, andIn this safe place apart from distractions, nega-chemically fueled momentary escapes, it might betive associations, and routine, participants unpack time to experiment with this new-old modality.their stories in a variety of ways. We often utilize If you want to build an effective retreatGallup-Certified Strengths Coaches, who help program, there are a few key elements that mustthem identify their unique giftings, accentuate be baked into the environment.those assets, and overcome their weaknesses. Counselors are always present, as well, to help Selahthe guests process this information. T he Dutch Catholic priest, professor, writer,Namesne hallmark of each retreat is an em-and theologian Henri Nouwen onceO phasis on names. All of the staff and penned, The loud, boisterous noises of the world make us deaf to the soft, gentle, and lov-ing voice of God. Isnt it crucial that your guestsvolunteers who work with the partici-hear the voice of God as they work out their recov- pants memorize their namesa tradition that ery and prepare for the life they were born to lead?Amy Grant started with the first retreatand fre-Men and women who enter life recovery pro- quently call them by name from the moment they grams come with so much baggage weighing themarrive on-site. This practice serves to break down down. Theyre haunted by things people havewalls and emphasize the incredible value each per-done to them or said to them all their lives, sad- son embodies as a dearly loved child of God, made dled by things theyve said and done to others, andin His image. Weve noticed that many of the par-theyre burdened by harm theyve caused them- ticipants choose to be addressed by nicknames, selves. The first part of an effective retreat shouldoften because they have negative associations with be about unpacking all that baggage so they cantheir own names. While honoring that preference, hear from God, inviting other positive influenceswe also tell them the meaning of their given names to speak into their lives, and replacing millstonesand uncover the positive and often biblical nature with blessings to help them move forward.of their names to begin creating a new association. Take, for instance, the way its done at Hope inAt Hope in the Gate, guests are given an \x02NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG 37'