Pendleton Men's Ministries Holds Annual Retreat

By David Axt

In July 2026, the men of the Pendleton, Oregon, Seventh-day Adventist Church gathered for their 7th annual Men’s Ministry Retreat. This year’s event was held at Camp Touchet, located just outside Dayton, Washington, along the beautiful Touchet River. The setting proved ideal for a spiritual retreat, and perhaps most importantly, there was no cell service-allowing everyone to truly disconnect from the distractions of daily life and reconnect with God and one another. 

The Pendleton church hosts this retreat specifically for its members as well as men who have been part of the Pendleton Adventist family over the years. Though this is not regularly supported by the local church budget, the men in the ministry group give free donations to support this activity. This year, 21 men attended. My pastor in Goldendale, Washington, Jeremy McCombs, who served as the pastor in Pendleton several years ago, suggested that I be invited to join the group. I am grateful he did. 

Although Camp Touchet belongs to another denomination, it provided excellent accommodations, including lodging for everyone in a single building and a fully equipped kitchen. A father-and-son cooking team kept us well fed throughout the weekend. Men need to eat, and these gentlemen prepared meals that would make anyone's mouth water. 

Friday evening began with dinner followed by worship led by Lynn. Prayer was a major focus as we began our weekend together. One of the things I appreciated most was that the men were not simply being talked to — we were encouraged to participate, share our thoughts, and discuss the topics presented. The engagement was outstanding. 

Saturday morning started with a breakfast that would put many restaurants to shame. Following breakfast, Craig led our Bible study time. It was one of the best Sabbath School discussions I have participated in over the years. The designated timekeeper did his best to keep us on schedule, but when the Holy Spirit gets hold of a group of men and loosens their tongues, keeping to the clock becomes a challenge. 

Pastor Jeremy then presented our Worship in Thought and Prayer session before we enjoyed a light lunch. 

In the afternoon, Pastor Stephen Farr from Pendleton shared the Thoughtful Hour. His presentation engaged not only our minds but also our hearts, challenging us to grow deeper in our walk with Christ. 

Free time afterward gave men the opportunity to hike up the mountain, walk along the creek, or simply spend time in conversation. I observed many meaningful discussions taking place throughout the camp and was privileged to participate in several myself.

Dinner once again featured an abundance of food, including spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, and a homemade cherry cobbler made with cherries canned by the cook himself. The only warning: watch out for an occasional cherry pit! 

I had the privilege of presenting the evening sundown worship devotional. I shared my personal testimony of how God has led me throughout my men's ministry journey over the years. I also introduced the “Every Man A Warrior” discipleship materials and discussed how they have impacted not only my own spiritual growth but the lives of several other men as well. I concluded with a message titled “Alert and Oriented,” inspired by the movie The Perfect Storm. 

I can say with confidence that men’s ministry is alive, active, and thriving in Pendleton, Oregon. There is a dedicated core group of men who understand the importance of this work and faithfully invest themselves in the spiritual lives of other men. 

My prayer is that every man reading this will be inspired to catch that same fire. Men's ministry does not have to be a large event. It can be as simple as two men meeting together for Bible study, prayer, fellowship, or an act of service. The power of men’s ministry is found in shared adventure — serving together, fishing together, rafting together, eating breakfast together, or simply spending time side by side. These experiences bind us together under the banner of Christ. 

As Solomon reminds us, “Two are better than one.” And as lrenaeus famously said, “The glory of God is man fully alive.” Jesus declared, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). 

My challenge to you is this: Grab hold of the life Jesus offers today — and hang on. When you believe Him and live for Him with all your heart, it becomes the greatest lifelong adventure imaginable.

David Axt serves as a volunteer leader for the men's ministries program at Upper Columbia Conference.