Fisher of Men Foundation
About
The specific purpose of the Fisher of Men Foundation is to reach the spiritually broken in order to foster a healing relationship with Jesus through fellowship, retreats and discipleship. Since 2010, the Fisher’s of Men have held retreats for men seeking recovery from addiction, alcoholism, life-controlling issues, strained relationships, loss and depression. Inspired by the Emmaus/Chrysalis/Kairos Movement, the Fisher’s of Men expect a transformation in the lives of struggling men, that can only occur through divine intervention. There have been many miracles and lives changed in this 48 hour experience. On every retreat, it is expected that God will do in a weekend what hasn’t been accomplished through years of struggling with rehabilitation, prisons, homelessness, grief and recovery programs. Many men have been set free from a lifetime of addiction and slavery to sin through the Fisher of Men Retreat. Men who attend the retreat are introduced to a new way of life and bond with brothers who will walk beside them as they overcome whatever personal battle they are facing.
Fishers of Men retreats invite us to re-think our lives, values, and purposes. The first Fisher of Men Retreat was held in 2010 as an annual event. Ken Savage and Frank Parks, who met through serving on an Emmaus weekend, were inspired to share the incredible spiritual experience of Emmaus with men in the recovery community. Both Ken and Frank had many years of sobriety and while Emmaus is designed to encourage Church members to become Church leaders, they felt led to reach people who were not in Church. They believe that many recovery programs are limited because they are missing Jesus. Through an invitation to spend a weekend away from the world and getting closer to God, lives are transformed through testimonies, music, fellowship, small groups, and building a connection to Christ. There is also free time to enjoy God’s creation through activities such as fishing, crabbing, riding jet skis, kayaking, boating, and sailing. Built on the foundation of Prayer, Study, and Action, the Fisher of Men retreat is a time to connect with new brothers and with Jesus. When Ken was first describing his vision of the retreat to Frank, he mentioned a remote place on the water with a large marsh. Little did he know Frank and some partners owned an island in the Chesapeake Bay and he had been praying about hosting a retreat there for some time. God’s timing was perfect as they recruited men to come on the first retreat. The retreats have grown from 17 men on the first weekend to over 40 men twice a year.
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Why Fisher of Men?
- Christians in apostasy are as a wrecked ship.
“…concerning faith have made shipwreck”. 1 Timothy 1:19 - A ship’s rudder is like the tongue.
“Behold also the ships…Even so the tongue…”. James 3:4,5 - Salvation is like entering a haven.
“…he bringeth them…desired haven.” Psalm 107:30 - God’s throne is on the face of a sea.
“And before the throne…a sea of glass…”. Revelation 4:6 - The wicked are like the troubled sea.
“But the wicked are like the troubled sea…”. Isaiah 57:20 - Our sins are in the deepest sea.
“…cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19 - The Holy Spirit is like unto water.
“…whence then hast thou that living water?” John 4:10,11 - The Word washes like water.
“…the washing of water by the word”. Ephesians 5:26 - The gospel is as a net.
“… is like unto a net…”. Matthew 13:47 - A fish gave a man a ride.
“…a great fish to swallow up Jonah…”. Jonah 1:17 - Men are likened unto fish.
“And makest men as the fishes of the sea…”. Habakkuk 1:14 - A Christian is a fisherman.
“…fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19
Who is the captain?
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, designer of everything, is the author and finisher of our Faith. By His sacrifice on the cross, we are invited into His Kingdom. We must receive and believe His mercy and grace. That Grace alone, His atonement for sins is the way to salvation, and now works on our part could add to our salvation.
The joy of the Lord and proof of purchase is the outpouring of His Holy Spirit and presence which often looks like good works. The fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control. 9 Grace characteristics that change everything! So take your next steps in your walk with Christ and he will bear great fruit through you! We hope you experience the authentic Joy of the Lord.