FredMcKinnon.Com

Hey Ya’ll -

Well, it’s just about that time … an event I look forward to every year … my annual retreat to Panama City, FL for some serious God-seeking.

It all started I guess 9-10 years ago … I’ve lost count. I’d been working as the Music Director at New Life Christian Fellowship in Vicksburg, MS with Pastor Craig Walker … he’d moved down to Mobile, AL and since we were all affiliated w/ Ken Sumrall, we started meeting in January each year at “The Secret Place”. This was a great house in Pensacola that Ken Sumrall built for ministers to come “retreat”. Craig started this gathering back then and I’d always join with a group of 10 or so men … for a dedicated time of prayer, fasting, worship … like I said .. some serious “God-seeking”.

The last few years the event has moved from Pensacola to Panama City Beach, FL. We stay at Laguna Christian Retreat and it’s an awesome time of worship and prayer time. God has spoken so clearly to me over the years as I take these 3 days to get “set apart” for Him and seek His direction for my life, ministry, and purpose. And of course, being out on the beach helps .. it’s usually pretty cold this time of year, but it’ll be in the 70′s this week. If you read an old post from way back in August of 2004 (the post is entitled Eureka – God’s Voice on the Water” and is in the archives …) … you know how I love to be around the water when I’m seeking the Lord … and not just water … in the woods, mountains … just something about the peaceful, beautiful outdoors and nature.

At any case, I’ll be leaving in the morning for Panama City Beach, FL. I have an extra privilege this year – I’m taking along my pastor this year. That will be a treat, as there is much to pray about concerning our local church and my involvement there. It was at this annual prayer/fasting retreat 3 years ago where the Lord clearly spoke to me regarding my time to resign my full-time position … amazing how things work.

I’ll be jumping right into the saddle – actually a bit early – we’ll have to leave the retreat an afternoon early because I want to come back home, see the family and check on things at HPP, only to leave Thursday afternoon for Dublin, GA to prepare for the annual “Keyboard Extravaganza” concert that I’ll be performing in at Dublin First United Methodist Church on Sunday evening, 1/16.

Thanks for those who read this – please cover me in your prayers as I set myself apart the next 3 days to seek the Father. I want to come back challenged and focused – and may His glory be evident in my life upon my return.

For the Kingdom,
Fred

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