Anugraha RP Church in Bangalore, India broke away from the monotony of the isolation and pandemic woes to retreat as a church family. It was the State independence holiday and that allowed for nearly 30 of us to travel together in a fun mini-bus and snuck into the wild Bannerghatta forests for a one-day adventure.
The place we went to was called Area83 and was a fun outdoor camping spot, featuring green communal spaces, fun team games such as human foosball, high-adrenaline rope activities, and outlined by serene lake. We began the day with a sumptuous buffet breakfast and headed over to the conference facility for a time of singing and a lecture by Pastor Venky on what it means to be in fellowship with one another. It was a much needed word for a long season
of social dreariness for all of us, and it equally refreshed us for more fellowship.
Following that we had a special edition of “Stump the elders” with our pastor and one of our ruling elders, wherein we put them through odd scenarios and
theological limbos to bring out their lighter sides. Following a tea break, we played some fun outdoor team building games wherein our youngest and oldest members could all break ice and work together.
The latter half of our day was spent soaking in the pool, and boating on the quiet lakeside. We returned home, half past six in the evening, quite worn out yet refreshed by the company of saints.
Praise God with us for a wonderful break amidst the busyness and isolation, and pray for sweeter times of reunion, fun and fellowship with our church. Pray for opportunities to invite more outliers and onlookers into or church through these times of refreshment.
Thanks to Sarmishta Venkatesh for putting together this article for us. Sharmishta is wife of pastor Venkatesh and together they serve Anugraha RP church in Bangalore. She’s a Certified Biblical Counselor, a designer, and a passionate mother and teacher to her son Abhi who lives with spina bifida.
