April 2022
Experience of Element 26- 2021 Retreat
Fort Bluff had the privilege to host Element 26 for their annual weekend retreat this past fall. Element 26 is a men's ministry designed to draw men together in pursuit of living a Godly life through camping, hiking, and outdoor adventures coupled with transparent conversation, accountability, and sound Biblical teaching.
Their name, Element 26, has an interesting backstory to it. Iron (element 26) is one of the most common elements on Earth and is relatively soft in its purest form. However, through the smelting process or adding of impurities, it is hardened. Through enough smelting, steel is created- a material which is up to 1,000 stronger than iron.
Travis Uptegrove, Director of Element 26, explains it further saying “Like iron, men will face outside influences that will tend to harden us. Also, like iron, this hardening, or toughness, can be used to do great good or great harm. Too many men are forged into anger or bitterness. More men need to be forged in strength and boldness.”
During their weekend here at Fort Bluff, the men of Element 26 had three worship sessions that challenged the men to step into the role God called them to be. Brian Goode, Fort Bluff Camp Director, shared his testimony at one of those sessions. Each evening featured small group sessions around the fire pits where the men discussed the takeaways from the sessions.
In total, the retreat was attended by 147 men aged 16 and up, with over 9 states and Puerto Rico represented. Over the course of the weekend, 12 men made the commitment to be baptized.
Fort Bluff looks forward to welcoming Element 26 back for their 2022 retreat!
Their name, Element 26, has an interesting backstory to it. Iron (element 26) is one of the most common elements on Earth and is relatively soft in its purest form. However, through the smelting process or adding of impurities, it is hardened. Through enough smelting, steel is created- a material which is up to 1,000 stronger than iron.
Travis Uptegrove, Director of Element 26, explains it further saying “Like iron, men will face outside influences that will tend to harden us. Also, like iron, this hardening, or toughness, can be used to do great good or great harm. Too many men are forged into anger or bitterness. More men need to be forged in strength and boldness.”
During their weekend here at Fort Bluff, the men of Element 26 had three worship sessions that challenged the men to step into the role God called them to be. Brian Goode, Fort Bluff Camp Director, shared his testimony at one of those sessions. Each evening featured small group sessions around the fire pits where the men discussed the takeaways from the sessions.
In total, the retreat was attended by 147 men aged 16 and up, with over 9 states and Puerto Rico represented. Over the course of the weekend, 12 men made the commitment to be baptized.
Fort Bluff looks forward to welcoming Element 26 back for their 2022 retreat!
