FamTeam Retreats - FamTeam.com

A 2008 FamTeam Retreat has been tentatively scheduled for the Labor Day Weekend. (According to present plans, the 10th Annual Softball Classic will also be held on this weekend.)

Hosted by the Arndt family on its land in southwestern Illinois, a short drive from St. Louis, Missouri, FamTeam Retreats offer visitors an opportunity to step away from the normal pace of everyday life in order to experience, in a tranquil rural setting, the love, forgiveness, and restoration offered by Jesus Christ, along with the support, encouragement, and healing that can be found within a Christian community setting. The retreats have been designed to work well with a small number of guests (between 15 and 25); in this way, the weekend experience tends to produce a natural, cozy, and personal atmosphere. (Retreatants are invited to lodge at one of the many motels and hotels that can be found in the St. Louis/southwestern Illinois area. In the past, we have recommended that our visitors consider staying at the Super 8 motel in Waterloo, Illinois.)

The weekend retreats are presented by members of the Arndt family, and combine such elements as group worship, practical Christian teaching, small-group discussion, and prayer ministry. Additional activities -- such as strolls through the woods, late-night bonfires, and softball games -- serve to round out the picture! All time given by the Arndts to the retreats is donated on a volunteer basis, and 100 percent of all donations are invested into the various outreach activities of Safe At Home Ministries.

FamTeam Retreats are held in the Safe At Home Christian Fellowship meeting room, which is directly attached to the Arndt family homestead. The meeting room contains an abundance of windows, each of which provides full views of the surrounding farmland, woods, and pond. Those attending the retreats will have access to the spacious recreation area -- which contains pool, ping-pong, foosball, mechanical baseball, and air hockey tables, along with several other games -- and the large backyard play area, which is enclosed by a picket fence, with gates that are kept permanently locked for the safety of little ones. Depending on the weather conditions, additional activities will take place on the softball field, in the woods, and around the bonfire area. Guests are urged to dress casually.

(Note: Details regarding both the Retreat and the Classic will be placed into this section after they have been finalized!)

Dear Rick, Cathy, and all the Arndt kids,

I wanted to take a few moments to send you my sincerest gratitude for all the hard work your family put into the Retreat and Classic this year. Melanie and I, along with our young ones, had a memorable time. You're all such gracious hosts! You made every one of us feel comfortable and welcome in your home.

For the sake of brevity, I won't try to list the numerous ways in which your family blessed ours. I'll let it suffice to say that my heart was most encouraged by the many spontaneous conversations and warm fellowship that were kindled among all who attended. Furthermore, Melanie and I were particularly blessed to observe your sons and Mary-Elizabeth reaching out and welcoming our children with laughter and wholesome fun!

May God continue to bless and guide you as you're seeking His will; finding ways to let Him minister through your family. We'd very much like to return for another Retreat and/or Classic and, Lord willing, we will!

Very truly yours,
Scott. Melanie, and family

Howell, Michigan

I wanted to take a moment to tell you how nice it was to meet you over the retreat weekend. The time we got to spend with you guys by the fire was definitely a highlight! We could have talked through the night and there's so much more that we'd like to pick your brains about.... maybe we'll get the chance to do just that some other retreat!
I could listen to Mr. and Mrs. Arndt talk forever!

My husband said that you guys are as close to what God designed the family to be. Again, I couldn't agree more! What we've taken from the retreat will be with us for the rest of our lives. We are eternally changed!

JJ, Lisa, and family

Oil City, Pennsylvania

I really enjoyed the 2007 Family Retreat/Softball Classic. I was allowed to help out with preparing for the Classic. The Arndts were really nice. They welcomed me and my family and we all got along together. At the Classic they didn't treat me like a hindrance, they let me help set up games and help with activities. If you ask me it's a perfect family vacation.

- Becky -

There are many things I liked about the retreat, but I'll narrow it down to a few things. First of all I liked helping out with the Softball Classic, filling up water balloons and such things. I also liked playing dart guns in the basement. It was a fun weekend. Thanks!

Brad