Michigan—Fifty people attended the Health Professionals Retreat at Camp AuSable, Sept. 8–11. The Lord blessed with perfect weather, wonderful fellowship and great food! There was a golf outing and a nutritional lab on Fri., as well as recreation time on Fri. and Sun.

Speaker Michael Hasel inspired guests with fascinating experiences conducting research at the Cyprus-American Archaeological Research Institute in Nicosia, Cyprus, as a Fulbright Scholar funded by the U.S. Department of State. Hasel is director of the Institute of Archeology, professor of Near Eastern Studies and Archeology at Southern Adventist University (SAU), and director of the Lynn H. Wood Archaeological Museum at SAU. He is currently completing his fourth book.

There were also children’s programs on Sabbath conducted by Erick and Aurelia Rivas of the Lansing Church. Beautiful special music numbers and a concert were performed by soloist Dexter Saddler, violinist Christian Filip and his sister, pianist Lorena, all of Andrews University.

Many health professionals commented they hope others will become aware of this relaxing and inspiring weekend and plan to attend next year. Ray Mayer, a physician, commented “I highly recommend that more come to appreciate the friendship, food, and spiritual surroundings. I will invite others to join us next year.”

Rudy and Annie Quion, who organize the golf scramble each year, said: “Physicians, dentists, and other health professionals who don’t attend this retreat are missing out on excellent programs. We encourage more to come and receive the blessings.” Tammie Riess, a nurse practitioner, shared the following: “In my busy life, this was the perfect setting and the programming supported time to “be still, and know that I am God.”

Another guest summed it all up, inviting others to “Please come and join us. Words can not express the most wonderful, relaxing and spiritual time that we spent together.”

The group voted to have a speaker next year to give them hints on how to make their practice a more efficient tool to reach people’s spiritual needs.

The 2006 dates are Sept. 28–Oct. 1. All health professionals, including physicians, dentists, chiropractors, physician’s assistants, nurse practitioners, and licensed therapists are invited to attend this yearly event designed for spiritual and physical renewal and family time.

Sheri Christie, Michigan Conference health and temperance department secretary