When Marines needs to work on their physical fitness, they go to the gym, but where do Marines go when they need to work on their spiritual fitness?
Fifteen Marines, sailors and family members went to Forest Home for a Spiritual Growth Retreat hosted by the Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operation Marine Corps West Jan. 8 through 10.
During the three-day retreat, attendees participated in discussions, activities and exercises designed to help them come to a better understanding of God and themselves.
“I thought it was enlightening,” said Debbie Manzanares, the wife of a retired Marine from Camp Pendleton. “I’m at a point where I need to refocus on what God needs from me.”
Although most of the retreat was spent in a classroom, free time allowed participants the opportunity to explore all that Forest Home has to offer. The Christian-based resort is set in the San Bernardino Mountains about two hours north of San Diego, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to help participants reconnect with nature. The 500-acre camp offered the opportunity to hike among snow-capped mountains and explore waterfalls, zip-line through the forest and fish.
“This retreat gives you what you can’t get on a Sunday in an hour-long session. You need concentrated time to really work these ideas through,” said Manzanares.
Although the retreat was centered on Christian principles, participants from many different denominations came together to learn in a common faith.
“I’ve seen people from all denominations,” said Navy Lt. Edward Waldron, the CREDO Retreat chaplain. “We come together as one group to enjoy what God can do. It makes a difference.”
Since he began working with the program, Waldron has seen CREDO Marine Corps West grow to the point where it has doubled the participation of any other CREDO program in the Navy or Marine Corps. He believes it’s important for service members to take time to strengthen their spiritual side.
“When I retire, I’m gonna have a plaque, but what happens when I come to the end?” asked Waldron, a former Marine. “I have to face God. My spiritual walk with the Lord is part of my walk as a Marine.”
Although spiritual growth is an individual effort, Waldron believes the overall impact affects the entire Marine Corps.
“It’s the quality of life,” said Waldron. “I hear ‘My life has been changed’ and ‘My marriage has been saved.’ It’s absolutely worth it. If I could, I would do this every week for the impact we’ve made in lives.”
CREDO Marine Corps West, based out of Camp Pendleton, covers MCB Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Air Stations Yuma and Miramar and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. They offer many classes, and over 17 different retreats throughout the year.
Although there aren’t any Spiritual Growth Retreats scheduled in the next couple of months, CREDO offers marriage enrichment, parent management, personal growth and family retreats through May. Call the CREDO office at 760-725-4954 for more information.
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