{"id":85493,"date":"2026-01-16T18:59:29","date_gmt":"2026-01-17T00:59:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesonaz.org\/?p=85493"},"modified":"2026-01-16T18:59:29","modified_gmt":"2026-01-17T00:59:29","slug":"i-run-to-my-fathers-arms-vid-retreat-promotes-inner-healing-among-men","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mesonaz.org\/en\/i-run-to-my-fathers-arms-vid-retreat-promotes-inner-healing-among-men\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cI Run to My Father\u2019s Arms\u201d: VID Retreat Promotes Inner Healing Among Men"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cGod continues to call men back home\u2014into the Father\u2019s arms.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

On Saturday, November 22, 2025<\/strong>, 60 men<\/strong> from 12 congregations<\/strong> in the Central District of Costa Rica<\/strong> gathered for the retreat \u201cCorro a los brazos de mi Padre\u201d<\/strong> (\u201cI Run to My Father\u2019s Arms\u201d), held at the facilities of the Church of the Nazarene in San Rafael de Coronado<\/strong>. The day focused on inner healing<\/strong>, forgiveness, and reconciliation with Christ.<\/p>\n

A space to heal from within<\/h3>\n

The retreat was organized by the <\/strong>Varones a Imagen de Dios (VID) <\/strong>(Men in God\u2019s Image) ministry<\/strong>\u2014a Nazarene ministry dedicated to ministering to and spiritually supporting men. Under the leadership of Wilberth Picado Gait\u00e1n<\/strong>, district VID director, the gathering created space for personal and spiritual restoration, reminding each participant that God not only forgives\u2014He also transforms and renews.<\/p>\n

Messages that guided men toward reconciliation<\/h3>\n

Four plenary sessions were held throughout the day<\/strong>, designed to lovingly challenge, bring hope, and lead men to practical steps before the Lord:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \u201cEnfrentando al espejo\u201d (Facing the Mirror)<\/strong> \u2014 Felipe Flores<\/li>\n
  • \u201cVenciendo desde adentro\u201d (Overcoming from Within)<\/strong> \u2014 Wilberth Picado<\/li>\n
  • \u201cTestimonio de Vida\u201d (Life Testimony)<\/strong> \u2014 Manuel Calder\u00f3n<\/li>\n
  • \u201cCorro a los brazos de mi Padre\u201d (I Run to My Father\u2019s Arms)<\/strong> \u2014 Carlos de la Cruz<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    In addition, times of personal reflection and ministry helped many identify internal burdens, seek forgiveness, and walk toward freedom in Christ<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    The worship team supported this process in unity, made up of: Aaron Fern\u00e1ndez<\/strong> (lead vocals and guitar), John Picado<\/strong> (electric guitar and backing vocals), Mainor Gonz\u00e1lez<\/strong> (keyboard), David Serrano<\/strong> (bass), and Donovan Z\u00fa\u00f1iga<\/strong> (drums).<\/p>\n

    Testimonies that confirm the fruit<\/h3>\n

    The retreat created an atmosphere of trust and openness<\/strong>, where men could speak honestly and receive ministry without fear or prejudice. Ronald Gonz\u00e1lez<\/strong>, a participant, shared: \u201cI left full of God\u2026 I felt something come off of me\u2026 it was anger\u2026 But now I live in the freedom of Christ, believing that He is in control of everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Pastor Ricardo Le\u00f3n<\/strong> highlighted the spiritual impact of the day: \u201cThe experience of participating in a retreat is invaluable\u2026 the ministry moments and the preaching of the Holy Word were wonderful\u2026 this tool is extremely important for the growth of the Lord\u2019s work.\u201d<\/p>\n

    For his part, Warner Dur\u00e1n<\/strong> emphasized the value of the environment that formed among the men: \u201cListening to the men\u2019s conversations, without prejudice, created an atmosphere of trust\u2026 seeing what the Holy Spirit did\u2026 was a blessing.\u201d<\/p>\n

    In the same spirit, several participants agreed that the day helped them identify deep wounds<\/strong>, surrender personal battles to God, and leave with renewed commitment to walk in integrity. For many, the retreat became a meaningful \u201cpause along the way\u201d to reorder priorities<\/strong>, strengthen devotional life, and take concrete steps toward restoration at home.<\/p>\n

    What\u2019s next in 2026<\/h3>\n

    This was the retreat\u2019s first <\/strong>gathering<\/strong>, and for now it is projected to take place every two years<\/strong>. Meanwhile, in 2026<\/strong> the VID ministry will continue hosting services and <\/strong>zone-based gatherings<\/strong>, especially considering the churches in the district that have not yet had the opportunity to participate.<\/p>\n

    When God restores a man\u2019s heart, He also blesses his home, his church, and his community.<\/p>\n

    \u201cGod continues sanctifying His people, and the mission keeps moving forward.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Source:<\/strong> Wilberth Picado Gait\u00e1n, VID Director, Central District of Costa Rica.<\/p>\n