The second year of the Men's Overnight Bible Study took place on September 16 and 17, 2005, at 4-H Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see near Manteno, Illinois. We again had about seventy-five men from over fifteen congregations attended the event, from all over northern and central Illinois, southwest Wisconsin, northwestern Indiana, and one from Ohio.

The theme for the 2005 Men's Overnight Bible Study was "Be Strong in the Lord," focusing on how we as men can be better servants to our Lord, families, and in the rest of our relationships through the strength of God. The getaway began on Friday evening with opening remarks by Brian Bickford from Plano, Illinois and Rick Liggin from Peoria, Illinois, and some singing. Afterward, many games were played and many spent time with each other, conversing and getting to know one another better.

Saturday morning began with breakfast and then the first session of Bible study:

  • Be Thou An Example – Jeff Nettles of Normal, IL
  • Reach For My Goals – Joe Novak of Glen Ellyn, IL
  • A Christian Man and His Money – Ray Ferris of Normal, IL

Saturday continued with the second session of Bible study:

  • Being A Strong Provider – Andy Diestelkamp of Pontiac, IL
  • Reborn To Lead – Al Diestelkamp of Sycamore, IL

Everyone then met in the dining hall for the third session of Bible study, Self Control and Purity, by Jeremy Dehut of Amelia, OH.

After some songs and lunch, the fourth session of Bible study began, The Everyday Evangelist, by Tim Zydek of Channahon, IL.

We then engaged in some more singing. Afterward many stayed around for a softball game.

It was another fulfilling weekend, full of encouragement for men to be the types of examples and people they ought to be.

Obtaining Copies of the Lessons of the 2005 Men's Overnight Bible Study

CDs of the lessons presented at the 2005 Men's Overnight Bible study are available from Rob Speer for $2 per lesson. Please visit his website here to purchase them. Thanks!