I hope you are enjoying the blessings of the Season as we celebrate the birth of our Savior! It’s such a privilege to serve Him together with you. 

We are grateful to God for giving us another year to win souls into the Kingdom. Next year, 2023, will mark our 55th year at Christian Retreat, a place for God’s Presence where multitudes of people have experienced the life-changing power of God. We are committed to “carrying the fire” at this place birthed in revival by my father, Gerald Derstine, who went to his heavenly reward earlier this year.   

It’s been a busy holiday season here. Thousands attended our community outreach, Winterfest, where we gave away food, provided lots of family entertainment and a “prayer tent,” where we ministered to those requesting prayer. This is my heart…blessing those around us and bringing Light to the darkness. Last night, we held our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service!  Check our website for other upcoming events during this season.

Our theme for 2023 is “Carrying the Fire,” referencing Jeremiah 20:9, “…His Word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones.” Homecoming Week, Jan. 11-15, features renowned guest speakers Jonathan Cahn (Jan. 12), Phil Driscoll for a Night of Worship (Jan. 14), Prophet Ben Smith and others. Join us for a special time when our ministers come from around the world to share what God is doing on the front lines. Our annual Partner Banquet is Friday, Jan. 13th, with guest appearances by Phil Driscoll and Royal Priesthood worship team. Get your tickets online on our website. 

There’s still time to register for the Institute of Ministry, our 10-week “School of the Spirit” beginning Jan. 16th. Email us at connect@instituteofministry.com or call 941-746-2882, Ext. 427. What a great way to spend the winter in Florida!

Renovations continue across our campus as we upgrade the facilities for our guests. The 2-story 40-room River House, adjacent to Miracle Manor and overlooking the beautiful Manatee River, is being gutted and restored, providing future accommodations for our IOM students and guests. And, as I stated in my previous letter, top on our list of priorities is a new warehouse building to provide space for storage and handling of relief supplies for those in crisis. I really need your help on this.  Thanks to all who have already contributed toward the $185,000 needed to complete this project!

Our hearts break for our brothers and sisters in Haiti, as the impoverished country has descended into complete chaos in recent months. We are partnering this year with our leaders, Bishop Joel and Doris Jeune, to provide large “Happy Birthday Jesus” Christmas parties for over 12,000 children, with food, toys and a message of hope to the poorest of the poor. For just $20, you can bring joy to a family by providing a hot meal, Christmas gifts, and the message of Christ to children in desperate need. Will you help us make an impact in the lives of precious children in Haiti this Christmas?

It means the world to Jannette and me to know you are standing with us. You are always in our prayers and together we are changing the world.  Send us your special prayer requests and consider sowing an end-of-the-year seed for souls.

Celebrating His birth,

Pastors Phil & Jannette Derstine

P.S. Please respond quickly so we can include your prayer requests in our 7-day fast, the first week of January!

Join Pastors Phil & Jannette Derstine on a 10-day Christian Retreat in the Holy Land, starting at $4,588* from New York, NY, departing on May 2, 2023. Journey to Joppa, Caesarea, Megiddo, Nazareth, Galilee, Golan Heights, Masada, Qumran, Jericho, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and much more!

A $600 per person deposit is required at the time of reservation to the travel agency listed on the registration form.

CONTACT: Joanne Derstine-Curphey | joanne@christianretreat.org