Hearts Transformed at Second Annual ManUp4Prayer Retreat

From July 25–27, the Allegheny East Conference (AEC) campus was once again transformed into sacred ground as men gathered for the second annual ManUp4Prayer retreat, hosted by the AEC Relationship Ministries Department. God moved in a mighty way, blessing the event with a 70% increase in attendance over last year. Men from their mid-teens to their seventies, from diverse backgrounds and denominations, came united in their desire for a deeper walk with God.

Building on the foundation of last year’s impactful retreat, this year’s theme—“Change Me, Oh God!!”—called attendees to a new level of surrender. A powerful lineup of speakers—including bishops, pastors, doctors, and chaplains—challenged the men to courageously submit to God’s transforming power for these end-time days.

And God answered.

Tears flowed as hidden burdens were confessed and released. One brother brought a literal cross to the retreat, inviting others to write down the strongholds they wanted God to break. That symbolic act became a sacred moment of release and renewal.

The weekend reached a spiritual peak when seven men accepted Christ as their Savior and were baptized, publicly declaring their commitment to walk with Him.

We ask for your continued prayers as we nurture these new brothers in Christ and build a strong community of men committed to finishing strong with Team Jesus. Plans for next year’s retreat are already underway, and we are anticipating even greater things.

Special thanks to AEC and the Pine Forge Church for their unwavering support in making this life-changing experience possible.