Most of you know by now that my friend and brother, Robert Hayes, went home to be with the Lord after a year+ battle with cancer. Here is the tribute I wrote and shared at his Memorial Service. Things I want to share about Robert:
1. Robert was everybody’s friend. I don’t know how he did it, but while he had many friendships that he considered his closest friends, you probably didn’t know you were on that shortlist because he made you feel like you were his best friend.
You got his undivided attention when you were in his presence, and he was laser-focused on you. He probably even wrote you a note, sent you a text, or put something on social media to let you know he appreciated you. I have never heard anyone say a disparaging word about Robert.
2. Robert was an encourager. Again, he was amazing how he could hone in on something in your life, and he would never forget to ask you about it the next time you were together. If he knew you were doing something musically, taking music lessons etc. etc. and so forth and so forth, he would encourage you to keep at it and would find ways to encourage you to develop your skills. One young lady shared that in a difficult time in her life, he walked to the piano and encouraged her to play the piano in the midst of her pain.
3. Robert loved the men of the Colony of Mercy. I think every Colony man for the past 21 years can testify that at some point, they had an encounter with Robert in some positive way. He cared about the men of the Colony and their families. He probably did as much counseling as all of our Chaplains combined.
4. Robert believed in excellence. From his music to his ministry of decorating and planning parties, Robert wanted it to be done well and to be done with excellence. Many of you enjoyed the Christmas tree displays with which he had a love/hate relationship with – he’d encourage his elves to help – but he would go back in and make sure it was to his perfection. How ironic when he was tested at CTCA, the doctor told him his lungs were lit up like a Christmas tree.
4. Robert spent his life learning about worship and teaching us to be worshippers. It was his driving passion. He wanted us to know that his God was worthy of our praise. He believed that we all had the responsibility and privilege of being worshippers and that the best way to be prepared to worship on Sunday was to worship M, T, W, T, F & S. He carefully and meticulously selected music to be sure that the message was biblical, singable, and would bring glory to God.
I could go on and on – but I want to conclude by saying that I am very grateful for my friendship with Robert that spans 23 years. It started two years before America’s Keswick at our Mid-Atlantic conference at Tuscarora Inn. I was leading worship for the conference, and Pam Wise came to me and said that a couple from Montrose Bible Conference sang. I was taught that you never relinquish the mic to someone you have never heard sing before. But I did – and that was the beginning of our amazing journey. Robert and Joyce sang my all-time favorite Robert and Joyce song – My Redeemer is Faithful and True.
Thousands of people have been impacted by Robert’s life, testimony, and ministry. His 21 years of ministry at America’s Keswick will never be forgotten.
Personally, I was blessed to play alongside a professional musician who had a big heart. A musician who could make the piano sing praises. An accompanist that made Joycee the most amazing soloist she is, along with countless others. An accompanist that made any choir sound good. We were connected at the heart with our music. I will miss our shenanigans on the platform, our discussions about ministry and life. I will miss our thousand texts a day. My life and yours will be ever different because of our relationship with Robert Charles Hayes. If I could get one more text from him, my guess is it would say – My Redeemer is faithful and true. I love you, Bubba, and I will miss you. But until then … how’s the game?
Bill Welte, President/CEO America’s Keswick
Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 12 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.
Think About This: “We have ample evidence that the Lord is able to guide. The promises cover every imaginable situation. All we need to do is to take the hand he stretches out.“ – Elisabeth Elliot
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. -1 John 4:20-21
This place is beautiful! Great for a little getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Robert Rodriguez
1711813203
The bestest place
Florence Ibrahim
1711601879
Christan true and very clean and good food and speaker blessed bmy soul love it my home and will always come back again again for ever in the lord. Room was so beautiful . They work so hard to make you happy. Will try to bring family member to be... blessed hear also. I support all that they do to help men and woman find god. When I come to Keswick I didn't want to go home . That how happy and blessed I'm. Always pray for all of them daily. So glad I found this blessed placeread more
Ross Fichter
1710505821
Stayed here while we were visiting my in-laws at The Pines Living Facility. Exactly what we needed for lodging -- inexpensive compared to most motels without any loss of accommodations, and very Christ-centered environment. Plus they serve a great... breakfast every morning. No TV in the room, but that was not an issue for us, since there is nothing worth watching anyway. Staff were extremely friendly and did their jobs well. This place is a gem and a blessing to all who walk on their beautiful property.read more
Manuel Chávez Martínez
1709498094
Es un lugar maravilloso para disfrutar la palabra de Dios
Pianista Benjamín Arias
1708802888
Bien
William Dundas
1708697460
This place holds a special place in my life journey. I was Baptised there as I RE-DEDICATED myself. It was Febuary at night, so my review may not give it the right justice. What I can say, there were a ton of relaxing, peaceful locations to... re-connect with JESUS. Obviously, there was a pool, several lake's with benches. Gathering locations to celebrate, and break bread. A very wholesome Resort.read more
Adrian Obrien
1707934719
Spontaneous invite to girl talk! Loved it! Speaker was on point, fellowship and food , how better to start Valentines?
Ivelisse Romero
1707021027
Beautiful place to separate yourself for the Lord. Soo peaceful no technology which I love. Just you nature and God. I was there for a women's retreat.
Jennifer Crabtree
1706843166
A wonderful Christ- and family-oriented place! Beautiful grounds and welcoming staff. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the conference we attended as well as the community hymn-sing. Highly recommend.
Jason Zimolong
1706837733
They've been a 5 star treatment and resort...doing God's work!
Patricia Simpson
1705193514
Peaceful little spot, so close to home 🩵
James Kolchin
1704151396
It's A Good Place To Have Retreats And They Have GREAT FOOD AND GREAT MUSIC
Kaia Leeds
1703475382
This was a very nice place!! I sang here with my school!!
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 427 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
This place is beautiful! Great for a little getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Robert Rodriguez
1711813203
The bestest place
Florence Ibrahim
1711601879
Christan true and very clean and good food and speaker blessed bmy soul love it my home and will always come back again again for ever in the lord. Room was so beautiful . They work so hard to make you happy. Will try to bring family member to be... blessed hear also. I support all that they do to help men and woman find god. When I come to Keswick I didn't want to go home . That how happy and blessed I'm. Always pray for all of them daily. So glad I found this blessed placeread more
Ross Fichter
1710505821
Stayed here while we were visiting my in-laws at The Pines Living Facility. Exactly what we needed for lodging -- inexpensive compared to most motels without any loss of accommodations, and very Christ-centered environment. Plus they serve a great... breakfast every morning. No TV in the room, but that was not an issue for us, since there is nothing worth watching anyway. Staff were extremely friendly and did their jobs well. This place is a gem and a blessing to all who walk on their beautiful property.read more
Manuel Chávez Martínez
1709498094
Es un lugar maravilloso para disfrutar la palabra de Dios
Pianista Benjamín Arias
1708802888
Bien
William Dundas
1708697460
This place holds a special place in my life journey. I was Baptised there as I RE-DEDICATED myself. It was Febuary at night, so my review may not give it the right justice. What I can say, there were a ton of relaxing, peaceful locations to... re-connect with JESUS. Obviously, there was a pool, several lake's with benches. Gathering locations to celebrate, and break bread. A very wholesome Resort.read more
Adrian Obrien
1707934719
Spontaneous invite to girl talk! Loved it! Speaker was on point, fellowship and food , how better to start Valentines?
Ivelisse Romero
1707021027
Beautiful place to separate yourself for the Lord. Soo peaceful no technology which I love. Just you nature and God. I was there for a women's retreat.
Jennifer Crabtree
1706843166
A wonderful Christ- and family-oriented place! Beautiful grounds and welcoming staff. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the conference we attended as well as the community hymn-sing. Highly recommend.
Jason Zimolong
1706837733
They've been a 5 star treatment and resort...doing God's work!
Patricia Simpson
1705193514
Peaceful little spot, so close to home 🩵
James Kolchin
1704151396
It's A Good Place To Have Retreats And They Have GREAT FOOD AND GREAT MUSIC
Kaia Leeds
1703475382
This was a very nice place!! I sang here with my school!!