Almost three weeks ago, Mecosta County Sheriff Brian Miller attended a retreat with Resurrection Life Church called “Heroes Return.” This four-day excursion is designed to bring men together and discover their full identity as a Christian.

“It’s a men’s retreat of faith away from the outside world for God-seeking, self-searching and spiritual training designed to unlock the pain and wounds that keep men from experiencing authentic and distinctive manhood,” Miller said. “My wife signed me up and I put time aside knowing how important it was. The experience (was) a game changer for me and how I live my life and love my family."

Near the end of the experience, the men attending were offered a chance to be baptized. When asked who he would like to have him baptized, he chose an individual that formerly served time in the Mecosta County facility and turned his life around through the experience himself.

“He had been in our facility and has been someone I’ve been able to communicate and grow closer to,” Miller said. “He’s friends with a family friend of mine.”

Miller was baptized by the individual as well as his friend Shane Fountain and was supported by many other friends and Ferris State alumni.

“My faith is something that's important to me, both my faith in God and my family,” Miller said. “We created a setting where truth replaces lies and men are restored, healed and made whole. Heroes Return is for any of our country’s veterans and first responders, no matter where or when they served our nation and communities. It is a safe place where men can get free of guilt, shame, and anger. Men get 'off the grid,' find camaraderie and answer the call to authentic manhood.

For more information on Heroes Return, visit www.theroadmap.org.