2025 Retreat

Posted by unclov on September 6, 2025 in Featured, News & Events, Partners | Comments Off

Unconditional Love Fellowship 2025 Retreat

“The Spirit of Life – Here and Now!“

Retreat Details:

This year’s topic is The Spirit of Life – Here and Now! - At this December retreat, Malcolm will explore the Holy Spirit not as a distant, disconnected being, but as a present and living companion who walks with us daily. He will show how the Spirit gently leads us by the hand into new territory, illuminates Christ in every moment, and makes divine life a present reality rather than a future hope. Come discover how the Spirit’s work transforms ordinary moments into encounters with God’s presence, guiding choices, healing wounds, and creating a life of intimate friendship with Him.

We will be eating together for dinner on Friday (Dec. 5) and for lunch and dinner on Saturday (Dec. 6) – All three meals we have together are included in your retreat registration fee. Registration Cost: $400 per person if you register before Oct. 31, and it becomes $425 per person thereafter. Registration closes Nov. 20 or when we reach capacity. Please be advised that this year, the retreat registration is non-refundable. You need to book your accommodations separately from your retreat registration, but we have arranged a discounted rate for you at the hotel. Rooms are $99 per night (for 2 queen beds or 1 king bed) when making your reservations, please call Hilton/Double Tree reservations line at 210-340-6060 and let them know you’re there for the Unconditional Love Fellowship retreat (or use this custom Booking Link when booking online). The hotel is located near San Antonio Airport as well as many shopping and dining options, and the Hilton shuttle will take you anywhere you want to go in the area. (Map and directions below)

Location: Hilton by Double Tree Hotel in San Antonio, Texas

611 NW Loop 410

San Antonio, Texas, 78216, USA

How to Register:

You can register online here:
Register Online

To register by phone, please call our ministry office at 830-460-4000. (And don’t forget to book your room with the hotel!)

REGISTRATION CLOSES NOVEMBER 20th or when we reach capacity.

Retreat Schedule:

The retreat begins Friday morning with time for everyone to check-in and meet and greet each other. We will have lunch on our own Friday, and begin the first teaching session of the retreat at 2pm. Each session lasts from 60-90 minutes and we take regular breaks between each teaching and for lunch/dinner. Friday and Saturday evenings, the last teaching session begins at 7pm. Sunday morning from 9:30-11am (approximately) we will have Holy Communion service and blessings as we head home.

FRIDAY 12/5/2025

Dinner is included in your retreat on Friday.

10:00 am-12 pm – Retreat check-in and Meet & Greet with Malcolm and Cheryl 

1:30 pm – Worship
2:00 pm – Teaching with Malcolm

5:30 pm – DINNER – We dine together at the hotel

7:00 pm – Worship
7:30 pm – Teaching with Malcolm

SATURDAY 12/6/2025

Lunch and Dinner are included in your retreat on Saturday.

8:30 am – Worship
9:00 am – Teaching with Malcolm

11:30 am – LUNCH – We dine together at the hotel

1:30 pm – Worship      
2:00 pm – Teaching with Malcolm

5:30 pm – DINNER – We dine together at the hotel

7:00 pm – Worship
7:30 pm – Teaching with Malcolm

SUNDAY 12/7/2025

     8:30 am – Worship
9:00 am – Eucharist Service / Prayer
(There will be opportunity for prayer with designated Prayer Team Members) 

This schedule is approximate and may be subject to change.

If you have any other questions about the retreat or registration, please call or email us!

Office Phone: 830-460-4000

Email: unclov@gmail.com

Register Online

GANplus

Posted by unclov on August 3, 2025 in Featured, More, News & Events, Partners | Comments Off

Announcement from Malcolm & Cheryl Smith

Posted by unclov on January 18, 2025 in News & Events, Partners | Comments Off

Important Announcement from Malcolm and Cheryl Smith

Please take a moment to listen to this important message from Malcolm and Cheryl Smith as they share how you can support Unconditional Love Fellowship in the days ahead. We need you more than ever. Become a Partner or make a donation today so we can reach our goals and expand to new projects. We have so many plans we are excited for, but we need your help to make them a reality.

Thank you for your support.

Become a Partner with a Monthly Donation

You can make a one-time donation below, or set up a recurring monthly donation and become a sustaining Partner of Unconditional Love Fellowship. Learn more about Partnership on our Partner Page or sign up by clicking “Become a Partner”:

Thank You!
And May the Lord Richly Bless You!

- Malcolm and Cheryl Smith

Fall 2024 Partner Update

Posted by unclov on November 1, 2024 in Partners | Comments Off

Through your gifts you and I together are loving people to life.

Hello Partners!

Good day to everyone! This is our Partner Message for Fall 2024. First off, we apologize that it’s been so long since we’ve been in direct communication. This year has been a journey, and we thank you deeply for standing with us. Your faithfulness has been essential, and we’re so grateful for you all.

We have big news! My recent PET scan on September 23rd confirmed that I am 100 percent cancer-free! The day we found out, Cheryl could not wait any longer for the official report, so she called the doctor’s office, and asked for the results herself. Just as I was putting the period on the final sentence of the new book, Cheryl burst into my office with the news. It was a day of celebration! She was jumping and dancing, and we both thanked the Lord together. We can’t thank you enough for your prayers. This is truly God’s healing.

The new book Meal of Mystery, Meal of Wonder is available now on Amazon and at malcolmsmith.org – Malcolm’s Online Store.

This book has been a journey for both of us, and Cheryl and I call it our “Isaac” because it took both of us to bring it to life. It’s a reflection of my journey of understanding Holy Communion over many years, with all the questions and discoveries along the way. I realized I needed to write it for people just like me, with the same questions, and to let the answers come through as simply as possible. We trust it will bless you!

We’re also looking forward to the December Retreat in San Antonio, which will take place from December 6th- 8th. This retreat ties directly into my recent study for the book, diving even deeper into the teachings of Holy Communion. Each session will build on the last, and every day we’ll take Communion together to experience its meaning in our lives. The retreat is currently full, but we have a waitlist for any last-minute openings, so feel free to call the office to be added. Find full details for the retreat and register online at unconditionallovefellowship.com or by calling the ministry office at 830-460-4000.

My message to you this month centers on remembering the deep mystery and wonder of Christ’s presence in our lives. Holy Communion reminds us that God has come close, choosing to dwell with us and within us. This sacred meal is more than a symbol; it is a true participation in the life and love of Christ, strengthening us from within. May this understanding encourage you daily.

Thank you again for sticking with us. This year, we’re grateful for our spiritual sons Andrew, Clint, and Marshall, who stepped in to lead Sunday services when I couldn’t. We thank the Lord for them and the way they bring their own voices to this work. We’re also thankful to be back in regular ministry with you.

As we look toward the holiday season, we’re reminded of God’s goodness and faithfulness. Cheryl and I are looking forward to connecting with many of you at the retreat and will be back with another update soon. Until then, may you experience His peace and presence every day.

You are blessed in Christ Jesus,
Malcolm and Cheryl Smith

If the download does not start automatically, right-click the link and choose “Save Link As…” and that should let you save the recording. 

If the download does not start automatically, right-click the link and choose “Save Link As…” and that should let you save the recording. 

Summer 2024 – Partner Update

Posted by unclov on July 5, 2024 in More, News & Events, Partners | Comments Off

Through your gifts you and I together are loving people to life.

Hello Partners!

Good day! As we transition from spring to summer, we want to share updates and plans for the remainder of the year. Cheryl and I are excited to bring you some wonderful news and upcoming events that we believe will be significant for all of us.

HEALTH UPDATE

First and foremost, we have fantastic news regarding Malcolm’s health. His most recent PET scan, conducted a couple of weeks ago, showed even more shrinkage of the cancer. The oncologist has confirmed that Malcolm is now more than 95 percent cancer-free. Hallelujah! Malcolm has been incredibly busy with his writing, and we’ve had our plates full, but this good news energizes us.

DECEMBER RETREAT

We are thrilled to announce our Winter Retreat, scheduled for December 6th, 7th, and 8th at the DoubleTree in San Antonio. This year’s theme is “Meal of Mystery, Meal of Wonder” which ties into the new book Malcolm is writing about the Holy Communion. Many people have expressed interest in understanding the significance and practices surrounding the Holy Communion, and this retreat will delve deeply into this sacred ritual.

The retreat will feature comprehensive teaching sessions on the Eucharist, starting from Friday through to Sunday morning. Each evening and on Sunday morning, we will celebrate the Eucharist together, aiming for a deeper experiential understanding of its significance. This will be more than just a learning experience; it will be a time to live and feel the teachings as they are presented.

Find full details for the retreat and register online at unconditionallovefellowship.com/2024-retreat/, or register by phone by calling the ministry office at 830-460-4000.

NEW BOOK

The upcoming book, Meal of Mystery, Meal of Wonder explores the profound mystery and significance of the Eucharist, uncovering layers of meaning that have long been misunderstood or overlooked. It promises to be an enlightening read, bringing the practices and teachings of the early church to life. The book is expected to be published in the fall, and those attending the retreat will be the first to have the opportunity to purchase it.

My message to you this month is from the first letter of John, in chapter 4:7-21. This passage reminds us that love originates from God, and our ability to love comes from His initial love for us. This divine love is not something we earn or initiate but is His nature which we receive and respond to. It’s a love that is not based on our actions but purely on His grace and initiative. This understanding frees us from the struggle of trying to earn God’s love and allows us to rest in the assurance that we are already loved unconditionally. As we continue through the summer, let us keep this realization in our hearts and carry it with us in our daily lives.

Cheryl and I look forward to seeing many of you this December at the retreat and sharing some time together. We thank you for your continued support and generosity. Your gifts and giving are essential in helping us share this message and continue our ministry. It is through your contributions that we are able to reach more people and bring the love of God to those who need it most. We will be back soon with another update.

You are blessed in Christ Jesus,
Malcolm and Cheryl Smith

If the download does not start automatically, right-click the link and choose “Save Link As…” and that should let you save the recording. 

Spring 2024 – Partner Update

Posted by unclov on April 25, 2024 in Partners | Comments Off

Through your gifts you and I together are loving people to life.

Hello Partners!

We come to you with an update and it’s for the months of March and April, I would say it’s for Spring in this year of 2024. Cheryl and I are here to let you know what’s going on now and in the coming months. One thing I would like to begin with is to thank all of you for the way you have continued to support during this last year plus. It has been the most challenging year of our lives. And although we’ve made the report of the good news at each time we’re being tested but in between those times there, there were challenges and the feeling of great oppression, and it was a battle for sure that we together went through.

And one thing that amazes me is that you have not forsaken us and that might sound pretty obvious to some of you, but so many ministries, if they stop doing what they said they were going to do because of extended periods of problems such as we’ve had, their people would just say, well, that’s it I’m not supporting anymore. But you have stuck with us, and I thank you everyone that has faithfully given your offering regardless of the fact I seem to have disappeared on many Sunday Services… although I’ve been very visible, I haven’t been speaking up until recently.

So when we move on into the rest of this year I plan to return and maybe gradually, but return to ministering every Sunday in Bandera, which goes on YouTube and the podcast, and so we shall, I believe, be seeing more of each other in these incoming weeks, but until then, we’re just giving thanks to you and to Andrew and Marshall and Clint, who have stepped up and taken so many of the Sunday services, these three guys have found a place in the hearts of all of you.

And as to the rest of this year, really what I’ve just said is what we are absolutely planning. Just to settle in to Bandera, we’re not planning any major excursions and journeys and meetings away from home and living in hotels and the rest of it. That wears me out now as it didn’t used to. Gone are the days when I Pack a case that fits on my back and spend days tramping around the world and through the jungles and over the mountains ministering to tribes who don’t speak English. They were glorious days, but I think they are behind me. I’ve got to remember my age.

But, in non-traveling, I have been writing more. You might have noticed that we took some of my older books and radically brought them up to date, added chapters and insights that have become part of me, us now.

And one more thing that has emerged is that we are now TV, on Roku on the GAN Network. G-A-N, Grace Awakening Network which you can sign up for at gantv.com or searching for ‘Grace awakening Network’ on any Roku device.

So I want to reassure you that although we’re not traveling as we used to, all of the offerings that you have so faithfully sent and are sending they are enabling us to do this because it is your offerings that enable me to sit here and do what I’m doing, writing new books and preparing for upcoming Bible school modules and Sunday services. We are upheld by your faithful support.

I want to share something foundational with you, something that’s echoed in 1 John 4:10 where it states, “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son to be the propitiation for our sins.” This isn’t a concept isolated to John’s situation, but is a cornerstone of the entire New Testament, deeply rooted in everything Jesus taught and demonstrated.

We are familiar with how religion perceives the initiation of divine relationship—it always starts with the believer. They suggest you need to do something, something significant enough to capture God’s attention. But here, the scripture flips that script entirely. It begins not with our love, but with His; not with our actions, but with His initiation.

This message from 1 John is not just foundational: it’s utterly revolutionary. It challenges the transactional nature we often find in religion, where you must do something to earn God’s favor. Instead, it declares that everything about our salvation, our being loved by God, begins with Him. Our entire relationship with God is a response to this truth.

As you ponder this, let it reshape how you view your faith. Remember, it’s not about initiating something to make God respond. It’s about responding to what He has already done, embracing the love He has freely given. This isn’t just foundational; and when we return to this in each moment it is transformational.

Thank you for being who you are. Thank you for all the blessings you have sent us financially and in prayer. And thank you for making this last year possible. the triumphant year it’s ended up being. And so, we’ll keep you posted, and we’ll be back to share these things with you, our partners in Christ Jesus. We bless you. Amen.

Malcolm and Cheryl Smith

If the download does not start automatically, right-click the link and choose “Save Link As…” and that should let you save the recording. 

December 2023 – Partner Update

Posted by unclov on December 24, 2023 in Partners | Comments Off

Through your gifts you and I together are loving people to life.

Hello Partners!

As the year draws to a close, we extend our heartfelt greetings for a Merry Christmas and a glorious New Year. Cheryl and I cherish this opportunity to reflect on the year’s journey and share the latest updates with you. First, we are thrilled to share that Malcolm’s health has significantly improved. As of our last consultation, he is 95% free of cancer, with clear lungs. This recovery is a testament to your prayers and letters of support, and our shared faith in the finished work of healing for which we are deeply grateful. This year’s retreat was evidence of my steady recovery, as I had much more energy for the retreat in December just a few weeks prior at our Bible school graduation. Cheryl and I are awaiting the next PET scan scheduled for February 8th and looking forward to continuing good reports.

Our December retreat was a source of profound inspiration and transformation for many there. The message of the power of imagination, our special ability from God to see the inner voice revealed through the Spirit, has resonated deeply with many. We discussed how imagination shapes our reality and is the workshop where everything begins. It has been a topic of continued discussion in the weeks since the retreat. Your letters and stories of personal connection to the message have been incredibly moving. The CDs and downloads of the retreat message ‘More Than You Can Imagine’ are available now. You can call our office or order online.

Upcoming Bible School Modules:

We have just announced Module 2 of our Bible school is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 8-9, 2024, in Bandera, Texas. If you have done any of the modules before, you should be eligible to sign up for this one. We will post the details online in the coming days at unconditionallovefellowship.com. We look forward to seeing many of you there. Module 7 should be showing up on the online school any day now.

We are excited to announce several books that have been published (and republished) this year. Malcolm’s book, “This Son of Mine” was re-released in an expanded edition in 2023 and has found a special place in the hearts of healthcare professionals in San Antonio. Throughout the year, during Malcolm’s hospital visits, we have had the privilege of personally handing out copies to the compassionate and dedicated hospital staff we encountered along the way.

Another popular book that has been out of print for some time, “Toxic Love: the Illusion of Self Worth“ has been republished with additional chapters. Furthermore, in Cheryl’s new book ‘TO LOVE AGAIN: Reflections of a Redeemed Heart’ she shares her personal story and journey to encourage you and let you know that Jesus, the Lover of your soul, wants to teach you to love again, to forgive, and to find joy and peace even in the darkest memories.

Malcolm’s latest release, “The Spirit Brings Life” traces Malcolm’s journey from his early years to the present, as he shares his approach to scriptural meditation and spiritual growth. You can find all of these books now (paperback and Kindle) on Amazon.com. We are also adding them to our online store at malcolmsmith.org or you can order by calling the office at 830-460-4000.

As we step into the New Year, we are filled with hope and anticipation for what God has in store. Our commitment to spreading the message of God’s unconditional love remains unwavering. We plan to continue our retreats, modules, and publications, aiming to reach more hearts and minds in the year ahead.

Thank You! Your letters and messages of support have been a source of great encouragement during this challenging year. While we cannot respond to each letter individually, please know that each one is read and cherished. Your partnership in this ministry is invaluable, and we are continually uplifted by your faith and generosity.

In closing, we pray that the love and peace of Christ fill your hearts this festive season. May the coming year bring you joy, health, and abundant blessings and may God richly bless you.

Merry Christmas,
Malcolm and Cheryl Smith

If the download does not start automatically, right-click the link and choose “Save Link As…” and that should let you save the recording. 

An Update from Malcolm and Cheryl Smith

Posted by unclov on August 10, 2023 in News & Events, Partners | Comments Off

Malcolm and Cheryl have recorded a special message to update you on what’s been happening, and what we have planned for the rest of 2023. We encourage you to listen to the full recording below to get all the details of Malcolm’s recent health journey and hear his powerful testimony of God’s healing presence in every situation. While the priority for now is continued rest and recovery, we are greatly looking forward to the Bible School Module 7 and graduation October 20-21st, and our annual retreat December 1-3. Malcolm and Cheryl will also be in Connecticut for a small retreat Oct. 8-10th. Details about that event can be found here. Thank you, all of you that have prayed for us during this time. His grace has been manifest through you.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE UPDATE FROM MALCOLM & CHERYL SMITH (47m:27s)

June (April, May) 2023 – Partner Update

Posted by unclov on June 15, 2023 in Partners | Comments Off

Through your gifts you and I together are loving people to life.

Hello Partners!

As we reflect on the past months of May and June, we realize how hectic this spring has been with Bible schools, travel, and various engagements. Despite the busyness, we wanted to take a moment to share some important updates with you.

Firstly, we want to let you know that we have made the decision to cancel most of our travel engagements for the remainder of this year and prioritize rest. However, the retreat in Connecticut, scheduled for October, as well as Module 7 will still take place as planned. We also still have the Journey 2 online conference and the December retreat in San Antonio on the schedule. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by these changes and appreciate your understanding.

We have also been working on an exciting project with a publisher in California. Both Cheryl and I will have our books published soon. Cheryl’s book will touch on her life journey and her impactful work as a chaplain and working with inmates on death row. My book will delve into the topic of Reward and Punishment, exploring the implications of legalism and our understanding of God’s grace. We anticipate the release of these books around July, and we look forward to sharing them with you.

I am thrilled to announce the second installment of our Zoom sessions, “The Journey 2 – Exploring the Power of Imagination.” Joining me will be Don Keathley and Steve McVey as we each approach this topic from different angles and perspectives. We believe that understanding and utilizing our imagination under the guidance of the Holy Spirit is crucial to experiencing the fullness of God’s love and grace. More details about the session can be found on our website www.unconditionallovefellowship.com.

For those who have been attending the Bible school modules 1-6 these past years, we invite you to celebrate your journey with us at the graduation ceremony. This special event will take place in San Antonio in October at the conclusion of Module 7. We are excited to honor your dedication and the growth you have experienced throughout the entire school. Please stay tuned for further information regarding reservations and arrangements. We are finalizing the plans and should have online registration open soon.

As we adjust our focus to local engagements and prioritize rest, we are grateful for the opportunity to connect with you through virtual platforms. You can expect to hear more from me as I share messages and teachings on Zoom every Sunday. While we will miss seeing some of you in person, I do believe that this virtual connection will allow us to stay in touch and continue growing together in our understanding of God’s love and grace.

Cheryl and I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and partnership in spreading the message of God’s unconditional love. Your prayers and generosity are instrumental in the success of this ministry, and we are truly blessed to have you by our side. Thank you!

For any additional information or updates on upcoming events, please visit our website at www.unconditionallovefellowship.com.

May the love of Jesus fill your hearts and bless you abundantly.

In the love of Jesus,

Malcolm and Cheryl 

March 2023 – Partner Update

Posted by unclov on April 4, 2023 in News & Events, Partners | Comments Off

Through your gifts you and I together are loving people to life.

Hello Partners!

In recent months, we have been traveling and meeting many individuals who have been profoundly impacted by the message of God’s agape love. This love, the greatest power in the universe, is the reason and original power of creation. We are truly humbled and inspired by the testimonies we have encountered.

This past weekend, we celebrated Cheryl’s 40th anniversary of ministry in prisons. As we reflect on the many lives touched by her work, we are reminded of the incredible power of God’s love to transform lives.

We have several events and meetings scheduled in the coming months so please mark your calendars for the following dates:

BIBLE SCHOOL
Module 6: April 28-29 (Registration is open to those who have completed Modules 1-5)

Module 1: May 26-27
Every few years, we begin a new cycle of the Bible school modules. Module 1 is a complete introduction and overview of the Bible school and the modules to come. Our last Module 1 in 2019 was our biggest one yet and, I’ve heard, a life-changing event for many in attendance. Even those who do not continue on to complete all 100+ hours of the Modules have found great insight and revelation from the information in just Module 1 of the Bible school. I encourage you to take part in these enriching classes here in Bandera or online through Zoom (Register online or read more about the Bible school at: https://unconditionallovefellowship.com/about/msbi/)

OTHER EVENTS

June 9-11: Cedar Bluff, VA – (Contact: Jim Moore 276-220-1014 Rhythms of Grace)

September 8-10: Sioux Falls, South Dakota

September 15-17: Grand Rapids, Michigan

October 8-10: Connecticut Retreat as a guest speaker (details to come)

December 1-3: Annual Unconditional Love Retreat: “More Than You Can Imagine!”

My message to you this month comes from Matthew’s gospel, when Jesus says after the resurrection, “I will go to Galilee, and you will meet Me there.” He doesn’t meet them in the holy temples of Jerusalem as expected. But instead tells them to meet Him in the busy streets, beside the fish markets and among the peasants of Galilee. His resurrection presence is found in the common places where we live out our daily lives. He doesn’t make us go seek Him in the holy places, but rather seeks us out, making where we are into His holy place. We often look to Jerusalem to find Jesus. But the true essence of resurrection life is found in the Galilee. The Holy Spirit is Jesus coming to meet us right in the middle of our situation every day.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to helping us share the message of God’s unconditional love with the world. Your support is vital to the continued success of this ministry, and we pray that the Lord will continue to bless you as you have blessed others through your partnership with us

In the love of Jesus,
Malcolm and Cheryl