We recently held our 2017 women’s retreat entitled Unashamed: My Story, God’s Glory at the Oaks Camp & Conference Center. It was such a blessing to see so many women come for a time of seeking and refreshment in God’s glorious splendor.
When I got involved in the planning of the West Coast women’s retreats a couple of years ago, I really had no idea what to expect or what was in store. Now I am part of the curriculum development team for women’s retreats in all of the regions, and I was blessed beyond measure to have all of my World Impact sisters from regions in Kansas, Texas and New Jersey there with me to lend their support. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to be a part of such a wonderful event that helps change and improve the lives of women. We were blessed with dynamic speakers who skillfully unpacked the scriptures along with powerful praise and worship to share the gospel message. We learned that in spite of the many things that we encounter along our Christian journey, we can live free and unashamed of our past because Christ has liberated us from any and all guilt or shame.
It was incredible to hear the testimonies of women who expressed that this was their very first retreat and even some of whom it was the first time they ever left their home town! Since there is such beautiful scenery at the Oaks Camp, it did my heart good to see the ladies be able just to take a deep breath and get away from the busyness of life.
The teaching sessions truly blessed me along with my sweet niece, who accompanied me from the Way Church Oakland. Having her there was the highlight of the weekend for me because despite the fact that her mother passed away a couple days prior, she pressed her way to be there. She is a young woman in her mid-twenties and I can only imagine her grief and sorrow. Yet, in spite of her fear of having to spend a weekend with a bunch of strangers, she exerted great strength and pressed her way to Jesus! I witnessed her being set free by sharing her feelings with sisters who cared and were more than willing to pray for her and give her all the hugs she wanted or needed. I saw her trade her sorrow for the Joy of the Lord and she returned from that mountain top liberated in Christ!
These are just a few examples of what I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing during these retreats. It is my prayer that God will continue to allow us to minister in this vein so that we can provide a opportunities for many other women, especially those in underprivileged communities, to experience these spirit-filled retreats and be with like-minded sisters in Christ and share our stories for God’s glory! Yes, I am unashamed!