| The invitation was given during our ladies retreat, “if anyone wants to come forward to pray, please do.” I went forward and went to my knees once more for our youngest son. I don’t remember my actual words, but I do remember someone touching my shoulder. I felt her shudder and then she was on her knees beside me. She said the Holy Spirit was strong around me, and I felt it when she touched my shoulder. She felt that she heard the Lord speak to her that “satan’s chains are strong, but the Lord is stronger. The chains are about to come off of your child. Keep praying, even if darkness tells you to stop praying.” One week later we received a call from our prodigal son: he wanted to come home. It has been a long three years, but I have continually seen the hand of God working. This testimony is still being written. It will be another two weeks to get things in order, but soon our son will be coming home! Thank you all – you have encouraged us and lifted up our son in prayers. Thank you, Lord Jesus! In the name of Christ, thank you! |
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| I want to THANK-YOU for an amazing retreat!! God moved upon many of the hearts of our women, and they will never be the same! |
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| From a Pastor's Wife - Thank you SO MUCH for such a wonderful fall retreat. I want to affirm you and say that you are RIGHT ON TRACK. So much of what the speakers were saying is EXACTLY what God has been putting on MY heart and speaking to ME about. It was amazing confirmation for the direction that God is steering me and our ministry!! I think that you truly are “Bridging the Gap” and bringing age groups and “cultures” together—singles, marrieds, young mothers, mothers of teenagers. . .we were all sitting side by side and laughing, crying, and being ministered unto. This is a testimony to your obedience of following what the Lord has called you to do!! So thank you from the bottom of my heart. |
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| From a Missionary - I had such a wonderful time at the ladies retreat! I was so blessed to be able to do some "shopping" again. It is so much fun to receive such beautiful gifts - gifts we will enjoy daily in Italy. We feel loved, blessed and honored to be a part of the MN District. Thank you WMs! |
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| From a Workshop teacher - Just a note of thanks to let you know what a privilege it was to be able to share with the women at the retreat. Thank you for allowing me to take part in the weekend. This card reminded me of the freedom that took place last weekend. We HAVE been set free, just as it says in Galatians 5:1. Your obedience to the call of God on your life is impacting eternity. |
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| I learned a word in a fresh context this weekend! Connie Boltinghouse and Ellie both used the word "rich" to describe friendships and our communion with God. What a great word! It actually brought tears to my eyes the few times I heard it. They inspired me to promote richer relationships. |
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| God sure is faithful!!! He always is looking out for us. I really was excited about the retreat. I had three of the best roomies, it was all in His plan. We talked and prayed together a lot, it was wonderful. The thing that reallly stuck with me, is that we don't have to be this "perfect christian." I think if we start taking the masks off, we can start getting real. We all have many changes to strive toward, and God is there!!!! |
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| I had a wonderful time at the retreat. I thanked the Lord for allowing my sister-in-law to join in as well. The speakers this year were awesome: Funny, talented and full of wonderful words from God! I picked up one of Kathy's books and I am reading that now and it is so inspiring, and also picked up one of Ellie's - l and can't wait to start reading that one too! I had a couple of things that I prayed for the Lord to deliver me from and I keep praying for those things. Next year I would like to bring my best friend, my sister and my sister-in-law with me to share in this wonderful experience. |
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| The ministry at the Retreat sparked some major avenues for ministry in the lives of the women of our church. The relationships between our ladies grew so much because of this wonderful weekend. God is still at work with what He started during the Retreat. Thank you so much for being God's avenue of ministry for us! |
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| From a spa worker - thanks for letting me be a part of something so spiritually powerful! |
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| From a missionary - The whole retreat was a blessing - the worship and the sessions were awesome! [regarding the missionary shopping trip:] I can't tell you how awesome it was to have my own personal shopper help me pick out towels, sheets, pots and pans, tupperware, a crock pot - WOW! Beyond all that, I was given gift cards that I can use to by a very needed winter coat. I'm still overwhelmed when I think about it! |
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| From a Breakout Speaker - Thank you for an outstanding retreat! And thank you for including me and giving me an opportunity to share my journey. It is always inspiring for me to remember the many ways God has "laid his hand upon me," and shown me His heart of mercy and love. |
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| The retreat was a success: the transparency of the speakers and the words they shared were transforming. |
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