Spiritual Retreat of the Women’s Ministries Team

To work well together as a team it is important to get together for a weekend to recharge spiritually, to get to know each other better still, and to create more unity. Although the weather was far from ideal we had sunshine and warmth in our hearts. We experienced deep, spiritual moments, but simply the joy of being together and cooking did us a lot of good and bonded us even more. And this is something we should not take for granted, since our team consists of three generations, with Adriana being the youngest, Karin in between, and myself the oldest. It is amazing how the Lord put us together as a harmonious team.
We meditated on Bible verses drawn at random and shared our thoughts. I drew the verse from Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?” As I look back over my life of many years, I see that the Lord has guided me since my birth. In how many situations of danger, difficulty and even sickness has He intervened! How many times He led me to find comfort, encouragement, joy, and guidance in His word, but also through people! Yes, He has illuminated my path with His light. He has saved and healed me, especially my heart. With all this wealth of experience, what do I have to be afraid of? I do not need to fear anything because I have a wonderful and powerful God, who is always atm y side. I go forward with this confidence and thank Him for what He has made to be and what He will still do for and with me.
We also found a verse that reflects our team's experience with the Lord during the past year and a half. Proverbs 16:9: "In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. How many times have we planned something and then, as if by inspiration, it all takes another direction or form? A striking example, to cite one, is the Women’s Ministries recording that we made in February and broadcast via social media. We had had to change direction and ideas four times to get to this recording and broadcast. In the end, it was a success for us. So many women’s hearts and others were touched.
It is amazing how the Lord speaks to us through His word, verses, thoughts, and people at the right time! Also a meditation on being a light to our fellow humans, but especially as Women’s Ministry leaders, touched us deeply. To enlighten the other WM leaders of the local churches, we as a team must have a stronger light. So we need to be enlightened even more so that we can pass it on to them. This is quite a responsibility! We have to ask for it every day from the Lord. The Lord also touched our hearts during our prayers, in which we rededicated ourselves during this weekend.
As always, these days ended too quickly. We returned from this retreat recharged in every sense and more united, appreciating the individual gifts of each team member. May God guide us and bless us in the mission he has entrusted to us as women ministering to others.
Reported by Bernadette Fogliani WM Director for the Swiss-Romande Conference