Women's Ministries Congress in Italy

Not to be missed, indispensable, precious... these are just some of the words used by women to describe their experience at the spiritual congress organized by Women's Ministries. And then the joy, the smiles, the hugs, the desire to deepen the Word, to be "Regenerated by the Holy Spirit" (theme of the meeting), to pray together and have a unique experience with the Lord.
From May 12 to 14, 2023, more than 100 women gathered at the "Casuccia Visani" Center in Poppi, a place surrounded by nature, far from the noise and distractions of the city, something like the "upper room" where they could draw back, as did the disciples before Pentecost (Acts 1:12-15). The number of participants exceeded all expectations, a symptom of the great desire to meet and share experiences. Much time was devoted to the women's stories, enabling them to encourage and console those who saw themselves reflected in those often painful experiences. A wonderful picture also emerged of the constant action of the Holy Spirit in the lives and families of those who shared their stories. Each time, a thunderous and collective "Amen" giving thanks to God underscored the participation of those listening.
The guests
The special guest speaker of the conference, Dagmar Dorn, director of Women's Ministries at EUD, preached on the biblical text, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" (John 14:26). Her truly inspired message, interwoven with personal experiences in which the Holy Spirit was a guide and Comforter, went straight to the hearts of those present.
The Lord also gifted us with another very welcome guest, Nilde Itin, associate director of Women's Ministries at the General Conference, who was in Italy with her husband for another engagement. In her remarks, she spoke about Queen Esther, shared experiences from her field, and the projects of Women's Ministries around the world.
The prayer corner
Throughout the congress, women were able to stop by the prayer corner, a space set up with a large wooden cross, a brazier, and two tables stocked with pens and notes on which to write requests, thanks, or prayers to God and then lay them in the brazier. On Sabbath evening, the numerous cards were burned to send the prayers up to the Lord, like a sweet scent, while the assembly quietly sang the song, "In prayer, I find calm, in prayer I find love. Praying to God is good for the soul, talking to God is good for me." It was a very moving moment.
In her meditation, Dagmar highlighted the significance of the cross and the importance of carrying our burdens to the Lord, symbolized by a stone on which each woman had written her name and laid at the foot of the cross. The evening ended with a prayer of blessing, delivered by Nilde, for the Women's Ministry directors of the local churches who were present. Before leaving the room, the women were invited to take a stone and pray for the person whose name was written on it.
Conclusion
Group sessions, and the projects of Women's Ministries in Europe, the world, and also in Italy were the other highlights of the congress. The event concluded with thanks to the guests, to all the co-workers, and especially to God with the singing (for the last time) of the theme hymn "Thank You," composed and played by musician Sabrina Viaggi. Before leaving, there was no lack of warm applause for the cook and the entire kitchen team for preparing tasty and plentiful meals.
As reported by Lina Ferrara, Women’s Ministries Director, Italian Union