Women’s Weekend Retreat in the Eastern Part of Germany

It was a special appointment. I had received an invitation and accepted it: a date with Jesus at the “Waldpark” resort from April 12 to 14, 2024. Many sisters and friends of the faith had also come as guests. In addition to joyful anticipation, all brought an “imaginary backpack” with them, filled with their own biography or an “inner map” of their personality. Our speaker Dany Canedo drew our attention to this, and she was the first to open her “life’s backpack” on Friday evening. We were given an open and honest insight into her “roots” and a new understanding of ourselves and our fellow human beings. The great almighty God has created us in his image, not only me, but also the person next to me. What does that mean? Everyone has a story that has shaped them. This explains some things, but not everything. Being aware of this helps us to understand our nature, but also to shape our relationships with others. We must grow with God's help. The priority is how God sees me: as a beloved child, as holy, under his grace, royal... We also reflected on what else determines our “life’s journey” in addition to the contents of our “life’s backpack”: The question of who God is for us. Is it important what others say about him? How does he present himself in his Word? How does this knowledge influence my life? Do we go forward with “fearfulness” or in “trust”? Do we only rely on our “experiences” or do we keep looking upward and in fact trust God with everything, even the impossible? Deep in our hearts, there is a longing for love, acceptance, and reaching our goal. This was the theme of a special concert on Sabbath evening with Jörg Zacharias and his friends. Despite all the ups and downs, our journey through life finds its completion in Jesus. This was the message of one of the songs: “When TOMORROW comes...”. In the “meantime”, we can walk together in love and care for one another, every day anew, each in our own place. Here in the Waldpark (forest park) we had another opportunity to do so. A very big “thank you” to our Savior for this time! It was an oasis!
We would also like to thank Dany for her kind words, the entire team, and Gabi Stangl, who always gives encouragement and love with all her heart. It is still hard to believe that a new “phase of life” is now beginning for her. But for her, “retirement” is also a time with potential, where she can have and fulfill dreams and plans. We wish her God's richest blessings from the bottom of our hearts and send her a big hug for all the energy she has invested in the “women's work” of our conference. We are very much hoping for a successor who will take Gabi's place in this important leadership role in the future.
According to a report by Mandy Voigt, a participant from the church in Leisnig