Jana Thurber – Ward, Colorado … The theme for this year’s annual RMC Women’s Ministries Retreat was “Exploring the Mysteries of God.” The retreat was held at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, September 29 through October 1.

Keynote speaker Dr. Yamileth Bazan, associate dean of students from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, unpacked mysteries from the book of Ruth. She first connected with participants by sharing her personal journey of spending a year on the road getting to know the God who sees us—the same God Ruth and Naomi needed through their journey from Moab back to Israel.

Ruth’s story helps us relate to this mysterious God when we suffer the loss of those we love, deal with grief, or while being in a foreign country with no identity. So much of the pain that we experience in our world today, is because the deceiver has made it seem that we’ve been left alone and there’s no God who sees us! Our speaker reminded us, “This is a lie! God has always seen us, but we must allow him in, right?!”

The 124 women from around the conference were blessed by Yami’s messages, and were also blessed by our musical guest, Gale Jones-Murphy. Well-known for both her keyboard and vocal abilities, Gale is a master at leading worship. She worked with four of our own women who helped in leading the worship: Cyndy Wellman, Haremy Cordova, Mary Chapa, and Solidad Medina.

Other presenters also greatly blessed those who attended. A special workshop by Cheryl Mautz included a presentation on plant-based foods, tasty bites for each attendee, and a free cookbook.

Mona Fellers led an in-depth Bible study entitled “Why Salt?,” helping attendees to know God’s word better and how best to study it. Deba Nkana shared her miraculous personal journey while fleeing Afghanistan, a God-given vision leading her to see the true God of the Bible.

At each session and early on Sabbath morning, Susan Dupper, a professional life coach, led us in joyful “Stretch, Breathe, and Balance” moves.

Sabbath afternoon was a particular blessing with the focus on prayer. Participants could visit the Prayer Room with a beautifully decorated garden and a heavenly banquet station.

Participants could also enjoy a prayer walk around the lake at GVR designed by Judy Kelley and Jerilyn Pester with brief prayer assignments on love, relationships, and loss. Handouts were tacked on trees around the lake to guide participants into the Biblical story of Ruth. They were invited to apply lessons from the story to their prayer life as they did the walk.

There was joy felt as women came together to find friendship, spiritual care, be part of a service project, and have fun and experience God’s renewal at the retreat. Here’s one woman’s response to the weekend:

I just returned from the women’s retreat at Glacier View Ranch. Wow! What a fantastic follow up to Priscilla Shirer’s preaching. Wow!! Praise God! May the Lord multiply all He began at this retreat. I feel like He gave us a restart button to pass on. I feel like I’m kind of still floating on our Holy Spirit high but also grounded by all the teaching and guidance and fellowship.

I was blessed to make so may new friends who love God. Whoo whoo! He is so unbelievably awesome and powerful. May the God we experienced on the mountain overflow with us here on the plains. May our hearts continue to be bursting with His love and life changing presence.

I have wept with Jesus and His followers. I have been blessed with the joy of the Lord. May I become Jesus’ hands and feet like never before. So much unconditional love and open sharing. May God teach us how to mentor each other and love each other through the tough parts. May God be glorified by our people. Praise Jesus. Praise God. Praise the Holy Ghost for power and victory in our lives. May we be used in showing the lost, the way to Jesus. Hallelujah! (Quote by Mary Ann Allman)

Much prayer and many hands helped make this retreat a success for God’s glory. A big thanks goes to the Women’s Ministries Team who worked so hard: Alisha Knutsen, Amber Fellers, April Knutsen, Ardis Stenbakken, Carol Spahr, Jackie Hayes, Jerilyn Pester, Judy Kelley, Marlene Poole, Marta Wells, Mary Perez-Gonzalez, Mona Fellers, Raelyn Wortman, and Valerie Johnson.

Mark your calendar now for next year’s retreat which will be held September 27-29, 2024. Come join the fellowship and blessings as women of Christ come together.

—Jana Thurber is RMC women’s ministry coordinator. Photos supplied.