Retreat planners learn to trust God

October 24, 2012 | God at work in the Church | Number 21
Story and photo by Waltrude Gortzen | Mennonite Church B.C. Women’s Ministry
Ka Moua (left), Kia Xiong and Seng Yang wore traditional Hmong attire to dress up for the Saturday afternoon High Tea at the women’s retreat at Camp Squeah.

The planning committee for the Mennonite Church B.C. women’s retreat learned the hard way that God is in the details as they struggled to put together a weekend of renewal and refreshment for Oct. 12-14 at Camp Squeah. The theme and speaker had been in place for well over a year, filling in the details became a challenge overflowing with frustrations, requiring many prayers and lots of patience.

The planners started off with many grandiose ideas, but one by one they fell by the wayside as unforeseen circumstances prevented their use. Idea after idea had to be reworked or discarded and enthusiasm was in danger of lagging.

Trying not to get discouraged, they asked themselves, “What and why can’t we get our ducks lined up this year?” and “What exactly does God want from us this year?” In the end God showed what He can do when we relinquish the reins to Him.

It turned out to be a wonderful weekend filled with great music, an amazing speaker and just over 100 women. The worship and laughter came from the heart. The fun and fellowship was evident throughout the time that was spent together. The generous spirits of women came through in shining colours as funds were raised for Mennonite Women Canada’s Spiritual Growth Assistance Fund.

Jackie Ayer in her presentations encouraged the women to love themselves and to realize that women are the crown of God’s creation plan (Gen. 2:21-22).

Watching from the sidelines with grateful hearts, the Planning Committee learned again that everything is in God’s hands and how fulfilling it is to be His Servant.

Ka Moua (left), Kia Xiong and Seng Yang wore traditional Hmong attire to dress up for the Saturday afternoon High Tea at the women’s retreat at Camp Squeah.

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