By Major Catherine Mount
What happens at Abide does not stay at Abide. Seven hundred women from the Central Territory gathered to worship God, learn and grow in their faith at a retreat in scenic Green Lake, Wis. However, the message to remain in Jesus and bear the fruit of His love did not stay at Green Lake but has been dispersed throughout the Midwest.
Music
Throughout the conference worship was led by the Sharon Irving Praise Band. Women lifting their
voices in song declared the greatness and presence of God. Sheena Marquis shared her heart through the ministry of music by gently leading moments of reflection throughout united sessions. Acclaimed recording artists Laura Story and Selah gave mini-concerts. Laura’s testimony of God’s faithfulness through a family health crisis was poignant and relatable for many women who walk similar roads of suffering and joy. Selah’s musical harmony and stories brought the crowd to its feet in praise. Every musician shared their gifts beautifully and their hearts vulnerably. God was glorified through their ministry which inspired women to fix their eyes on Jesus, regardless of circumstances.
“I loved the whole weekend,” said Captain Liza Ayala. “Finishing with the song ‘Firm Foundation’ was a great way to end our time because ‘He won’t fail! Everything was just as He planned, and it was all so good.’”
Testimonies
During each session inspirational and powerful women shared their testimonies. Becky Thompson of the Midnight Mom prayer ministry shared her experience of uniting moms through prayer on social media. Colonel Anne Kiama, Kenya East territorial president of women’s ministries, shared about the Gracious Empowerment Program that supports widows with fellowship and financial support. Her moving message of hope presented a Spirit-filled challenge for women to abide in Jesus. During the conference, $17,857.89 was raised, and then matched by Territorial Headquarters for a total of $35,715.78, to support the Gracious Empowerment Program in Kenya, our Partner in Mission.
Territorial Commander Commissioner Evie Diaz bravely shared about her challenging health journey over the last year, celebrating God’s faithfulness and highlighting the encouragement she has received from others. Each testimony was a testament to God’s faithfulness and the powerful impact of loving others.
Teaching
Abide was replete with teaching moments. Women encouraging women through their experience and skill was evident throughout the programming. Speaker Anne White invited women to know God more deeply through an in-depth study of John 15. Saturday morning workshops also offered the opportunity grow in faith and ministry. They covered topics touching all areas of life: Bible study, parenting, prayer, trauma-informed practices, tools for mental health, making all work sacred, and spiritual disciplines.
In John 15:5 (NIV), Jesus says: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Every workshop and session address reinforced the message to draw near to Christ, whether in a season of pruning or of bearing fruit.
Prayer
The ConnectUp prayer ministry provided sessions with trained facilitators with the vision of reconciling women to God. These were powerful encounters for those who participated. In addition, opportunities for altar ministry and impromptu prayer conversations were present each day and night.
As noted by Major Carla Voeller, territorial secretary for women’s ministries, whose department planned and implemented the event, there were “powerful moments of surrender, transformation, healing, and grace” throughout Abide.
There was precious fellowship praying with and for one another. These moments of vulnerability built trust, encouraged hope and set a path toward healing for many.
Fellowship
Where there is women’s ministries, there is joy and abiding in Christ that bears the fruit of great fellowship. Friday and Saturday night, afterglow opportunities included young adult and unplugged lounges, karaoke, campfire s’mores and games like Bingo and Bible Jeopardy. During free time delegates shopped at the Abide store, Thrift Express bus and a craft fair. They could participate in creative outlets like card making, journaling, painting, knitting/crocheting, and a prayer walk. A coffee ministry, sponsored by the Northern Division, was popular.
Saturday evening, women got decked out for a Denim and Diamonds Banquet which was preceded by photo booth fun showcasing friendships old and new.
“We have bonded in incredible ways, and we have witnessed the beauty of vulnerability and openness in our discussions,” said Colonel Julie Anne Louden. “There was such a beautiful and tangible sense of community at Abide, and everyone is leaving with their hearts full of inspiration and hope.”
Abide was thoughtfully and excellently planned, and for many women will mark a mountaintop experience in their faith. Those who attended were challenged not only to Abide in Christ but to love others. What an impact this can have on our territory.
To view more photos of the conference, visit the gallery on our website salarmycentral.org
