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The Gulf Coast Church hosted a transformative “Women in Prayer” Retreat in Long Beach, Miss., June 15-16, 2024. The event was held at a scenic Airbnb owned by Elvie Guthrie-Lewis, a devoted member of the retreat planning committee. The retreat, with the theme “Unleashing the Power of Prayer,” brought together 18 women from various ethnicities and backgrounds, united by their desire to deepen their spiritual lives and harness the transformative power of prayer. Two of the attendees were not associated with an Adventist church. Guthrie-Lewis, who graciously offered her property for the retreat, and expressed her heartfelt desire for her Airbnb to serve as a place of ministry. “It has always been my hope that this property could be used to foster spiritual growth and community,” said Guthrie-Lewis. She added, “Hosting the Women in Prayer Retreat here has been a dream come true, allowing us to create a sacred space where women can connect with God and each other in profound ways.”
The retreat was designed to provide a serene, supportive environment for women to engage in deep prayer and reflection. Over the course of Sabbath afternoon through Sunday morning, attendees participated in a series of prayer activities and group discussions, all aimed at strengthening their faith and fostering a closer relationship with God.
One of the highlights of the retreat was the foot washing, which set a spiritual tone for the event. These sessions often included creating prayers from Bible verses, meditation, and testimonies. A particularly poignant moment was when the group read God’s promises taken from Ellen White’s writings. The promises served as a reminder of the peace and reassurance that prayer can bring, even amid life’s challenges.
Topics during the retreat covered various aspects of prayer, including the ACTS model of prayer, personal prayer strategies, and the role of prayer in healing. Peggy Wagley, the pastor’s wife and women’s ministries coordinator, guided the women through practical exercises, helping them to develop their prayer lives and apply these principles in their daily routines. The retreat also emphasized the importance of community and mutual support among women.
The diversity of the participants added a rich layer of depth to the retreat experience. Women from various cultural, professional, and personal backgrounds shared their unique testimonies, making each story more compelling and relatable. Their varied perspectives highlighted the universal power of prayer to transcend individual circumstances and bring about spiritual growth and healing.
Participants left the retreat feeling rejuvenated and empowered, carrying with them a renewed commitment to prayer and a deeper connection to their faith. As the retreat ended, the women expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to come together in such a meaningful way. Many echoed the sentiments of one attendee who said, “This retreat has been a blessing of fellowship, relationships, and the power of prayer. It has reminded me of the strength we find in each other.”
The Gulf Coast Church looks forward to continuing this tradition, providing more opportunities for spiritual growth and community building. The Women in Prayer Retreat stands as a testament to the power of prayer, and the profound impact it can have on the lives of those who embrace it.
Gulf States | August 2024
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