Our guests have arrived, and the 2015 Italy retreat is now in full swing!
We always begin our time together with worship. We then set goals for our time together: to give global women the opportunity to rest, relax, and reconnect with Jesus and new girlfriends!
Today, we invited our global women guests to share unusual or miraculous circumstances that made it possible for them to be at this retreat. One woman shared about how she came with two coworkers from the same area of service. The husband of one of her friends sent an email to friends and ministry partners sharing about the opportunity for the retreat and inviting readers to provide for the travel arrangements and details of getting to the retreat location in Italy. There was such a great response that these three ladies had all they needed to get here and then some! God is faithful to provide!
We often think that because global women have made an international move (or two…or three…) they are comfortable traveling. But many have never done it alone. God answered our prayers and cared for these ladies as they traveled. Many used planes, trains, and automobiles to get here! One lady met a couple girls on the train who were also stopping in Rimini. The person who picked the girls up at the train station also gave this lady and her bag a ride to the hotel!
One last story illustrates how God opens doors when we step out in faith. One lady who serves in Germany was traveling alone. Somewhere en route, a German woman befriended her. “Are you a Christian?” she asked. “Yes,” our global woman friend began. Moments later she had discovered the German woman lived only a short distance away and had a viable ministry of her own. “She invited my family over to dinner when I return, and I can’t wait to see what God does!” our friend shared. “This might be a great open door to a future ministry partner!”
If God’s eye is on the sparrow (Luke 12:6), it’s certainly on our global women guests this week too! We’re praying for wild and miraculous answers to prayer, newfound spiritual depth, and budding friendships!
Would you pray with us today? Pray for
- a refreshing night of sleep, especially for those who had early mornings and long distances
- strong connections between roommates and within small groups
- these global women to hear God’s voice in a very specific way
©2015 Thrive