As global women and volunteers draw together at the retreat, many special connections form. The Lord draws together the hearts of women with shared experiences, whether they are getting ready to launch their oldest child to college, transitioning to a new area of ministry, or approaching retirement. This week we saw three moms, in particular, relating closely with one another as they each have families touched by special needs.
Mari, one of the global women, shared that she has had a deep desire to attend a Thrive retreat for a while and was grateful that God provided this opportunity in Puerto Vallarta. This retreat has given her much-needed respite from challenges at home and a chance to connect with other women who understand her heart. Another global woman, Melissa, also struggles with the challenges of raising a child with special needs on the mission field. She has recently begun posting “Mel’s Minute” on Facebook to re-engage with God and lead others daily in a brief video devotional. The third mom, Cristi, is a volunteer whose son is on the autism spectrum. She has felt privileged to encourage and pray with Mari and Melissa this week. Together, these moms have listened to speaker Sarah Wetzel and felt inspired by the messages reminding of God’s sovereignty, goodness, and love. As each woman has shared her story with the others, they can all look to Psalm 73:28 for strength:
“But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.”
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