“Great is the Lord!
He is most worthy of Praise!”
~I Chronicles 16:25
The volunteers trickled into the meeting room. It was obvious who the early risers were because they arrived first. Once everyone got settled there was a time of praise and worship followed by a training session on the characteristics of internal and external processors. Jokes and laughter made learning fun, and we also gained confidence through sharing our personal experiences. Just one more day and the attendees would be arriving.
Later that morning we had the privilege of praying with and for one another. Prayer is a core value of Thrive. In the words of Oswald Chambers, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.” Every volunteer and every attendee is prayed for before their arrival and during their time at the retreat.
More preparation occurred during the afternoon hours as the spa services were set-up as well as the salon services. Counselors are available for those attendees who feel the need to talk to a professional.
No doubt there will be women attending who are wounded and hurting. There are volunteers who came to serve at the retreat who have their own set of tests, trials, and tribulations. It might be financial troubles, health issues, marriage and family difficulties, or grief due to the loss of a loved one. It is important that we ask God to give us a kind heart for those who are hurting.
I did get a chance to speak with one of the volunteers. It was a step of faith for her to come on this retreat. She is having trouble with her heart. You wouldn’t know it though because she is cheerful and always has a smile on her face. She shared Luke 13:32 with me, “Jesus replied, Go tell that fox that I will keep on casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow…” As she waits in faith and trusts in God to heal her, she remains faithful to continue to serve Him by serving women through Thrive.
We look forward to being open vessels for the Holy Spirit to work in and through us. We hope to be a blessing to the attendees as we show them God’s love and goodness.
©2019 Thrive