Treasures Out of Trauma was the inspiring theme for the recent Women’s Empowerment Weekend. Fifty seven ladies in attendance listened as speakers, Dr.Melina Skau and Arlene Hendrixs, shared their personal testimonies – one at the beginning on Friday night and the other at the end on Sunday morning.

Over the weekend we learned several important lessons:
1. God is pursuing us and chasing us down because He wants to rescue us, and have a long lasting relationship with us which continues in heaven.

2. God is in the business of dismantling the devil’s work. God is on our side and He is working for us.

3. We are in a crucible as we live this life and as we experience life we can be molded and shaped as we are in the refiner’s fire.

4. We will develop and have our character fit for heaven as we reflect what Jesus would have done if He were experiencing our life.

5. We need to be still and know who God is, so that we can be equipped to face each day, the same way Jesus did.

6. Forgiveness is a gift that keeps on giving. If we do not forgive others or ourselves, we will be held captive by the past and the devil will keep on digging up the past and continue to attack us, so we need to put on the full armor of God to fight our daily battles.

^“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” – Ephesians 6-10-18

And, claim the promise that:

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13 NIV

Praise God for His foolproof plan of salvation. Amen! and Amen!

Patricia Antoine-Norton, Women’s Ministries Coordinator

This was the last Women’s Retreat coordinated by Patricia Antoine-Norton who passed away unexpectedly on April 7, 2024. To view the livestream of her memorial service visit: https://www.facebook.com/wisen.sda/videos/3721265091490568