By LPJ
Spiritually refreshed. That’s how I felt at last weekend’s women’s retreat at Mt. Hermon Conference Center in Felton, California. It rained every day of the retreat, but indoors, it was cozy. Adding to the comfortable warmth were the devotionals, singing, teachings and camaraderie that abounded. Meeting other people and building new friendships while knowing a little bit more about old acquaintances were among the highlights of the gathering. And of course, doing worship and listening to lessons of faith were the pinnacles that showered spiritual refreshment.
Retreat events and teachings revolved around the theme “Anchored” – steadfast in faith and finding God in the midst of chaos. The theme panned out in the story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz in the Bible, as explained by invited speaker, author and songwriter, Pastor Mia Shin. From the union of Boaz and Ruth came the lineage that led to the Messiah, Jesus.
Chaos exists in our present-day world as well, but God continues to work and as always, He is in control.
Personal testimonies shared by five retreat participants gave stark examples of how God worked through their grief, loneliness, inadequacies and pain. Often, it is through vulnerability and transparency that we gain deeper insights into struggles and challenges of faith that bring forth valuable lessons leading to ultimate victory, as exemplified in the powerful testimonials.
The retreat worship leader was Chaya Pitcher. Her voice and accompaniment on the keyboard moved us to sing our hearts out. The sessions were started by a duo, Andrea and Judy, who warmed and livened up the room with comical gigs that elicited giggles and laughter. I especially enjoyed their skit about the fire pit, supposedly the location for the social community gatherings that were canceled due to the rains. The duo walked into the room with large black garbage bags draped over their shoulders, and plastic covers on their heads. Were they parading in frivolous fashion, I wondered, but they said they had just come from the fire pit. We would have looked as hilarious as they did, had we dared to venture frolicking by the fire pit in the rain. There also were opportunities for play through games organized by Joni.
Jenny was our volunteer driver that took my new friend Roghi and I to Mt. Hermon and back home. I hadn’t met her before, so it was interesting to hear her share about herself and her family on the drive back. I roomed with Roghi, and I learned how this mother always carried deep concern over her son who was coping with the challenges of an overly demanding job. As for me, I got much sympathy for dealing with sciatic and knee aches, seasonal pains aggravated by the cold weather that weekend. Sympathetic understanding was enough for me. I got several offers of help to make movement easier for me.
In fact, I was so grateful to John Anderson who gave me a lift on his electric cart (much like a golf cart) that picked up garbage from the cabins. Seeing me trying to negotiate the slippery road to the Newton conference center, he offered space on the driver’s seat and delivered me to the meeting site. I could have walked the seven minutes to the site, but it was great relief to have been saved from the pouring rain. I thank God for angels that God sends to help. And there always are several of them around, as there were at the retreat.
Mt. Hermon campus on sloping hills is lovely. My room for accommodation was spacious and clean and had two queen beds and a wide patio door leading to a balcony advantaged with a fabulous view of tall pine trees and redwoods that lined the paths. The meals were generous, with an abundance of fresh salads and fruits. Our retreat always had tables in the lobby laden with a variety of snacks and beverages. No one could go hungry at any time, but anyone could overeat if one so chose.
It was my first attendance at a women’s retreat of Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, CA, and I’m glad I went. Thanks to the leadership of Rolana Smith, Pastor of PBC women’s ministry, and to her efficient team.