As we gathered for worship this morning one of the songs had a line saying, “There is nowhere I’ll go where You haven’t already stood.” These and the words of our speaker encouraged the attendees to adventure with God even though the path to life is unpredictable and often goes through a battlefield. God has encompassed us on all sides and strengthens us for the journey.

Many of the global women face challenges, unpredictably, loneliness and trauma but today they had the opportunity to learn from the Word, participate in small groups, and hopefully find sabbath rest. Many took advantage of the opportunity to swim and walk on the beach in CocoCay. Others enjoyed self care options provided by our volunteers – fitness coaching, spiritual direction, facials, massages, physical therapy, haircuts or the opportunity to have someone pray with them individually.

One of our volunteers had the opportunity to pray with an 82-year-old global worker who has served alongside her husband in Guatemala for 54 years. She attended two previous Thrive retreats in the past and was eager to come again. Her husband even encouraged her. What an opportunity to bless this faithful servant of the Lord!

A first-time volunteer with no experience giving massages had the opportunity to pray for several women as she massaged their shoulders, back, neck and arms. She comments, “Those were holy moments, offering a time of peace and rest and praying Jesus would lay His healing hand on them during this retreat to provide healing and health in every aspect of their lives.”

The 42 global workers at this retreat are from 20 countries and represent 873 years of service. Wow! Praise the Lord for these servants and this opportunity to take a rest stop on their adventure with God.