After several years of hosting our Hispanic Women’s Retreat in Junction City, Kansas, circumstances led us to search for a new location. We needed something geographically central, within our budget, and large enough to host our growing group of women. But as we toured various venues, none felt like the right fit.
Then, just one month before the event, we visited a hotel and conference center in Kearney, Nebraska. The space seemed perfect—but the costs were well beyond our reach. That night, we prayed. The very next day, the hotel contacted us with unexpected news: they would waive the conference room fees and drop the 22 percent service charge on meals. Even more remarkable, the exact weekend we needed—during a typically busy season—was still available. We knew God was leading.
As the retreat approached, we faced additional changes. Our teen speaker canceled due to a family emergency. We reached out to Ilka Ruiz, wife of Pastor Smerdis Fuentes from Piedmont Park Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. Despite her full schedule, she agreed to step in and minister to our young women.
Then, just days before the retreat, our main speaker notified us that she could not attend due to her husband’s hospitalization. We contacted to Dr. Yami Bazan, president of Union Adventist University, and our speaker for next year. She graciously accepted the call on short notice.
Despite the challenges, more than 200 women gathered for a powerful weekend together. Over 20 of them were guests not connected to our churches. The sessions, worship and fellowship created a deeply moving atmosphere. Dr. Bazan’s messages focused on the Samaritan woman, encouraging us to lay our burdens down and receive the living water only Christ can give.
On Saturday night, Las Bodas del Cordero (The Wedding of the Lamb) brought the retreat to a beautiful close. Dressed in white, women participated in a symbolic ceremony that reminded us of the joy of heaven and our identity as beloved daughters of God. Tears were shed, prayers were lifted, and lives were recommitted to Jesus.
This year’s retreat reminded us that even when plans shift, God does not. He provides, prepares and works through every detail—inviting us to trust Him every step of the way.
Miriam Dovald is women’s ministries director for the Kansas-Nebraska Conference.
