Women from across Iowa and Missouri gathered in Des Moines in September for the conference’s 29th annual Women’s Retreat.
The theme this year, “We Are God’s Story,” was especially relevant as Women’s Retreat fell on the heels of the recent Hear Their Voices event in Kansas City, a partnership with Veronica’s Voice to raise awareness and help end sex trafficking; and the Adventist Church’s most recent End It Now campaign event, a global initiative to stop domestic violence.
Presenters shared personal stories of triumph and failure, joy, pain and heartache. The messages were designed to affirm and encourage attendees that no matter what their stories are, God can use them for His glory. Women were encouraged to discover they are not alone in dealing with issues like depression and anxiety or past experiences that may include trauma or abuse.
“I didn’t know how this seminar would uplift me,” said one of the attendees. “I left knowing that a burden I was carrying had been lifted.”
Plans are already underway for next year’s Women’s Retreat, which will be held next Sept. 14-16 in Missouri. More information will be made available as details are finalized.
Watch videos from the 2017 Women’s Retreat at https://youtu.be/_YaJgb2vKeU
