Truly Blessed

What an amazing weekend I just had! I had the most amazing time with the women of one of our supporting churches. 

Held at Camp Greisham, nestled in the woods of central Illinois, their retreat provided a time of refreshment for me. Several months ago the missions coordinator asked if I would join two other ladies in bringing talks from I Peter. Since I love Peter's epistles and because I wanted a chance to spread my wings in the area of speaking, I accepted.

The women of this church are truly 

wonderful. I felt spoiled and pampered from the moment I was helped with my luggage. The special care and touches ministered to me~a lovely gift bag, fall decoration, Jenny's helpfulness, the ladies' warmth, and the time of worship each session. Singing praise songs and hymns I haven't sung in a while melted my heart. 

Friday evening Sandy shared from  

the first portion in I Peter, lacing her talk with humor and illustrations. Peter covers a lot of ground in each passage and I was thankful for the things she focused on~our position in Christ. This truly ministered to me, especially since it dovetailed nicely with Tracy's home assignment sermon.

the ladies of CEFC

Meals were served in the dining hall adjacent to the meeting rooms. Sitting around tables with someone new each  meal we feasted on lasagna, salads, wraps (3 kinds!), delicious soups, fruit, and tempting desserts. 

Saturday a.m. it was time to speak and I was nervous! The night before I reworked the introduction to my talk after Sandy had spoken. "I can't talk without my notes like that!", "Hmm, this subject (suffering) needs more humor," and "This seems so hodgepodge," were swirling around in my head. I was panicky.

Sandy

But God heard my cries in that little chapel and gave me what I needed. He gave me what I needed that morning, too. I felt His presence and the prayers of the people who had promised they were praying. From the ladies' responses, my "crazy quilt" message had ministered to them. God had worked, and I was grateful. I felt pretty much like Sandie in this photo~yes! 

Jessica closed our time by encouraging us to be willing to step outside our comfort box in the area of standing for the truth~that we shouldn't be surprised if we suffer for our faith.

It was a blessed weekend. A big thanks to the ladies of CEFC for ministering to this missionary.