The Dream

In November of 2018, one of our ladies had a dream.  We were organizing a retreat, but it wasn’t the usual women’s retreat or youth retreat, or even staff retreat we had all been part of in the past…  This was different.  We were focused and solemn and determined.  They need this, they need hope, they need life, they need to remember that Jesus has something special for them.  It was a retreat specifically designed for women who actively serve in ministry.  Staff women, volunteer leads, pastor’s wives, missionaries.  Women who spend their lives serving others, were coming to a place where nothing was expected of them.  Where their own encounter with Jesus, time set apart was offered.

The dream stayed with us.  Throughout the day, the week, even the month.  It took shape, solidified in form, and began to whisper of visions and missions and names.  We started talking about it over lunch and coffee, in group chats and one on one messages.  We began to call it Speak Life… that was our goal to speak life over women who spend all day offering life to others and often forget to stop and find their own.

And as all dreams do if we allow them to materialize, it grew.  Not just a retreat, but a ministry.  Not just a mountain-top experience, but a community of encouragement, care, celebration and prayer.  A place that stands with, supports, encourages and grows all women in ministry, regardless of title or position.