Before I begin to share my experience at the Women’s
Retreat, I must share how I even ended up at Beulah Beach on
Sept. 10, 2010. My journey truly began this summer when
I was finally obedient to God and sent an e-mail to a very
special person from High Mill Church. To know Marykay is
to love her for she is like an angel on earth who continues to
fill my heart with the goodness of the Lord. We scheduled a
meeting and it was from that first encounter that my life has been
moving onward and upward with the powerful presence of God.

Upon arrival last Friday, I was assigned a roommate and we
seemed to have no trouble with conversation! Little did I know
that I would eventually talk to her about things I have only told the
closest people in my life (oh how God just knows the right people
to put in your path). The worries of feeling awkward and out of
place began to vanish and the purpose for my presence began to
unfold.

From the breathtaking Saturday morning sunrise over the
lake to the final communal worship service, I was feeding my soul
and discovering more and more about my spirituality. It was truly
rejuvenating as I observed and listened to women with such strong
faith and incredible wisdom.

On Saturday evening, my roommate and I shared a very
personal conversation. Unlike everyone else, I have had my share
of life’s valleys; particularly a verbally and mentally abusive
marriage that ended after 23 years, leaving me to raise four
children ages 11, 13, 16, and 18. It actually surprised me that I
shared so much detail with her when I thought I had let go of this
inner turmoil a long, long time ago. Surely I was healed and over
this pain. Eight years have passed and I know my faith is as strong
as ever after going through this life shattering experience. Also,
my life has been blessed with four beautiful children, a teaching
position, lovely home, and good friends.

Well, it was time to attend Saturday night worship. My
roommate tried to prepare me for the service and I felt open-
minded and eager to attend. Clearly and sadly, there were so
many women dealing with pain and sorrow. I kept wondering if
there was anybody I could possibly help, but I was soon going
to discover that I too was still dealing with pain and sorrow.

Sandy, the featured speaker, immediately captured my
attention and I noticed how everyone’s eyes followed her like a
man watching the last sixty seconds of a tied football game! She
had a presence about her like I have never felt or seen before.
When she approached a woman that I had conversed with earlier,
I reached out my hand and began to pray for her as Sandy let us
know how desperately she needed our intervention. Before I could
grasp what was happening, I felt her hands touch my shoulders and
a stream of tears began dripping off of my face. Others around me
placed their hands on me as Sandy forcefully proclaimed the pain
that I was dealing with and that I needed everyone to pray I would
finally have peace.

In complete shock, I tried to comprehend what had just
happened; yet I did not want to miss one word she had to say. The
entire message was so powerful, so incredibly honest and truthful,
so driven by the Holy Spirit. I became free that night, free from
those painful thoughts that constantly were being battled in my
mind, free from the strongholds of Satan.

I know the battle is never completely over, but now I know
how to put on the armor of God and fight those battles without fear
or worry. I know I must completely place all my trust in the Lord
for He knows the plans.

My experience at Beulah Beach was truly life changing. I
have been sharing it with friends as I anxiously wait for what God
has in store for me next. I am getting a little better at listening to
His voice and obeying Him more quickly knowing that I am still a

work in progress. (It only took two people to indirectly ask me to
write this testimony!)

This is an exciting time in my life as I am finally starting to
feel peace and a sense of joy. I also know this is a result of the
women from the retreat who are still praying for everyone. When
you have a taste of what life can be like when others around you
live by the fruits of the Holy Spirit, you begin to crave it.

I have so much more to learn and share. I know this is only
the beginning. I am hoping that my new attitude will be
contagious and my friends will begin to desire what I rediscovered
at the women’s retreat; God is good, He loves us unconditionally,
and He wants to share an intimate relationship with each and every
one of us. If we are ready and willing, He will fill us with His
divine Spirit and bless us in ways we can’t even imagine. I am
ready and willing to go where He leads me for I know that all
things are possible through Christ who strengthens me.

I will be back next year for this incredible experience and
will be recruiting friends who desperately need to renew their
minds. Thank you to the women of High Mill Church who
welcomed me and blessed me with this wonderful adventure that
was so beautifully orchestrated by the everlasting God.
--Linda

Defeating Death

When we face death, our definition of God is challenged.  Which in turn challenges our faith. Which leads me to ask a grave question.  Why is it that we interpret the presence of death as the absence of God?  Why do we think that if the body is not healed, then God is not near?  Is healing the only way God demonstrated His presence?

Sometimes we think so and as a result when God doesn’t answer our prayers for healing, we get angry.  Resentful blame replaces belief.  “If You had been here, doing Your part, God, then this death would not have happened.”

It’s distressing that this view of God has no place for death.

Shirley Kirsch