Throughout Scripture, we see God’s creativity in communication to us. On the first day, God created light. Then, He spoke to Moses in a burning bush and led the Israelites out of captivity by a pillar of fire at night.
In Ps. 34:5 the Psalmist writes, “Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed.” Through the prophet Isaiah, we read, “I will also make you a light for the nations, to be my salvation to the ends of the earth.” In captivity we hear Daniel’s plea, “Therefore our God, hear the prayer and petitions of your servant. Make your face shine on your desolate sanctuary for the Lord’s sake” (Dan. 9:17).
When Emmanuel, God with us, came as a baby, a star shined bright for the wise men to come and worship Him. As Jesus began his ministry, the prophet Isaiah’s words were fulfilled for “the people who live in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned” (Matt. 4:16). During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world” commanding us to let our light shine before others. In the last chapter of Revelation, we learn, “Night will be no more; people will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, because the Lord God will give them light, and they will reign forever and ever.” (Rev. 22:5)
At the 2019 Oklahoma Women’s Retreat, my prayer is Ps. 119:130, “The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” On April 12-13, women across Oklahoma will gather at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center. The keynote speakers are Lysa TerKeurst, Rosaria Butterfield, and Caleb Freeman. On Friday afternoon at 1 p.m., Rosaria will also host a Q&A Session for foster care and adopted moms and those interested in caring for children in need of a loving home. Worship will be led by Point of Grace and For All Seasons. On Friday evening, Point of Grace will do a special concert.
New this year are two Spanish-speaking sessions. These sessions will be held on the first floor in the Ada Lodge. Laura González de Chávez will be the keynote speaker on Friday evening, and a panel will share during the Saturday morning session. Each session will include worship in Spanish.
Intentional resource tables will be provided for women to receive information about the Cooperative Program, International Mission Board, Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, Department of Human Services, as well as training opportunities for women through the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma.
Recreation will be available during the day on Friday and Saturday morning. Activities include the zip line, Price’s Falls recreation and lawn games. Recreation has become a highlight of the Women’s Retreat, and many look forward to this. The staple 5k run and walk will once again be held on Saturday morning. This run follows the same harrowing route that is used during the youth weeks of Falls Creek.
The early registration deadline is March 4. The cost is $75 per person. A special price of $50 is offered to teen girls ages 14-17 who come with a legal guardian. The price will increase to $85 for all ages on March 5. Tickets are selling fast. It is likely the event will be sold out before the final registration deadline.
Visit www.bgcowomen.org for online registration and complete retreat details.