DAVIS—“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Rom. 12:12).

This little verse packs some powerful instructions from the Apostle Paul, and the 2023 Oklahoma Baptists Women’s Retreat will focus on each phrase during the event’s three general sessions.

The Women’s Retreat will be at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center, April 21-22, and will offer another great opportunity for Oklahoma Baptist women to gather, fellowship and experience all this annual event offers.

“This weekend away at Falls Creek has become a staple calendar event for women across Oklahoma as they escape the demands of everyday life to focus on worshipping the Lord and connecting with one another,” said Amy Cordova, Oklahoma Baptists missions and women’s ministry partner and program director of the retreat.

Five speakers headline the event, including Jamy Fisher, wife of Todd Fisher, executive director-treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists. Fisher is active in writing and teaching Bible studies and serving in women’s and college ministry.

Elizabeth Woodson is a Bible teacher and writer for Lifeway. She is a contributing author for “World on Fire” and the author of “Embrace Your Life: How to Find Joy When The Life You Have is Not The Life You Hoped For.” Mary Wiley is another Lifeway author who wrote “Everyday Theology,” an eight-week Bible study exploring essential doctrines and why they matter in everyday lives.

Sandy Wisdom-Martin serves as executive director-treasurer for national WMU in Birmingham, Ala. She has been involved in women’s ministry for 26 years. Lauren Green McAfee works at the Hobby Lobby corporate office and is an author and founder of Stand for Life, which seeks to promote human dignity of life in the womb and women facing unplanned pregnancies.

Worship leaders through music for the Women’s Retreat include Eden Trentham of Jenks, First and Minister James Willis and Nu Praze Choir from Oklahoma City, Prospect.

Falls Creek will have many of its regular features available for the retreat including the zipline, a 5K run, as well as the Centennial Prayer Garden and walk-up activities in the amphitheater.

“One of the greatest benefits of attending the Women’s Retreat is developing a deeper relationship with other like-minded women who are pursuing Christ,” Cordova said. “The time in the car, cabins and walking the grounds of Falls Creek is incredibly valuable as women engage in conversations that are encouraging one another to know and follow Christ.”

The Women’s Retreat will once again be a hybrid event, allowing churches to host gatherings across the state while also meeting at Falls Creek.

“I realize the great effort it takes to leave home for just one night during a busy spring schedule,” Cordova said. “Rearranging the calendar and preparing to be away is a worthy effort to focus our minds on Christ. My prayer is women come back refreshed and inspired to live for Jesus in their homes, workplaces and communities.”

An offering also will be taken at the Women’s Retreat that will support the work of International Mission Board missionaries who are serving people of Ukraine and Russia.

Registration deadline is Saturday, April 1, to attend the Women’s Retreat in person at Falls Creek. For more information on registration as well as schedule and other retreat features, visit oklahomabaptists.org/women/retreat.