DAVIS—On the weekend of April 11 and 12, Falls Creek Conference Centers hosted the Spring Oklahoma Baptists Women’s Retreat. This year’s theme was “Daring Faith” and attendees walked through the entire book of Esther.

The keynote speaker for the retreat was Kelly Minter from Justice & Mercy International and author of Esther: Daring Faith for Such a Time as This. Her sessions focused on the major shifts in the story of Esther, showing how Esther answered God’s calling and how God did the heavy lifting to make those shifts happen. Minter also gave historical context of the time period so attendees could understand what Esther was going through. Minter emphasized that we need to listen and answer God’s calling.

“God opened a door for Esther, but not before she knocked on it,” Minter said. “God will accomplish His will one way or another; it’s up to us if we want to be part of it.”

Other speakers included Caroline Saunders, writer and Bible teacher; Melissa Spoelstra, women’s conference speaker, Bible teacher and author; Julie Busler, author of Joyful Sorrow; and Sydney Dorrough, occupational therapist and Christian speaker. Worship was led by Matt Roberson and the Singing ChurchWomen of Oklahoma. In line with the Esther theme, Lauren Nelson Faram, Miss America 2007, served as retreat host and led a breakout session titled A Crown that Lasts.

In line with walking through the book of Esther, attendees could also partake in an Esther Experience. This immersive, physical walk-through event brought various events from the book of Esther to life, enabling participants to visualize how life might have been for the Jews who remained in Persia after they were permitted to return to their homeland.

“I am a kinesthetic leaner, and this experience really helped me to grasp the different parts of the Esther story,” said one participant from Clinton, First. “I feel like I understand it much better!”

This event not only encouraged women, but it also strengthened them and challenged them to live boldly in faith.

“It was a beautiful weekend,” said Jinger Bernhardt from Perkins, Immanuel. “I’m excited to see how our Oklahoma Baptist churches will be strengthened as these women return to serve in their own communities.”

At the retreat, an offering for Mission:Dignity was also received. This program gives back to pastors, ministers, church staff and their wives who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Most of those who receive assistance from this program are widows.

For more information about Oklahoma Baptists women’s ministries and upcoming events, visit
https://www.oklahomabaptists.org/women/.