Kansas City retreat:
'In his image'

By Carol Meyer

KANSAS CITY, Missouri —The Kansas City Northland women’s ministry sponsored its fourth annual retreat Nov. 2 and 3, with 54 women in attendance. Our theme was "In His Image."

The focus, Saturday, Nov. 2, was on the life of Jesus, and Sunday we focused on his transforming work in us. As Jesus transforms us, forgiveness and healing take place. We are then free to experience the joy, which comes only from the risen life of Jesus.

We began with a skit titled "Looking for Change in All the Wrong Places," demonstrating the futility of trying to change ourselves. Our worship leader, Lindy Gardner, from the Boise, Idaho, congregation, carefully selected music relating to our theme. She also provided an opportunity for several women to share their musical gifts with us. Throughout the retreat three of our area women brought presentations: Just Like Jesus; Jesus, Man of Sorrow; and Jesus, Man of Joy.

Our special guests, Phil and Pam Morgan, joined us Saturday afternoon. They are known in the Kansas City area for their Southern Gospel music ministry. Their current concert tour is called "Living Proof," because it reflects God’s work in their lives.

A car accident in June 2000 left Pam paralyzed from the shoulders down. She was told she would never walk again, but God had other plans. One year to the day after the accident, Pam walked into the recording studio to begin taping their newest CD!

Their powerful testimony of the love and healing power of our great God was followed by a communion service. For more information about the Morgans, visit their website at www.PhilandPamMorgan.com

Saturday evening we enjoyed biblical charades during our traditional fire-side chat. We also filled 27 boxes for Operation Christmas Child and collected Christian reading materials to be donated to a hospital as a congregational outreach.

Sunday morning brought a panel discussion covering Our True Identity, Avoiding the Root of Bitterness, The Power of Praise, and Walking with the Wounded. The presence of the Holy Spirit was evident; women came to understand things about their lives, which had never made sense before. In closing, our worship leader interjected a time of prayer, inviting us to circle around anyone who was being touched deeply, and lend support while she prayed.

This led to additional prayer, lots of tears and hugs. This was near the end of the retreat, so the women left with radiant faces! We had prayed for months that each woman would receive exactly what she needed. We praise and thank God for his intimate involvement in this retreat!

Carol Meyer serves the Kansas City churches with her husband, Ray. She is adviser to the women’s ministry and is on staff at Gospel Missionary Union’s international headquarters.

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002