WFBC 2008 Ladies Retreat
The Women's Wisconsin Fellowship of Baptist Churches annual Spring Ladies' Retreat was held on Mar. 14-15, 2008 on the campus of Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Watertown, Wisconsin. Over 300 women attended the retreat and were challenged to live "In the Beauty of Holiness". Miss Renee Westphall was the keynote speaker. She clearly presented the gospel in Preparation for Holiness, then challenged believers regarding life choices and "idols of the heart" which must be rejected in Pursuit of Holiness. In a final session on Saturday afternoon, Renee encouraged the ladies to be filled with a Passion for Holiness, challenging them to add to their lives characteristics of Christ. Many women made public decisions in response to the messages, and many more expressed appreciation for the challenging spiritual content.
One woman who attended the retreat expressed her response, "This years retreat was one of the best in years! You all did such a wonderful job. I haven't cried like that for a long time. God was very present. Thank you again for such a wonderful time at the retreat."
Each workshop was offered twice, allowing women to attend 4 of the 10 workshops offered. Recordings of any workshop or of the entire retreat are available by contacting us through the website. Saturday morning, Mrs. Linda Phelps, wife of MBBC President Chuck Phelps, gave a challenging and encouraging devotional to pastors' wives.
The WWFBC has consistently taken an offering at the ladies' retreat to replenish the "Heart to Heart" Fund. This fund is used by the WFBC Mission Director to meet material needs of pastors or their family members. This year's generous offering was over $1,000.00, and will be a blessing to many throughout 2008. In addition, an offering was taken as a gift for Mr. and Mrs. Mark Massey, directors of Victory Academy in Amberg, Wisconsin. The Masseys have served there, ministering to troubled teen-aged boys, for many years. Mrs. Massey attended the retreat and was honored by the ladies with a gift basket as well as the over $1,100.00 offering.
Mrs. Regina Holland presented a literature report, highlighting books she recommended for ladies to purchase. The MBBC bookstore was well stocked with the books from Mrs. Holland's list, and ladies enjoyed shopping for reliable Christian literature and other gift items in the bookstore. Throughout the retreat, the MBBC Snack Shop and Old Main Cafe were open for casual conversation and relaxed refreshment, and Pioneer Foods provided delicious meals in the beautiful Dining Commons.
The WWFBC 2009 Retreat will be held on the campus of Northland Baptist Bible College on March 13-14, 2009. Ladies will be blessed to hear Mrs. Claudia Barba, a talented communicator for Christian women. Suggestions for workshops, theme, or other events may be shared by contacting us through the website.