From October 10th – 13th, 166 women from across the South Bahamas Conference gathered on Long Island for a spiritual retreat under the theme Rescued, Restored, Renewed for Service. The event brought together participants from 20 Adventist churches, including several from the Family Islands and even the United States. The retreat was hosted in the hometown of the South Bahamas Conference Women’s Ministry Director, Sis. Carla Rodgers, and was marked by moments of inspiration, fellowship, and renewal.

The first major event started Friday evening with a vesper service at Gordon’s Beach. Under the stars, the women from Exuma led the group in song and skits, illustrating the theme Renewed by the Sea, Washed by His Grace. Atlantic Caribbean Union’s Women’s Ministry Director, Elder Arleen Sands, shared a powerful vesper thought on being Rescued by Jesus to Serve. Sabbath morning, the women gathered at Steven’s Church for a powerful worship experience.

Elder Shantell Miller, from South Andros, delivered the sermon, under the topic, New Creations in Christ, drawing from the passage Ephesians 4:17-32. She shared personal stories of transformation, encouraging women to allow God to clean up their messes and make them new.

A particularly emotional moment came when Lacey Brown, a member of Steven’s Church, was baptized in the pristine waters of Dean’s Blue Hole by Pastor Leonardo Rahming, marking a significant step in her faith journey.

The retreat also focused on outreach. After the Sabbath service, small groups visited homes of women who were grieving the loss of loved ones, offering prayers, songs, and retreat packages filled with inspirational literature.

Despite a few challenges, including cancelled flights, delays, and unexpected weather, the retreat was a resounding success, with many participants sharing that they felt truly renewed in both spirit and purpose.