Women’s Ministries First Annual Soul Sisters Retreat
By Nashly Epp
When I got the official invitation in the mail, I was so excited! A re- treat for pastors’ wives! Tis is exactly what I needed! Pastors’ wives find it so easy to get overwhelmed, stressed-out and consumed by all the events, appointments, and volunteering that we cram into our schedules on top of the regular activities of our daily lives. At some point we need to relax, refresh, and recharge! Tat is what the Soul Sisters Retreat is all about: giving pastors’ wives a break from their crazy schedules and a place to go to be filled and encouraged. Seven beautiful ladies joined us for the Soul Sisters Retreat. It
was a great weekend of mini-manicures, savory food, and heartfelt conversation. We also had a wonderful time of worship, sharing, devotions, challenge, and prayer! In one session, we watched the video “A Call to Surrender” by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. Her challenge to us was, “Are we just making a contribution to the cause of Christ or is it a total commitment for us?” Coming away from the retreat, I could not get her question
out of my head. Was I just making a contribution or was I totally committed? Had I surrendered absolutely everything, or was I holding back? I don’t think we ask ourselves these questions oſten enough to truly look into our lives and our hearts. God was challenging me to examine my own heart and my own life. Jesus said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come aſter me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14: 26-27 ESV). Jesus’ words to the people were as radical then as they are now. Recently, my husband, Justin, and I were blessed by becoming parents to our son Peter! I realized I needed to surrender everything
and hold nothing back, and I needed to do that now. Children learn from their parents. Tey copy their every move. Parents are the most influential role model in a child’s life. If I want my child to live a life surrendered to Christ, I first need to be living a surren- dered life myself. Tere is no middle ground. Jesus is very clear: “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come aſter me cannot be my disciple.” We can’t live half-heartedly for God; it is either all or nothing. We are either a disciple for Christ or not at all. Te questions I ask myself, I also ask you: Are you willing to
give up everything for the cause of Christ? And are you willing to do anything for the cause of Christ? As most of you know, the road of ministry is not an easy one. Jesus never said it would be easy, but it is so worthwhile and rewarding. David Livingstone prayed: “God, send me anywhere; only go with me, lay any burden on me; only sustain me. Sever every tie but the tie that binds me to thy service and thy heart.” What a challenge! But freedom is truly found in a surrendered heart to Christ! Te retreat was small, but it was so refreshing to open up and
share our struggles with women who have been through similar situations. I’m so glad Beth Fast could make the arrangements and set up such a wonderful weekend! Also a big thank you to Han- nah Butt for speaking at our first session! We want to do the Soul Sisters Retreat again around the same time next year.
Nashly Epp ministers alongside her husband, Pastor Justin Epp, at Langham Evangelical Bible Church in Langham, Sask. She enjoys spending time with their five-month old son, Peter. Nashly is passion- ate about Christian mentorship.
Fellowship Focus, July/August 2016
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