Thank you so much for your prayers and responses to this update! God is so faithful and we were so keenly aware of his presence and working during the retreat. I am now somewhat rested and back in the land of the internet, so giving an update. There is a lot that I can’t share because of confidentiality agreements and to protect the identity of the ladies in Engedi’s program, but I have the approval from their leadership to share the following with you:
We got home Sunday night from the Promise 23/Engedi retreat, and my goodness what an incredible time it was! God is so loving and faithful and caring for each of the precious ladies there, and far exceeded anything we could have even hoped for during the time! There was so much genuine sharing and growing closer together, our speaker shared her story and it was a powerful testimony of the redeeming work of God! All of the Engedi ladies sought her out to talk through different parts of their process and had deep connections. We (Promise 23 staff) also had many deep conversations with the ladies and I am humbled and blown away at their willingness to share and process with us. the times with the horses and riding out in nature was fun and very meaningful and everyone was safe. I am in awe of the overwhelming nearness of the Father and their collective openness to the work God in their lives. The last night we were able to have a campfire (burn ban was lifted), and by popular demand I brought out my guitar. Almost everyone was there, and we spent over an hour together worshiping, with different ones requesting songs that they knew and remembered and that were meaningful to them. I am undone, amazed, overwhelmed, and exceedingly grateful!!
Please continue to pray!
God is in the business of healing and restoring the lives of each of these precious women! Please continue to pray for protection for each one at Engedi, as well as their staff, and the Promise 23 staff! We have gained ground and every one of us was deeply impacted, but there is an enemy who is out to steal, kill, and destroy. There have already been little and big things that have come up for some of us.
Looking ahead at October…
For me personally, I have a busy couple of weeks! We have a 24 hour Burn (worship event) this coming weekend, and we are preparing to do our first ever leadership training day (October 10th) at Light of the World Prayer Center! We have been working hard to prepare for this and are very excited! We will have three main modules that touch on the vision, heart and strategy of what we’re doing at LOWPC, and some of the nuts and bolts and hands on equipping for leading corporate prayer and worship meetings. Please pray for Jason, Christy, and myself as we each prepare to teach. Pray for us as we seek to faithfully steward this ministry as the Lord is building.
At the end of October, I’m eagerly anticipating a week off to go visit my sister and a couple of dear friends in TX. 🙂
Thank you so much for your support and partnership!!
For the Supremacy of Christ in ALL things, and in his everlasting loving arms,
Vanessa
**note – the featured image is of the Promise 23 staff riding before Engedi arrived. We can’t share pictures of the ladies themselves, but this gives you a taste of the beautiful landscape of central Washington!!
A Journey of the Heart 