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498 women attended the event in Estes Park, Colo.
By Stacy Cross, Captain
“Rise up”—the call resonated in the hearts and minds of the 498 women who attended the 11th annual Come to the Water conference sponsored by Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy Inc. at the YMCA conference center in Estes Park, Colo.
Women clergy and lay leaders from The Salvation Army, Church of the Nazarene, Brethren in Christ, Church of God (Anderson), Evangelical Friends International, Free Methodist and The Wesleyan Church worshiped together.
“Each worship meeting built upon the next, refreshing parched souls and encouraging those who had been standing firm against oppression and spiritual assault,” said Cadet Edith Dye-Mabie.
Commissioner Nancy Roberts, national president of women’s ministries, led the 157 Salvationist delegates from around the world. Colonel Janet Munn from the International Training College was a featured speaker. Reverend Joanne Solis-Walker challenged listeners to be “in Cristo” (in Christ), and many, including Lieutenant Clarissa Ochoa, declared victory in Christ over crippling circumstances, such as gender and racial bias.
“When Colonel Janet Munn spoke, [it was] with great inspiration, and when she got down on her knees, it showed us all how God responds to us,” said Cadet Katie Breazeale. “Come to the water and be fed; thirst no more.”
The workshops clarified and solidified our call to “rise up” in our respective ministries. The workshop on responding to the LGBT community prompted Captain Judith Rockey to “gain a better understanding of the various concerns of people on both sides of the issue.” Commissioner Christine MacMillian led a social justice track, and Lisa Thompson from USA National Headquarters led a workshop that provided insight on the work of The Salvation Army in combating worldwide human trafficking.
Major Sylvia Hoogstad said, “I came away from the retreat enriched, blessed and full of wonder.”
