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by Jean Bowler, Major –
Women from the Intermountain Division, some traveling thousands of miles through snowstorms and rain, convened at the Westin Hotel in Westminster, Colo., to experience God’s blessing, spiritual growth and fun.
Major Sheryl Tollerud, divisional women’s ministries secretary, led the retreat with assistance from Captain Mary Freeman, League of Mercy and older adult ministries secretary, and Captain Ronalee Fenrich, Guard and Sunbeam director.
II Corinthians 4:7 provided the theme: “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.”
Kathy Slamp, author and founder of Vessel Ministries, brought all from laughter to tears, as she presented God’s message. “God deals in the impossible,” she said, “when nothing else can work, then God works, and then we know it is a miracle!” She also taught that just like the different vessels we use, we are all different, and God has molded each of use with a special purpose in mind.
The women gave powerful personal testimonies. One woman told of God’s healing from violation as a child and rape as an adult; she had been beaten and a gun held to her head. “Though it all,” she said, “God kept my mind free and clean, even as he healed my body.” Another woman affirmed, “Nothing is too hard for God!”
During the weekend a variety of skits showed that God values each person equally, whether we are “royalty” or not. In addition, God uses our imperfections for his light to shine through to others.
