As we journey through life, we often encounter challenges that test our strength and resilience. Many of us wear a brave face, navigating the storms of our existence with a sense of duty and faith. We forge ahead, buoyed by the belief that the Lord walks beside us, even when the path ahead appears shrouded in darkness. I invite you to join me in exploring the remarkable story of a woman named Hagar—a woman who faced insurmountable adversity but discovered the profound love and faithfulness of God in her struggles. Come to hear my story, and I look forward to a Kumbaya session where you get to share your story and how God is navigating you through.

This is the inspiring story of a single disciple who courageously opens up about her past struggles in relationships and her journey to transformation through Christ. Despite a heavy past and the challenges of living in Lebanon, including war and societal pressures, she found spiritual growth in self-control and surrendering fully to Jesus. Her story reflects hope and empowerment, serving as a beacon of support for single women who feel the need for a man's presence in their lives, reminding them of the sufficiency and strength found in faith.

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Betrayal trauma is complex. Pornography, emotional affairs, prostitution, sexual adultery, massage parlours, fantasy, and chat rooms have become disturbingly common—even within the church. It's essential to address these issues with honesty and compassion.

Join us as two incredible women share their transformative healing journeys. Their friendship, forged through shared pain and struggle, is a beacon of hope and a testament to God's love and grace.

In this session, you’ll gain:

Hope and Inspiration: Learn how these women navigated their darkest moments and emerged stronger in faith and personal growth.

Validation: Recognize that you are not alone in your struggles and that healing is possible.

Practical Insights: Discover strategies for healing and building safe relationships.

This discussion offers valuable perspectives on moving from betrayal to renewal, helping you find strength, insight, and guidance.

An unexpected moment in Catina Ross's 15-year marriage took her from excruciating pain to unforeseen healing, a journey she considers to be her darkest hour. As she reflects on a two-year period in her life, marked by infidelity and what felt like the end of her existence and her Christianity, she invites others to hold her hand through the experience. Catina’s journey was one of deep struggle, where the weight of betrayal seemed unbearable.

As she recounts this painful chapter, Catina takes a deep breath and exhales, sharing how God used vulnerability, authenticity, and transparency to reveal her new path in life. Through these painful moments, she came to discover a true and intimate relationship with God, one that unveiled a deeper purpose and healing that she never anticipated.

Join us for a compassionate and hope-filled class as both speakers share their unique journeys through the grief, challenges, and questions that come with chronic and/or debilitating illness.

With vulnerability, they’ll explore how facing ongoing health battles has impacted their faith, self-identity, and relationships, providing a safe space for anyone navigating similar struggles. Together, they will address the complexities of holding onto faith when physical healing seems out of reach, offering understanding and encouragement for those seeking a renewed sense of purpose and resilience.

Both speakers bring wisdom from their own experiences—the things that have been helpful (and unhelpful) along the way, as well as the lessons learned in their walk with God. Through open conversation and shared stories, they’ll show how they have found enduring hope in Jesus, even in the midst of continued health challenges.

Come connect, learn, and find support for your own journey toward rediscovering God’s faithfulness!

Through the eyes of a child who experiences the trauma of war we see how innocence is lost in the chaos of gunfire and the cries of those suffering. Families are separated, homes are left behind, and safety feels far away. Despite sadness, enduring loss, and uncertainty, this experience shows hope and God's redemptive power. There are moments of kindness in the chaos, and the importance of friendship shines through. Each memory reminds us that surviving is not just about getting through tough times; it's also about valuing love and finding support in our communities.

It is comforting to know that God loves us and is with us always: "Do not fear... I am with you now," reminding us that we are never truly alone, even in hard times. As we journey together and as you reflect on your own challenges meditate on Isaiah 43:1-7 TPT. God says He loves you.

Shalom

As Lebanon goes through a new period of war, I never imagined that I will live what I experienced when I was 8 years old. Serving with HOPE worldwide Lebanon, the displaced, who had to flee their homes and villages to seek shelter in safer areas , brought out the traumatized child in me and all the troubled emotions I had back then. The war ended leaving me with questions, but this time adult ones. Reflecting on Psalms 91, my healing journey starts as I experience with the Psalmist: "He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection."

I am beloved by God because of who God created me to be. The growth in what it means to be in alignment with His creation ordinance vision continues each day. Only through His grace and mercy has His love opened my eyes to see and my ears to hear His truths in regard to my struggles with His plan for sexuality. Hear how unbelief, pride, and envy shaped the distortions in my heart. My prayer is for you to own your belovedness.

I am beloved by God because of who God created me to be. The growth in what it means to be in alignment with His creation ordinance vision continues each day. Only through His grace and mercy has His love opened my eyes to see and my ears to hear His truths in regard to my struggles with His plan for sexuality. Hear how unbelief, pride, and envy shaped the distortions in my heart. My prayer is for you to own your belovedness.

Eugenia will share her experience of being a young wife and mother of 4 children, when her youngest (who is now 23 years old) was diagnosed with Autism when he was 2 years old. She will share different challenging experiences of raising him through their uphill journey. She will share how she found hope in God throug this difficult life situation. "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" Psalm 34:17-18.

This class will be presented twice. It will be presented in English during Breakout Session One, and in Spanish during Breakout Session Two.

We are friends sharing with immense honesty about our 2 different marriage experiences from our past and present. Hear how God takes our times of deep pain, lament, grief, frustration, and exhaustion to graciously stepping into more clarified answers, unanswered questions, significant milestones and community support. Perseverance is leading us and our marriages to become characterized by strength, longevity, and honor.

When we long to find a "seat at the table," it feels disheartening to discover that many seats have been reserved. This class will offer varied perspectives concerning difficulties facing women in the church today who long to use their leadership and teaching gifts. When such challenges aren't acknowledged or understood, frustrations and disappointments grow, communication can become difficult, and "sides" can be taken. This class will seek to illuminate the emotional and exhausting toll the search for a "place at the table" involves while offering ways to make progress, knowing Jesus sits at the table, holding a seat for us.

What do you do when your best friend, your spouse, the father to your children suddenly dies? Your whole world turns upside down and life can feel impossible to navigate. The other person who helped make your life operate and make sense is gone. Your children are missing their dad and now need a lot of extra support from you. No one around you understands. It looks like a gruesome, lonely journey ahead.

Judy McCreary and Somer Mercado, both widows with grieving children lost their husbands suddenly in 2018. They will share their story of loss but will also share about what helped them the most to get through the most heartbreaking time of their lives. God and hope!! This is a class for widows, grievers, people who want to help their grieving friends or for people who just want to learn more about grief.

Dios tiene sus ojos puestos en mi, ¿es eso posible? Eso aprendí cuando en un accidente automovilístico, mi esposo y mi hija fallecieron trágicamente.

Acompáñame a conversar en cómo, Dios a través de 14 años, me sigue demostrando su amor y ha dado respuesta a preguntas como: ¿Y ahora qué hago?, ¿Cómo voy a salir adelante?, ¿Dónde estabas cuando esto pasó? y otras preguntas más serias.

En el Salmo 32:8 encontré una respuesta directa y sin duda, me ha acompañado en este viaje.

Juntas veremos como Dios, en su amor, nos consuela, sana nuestras heridas y nos da una nueva esperanza.

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Life’s unexpected trials, like infidelity and divorce, can bring deep pain, but they also offer powerful lessons. Join us as we share our journey of finding hope and healing through these challenges, discovering God’s unchanging love and greater plans along the way. Be inspired to embrace His grace, find joy in the moment, and move forward with faith and strength, knowing that in Him, we are more than conquerors.

Sexual betrayal in the forms of adultery, sexual impurity, pornography, and sexual addiction are rampant today, even in the church. Sometimes, it seems that betrayal is the topic no one wants to talk about, or they have more opinions than relevant spiritual wisdom. Kim Pullen has not only survived three disclosures over a period of 20 years; she is thriving with her unfaithful but repentant husband. She has wrestled with staying or leaving the marriage multiple times and coached those who have also chosen the path of separation and/or divorce. Come hear Kim's story, what helped her heal, what hindered the process, and how God has always been faithful. Kim will also share how betrayed Christian wives can discern and choose the wisest and best course of action for themselves in their unique and individual situations.

God has a great plan for us, even in the midst of our suffering and chronic illness. While we may not always recognize His goodness in the moment, God’s love, kindness, and invisible guidance become clear as His story unfolds piece by piece through our walk with Him. This class will explore the profound truth of God's goodness as revealed through the lens of suffering. By delving into Scripture, participants will learn how trials can highlight God’s redemptive love, faithfulness, and purpose even in the midst of our difficulties.
This class is designed to inspire hope, strengthen faith, and equip believers to confidently navigate life’s challenges through seeing and recognizing God’s unchanging goodness.

Trust in the God who cares for you. The Bible says in Isaiah that the Lord our God promises his people Israel to take care of them in any situation they might face. He loves his people so much that he protects them in any situation and says “Do not be afraid because I am with you.”
That promise is still valid today! Who else besides him can help you? We have been created to know him, believe him and understand that he is God, the God who cares for us.

Confía en el Dios que te cuida. Dice la biblia en Isaías que el Señor nuestro Dios promete a su pueblo Israel cuidarlo en cualquier situación que enfrentaría. Es tanto el amor por su pueblo que lo protege ante cualquier cosa y afirma “No tengas miedo porque yo estoy contigo.”

¡Esa promesa sigue vigente hoy en día! ¿Quien más aparte de él puede ayudarte? Hemos sido creadas para conocerlo, creerle y comprender que él es Dios, el Dios que nos cuida.

When your child discloses their decision to question either their sexuality or their gender, it can be a monumental shaking of our faith and all that we have envisioned for our family and our child.

Kathy and Angel will share their stories of having children who came out and the path of faith and love that has become the foundation of this time. From feeling isolated and grieving to being part of a dynamic parents ministry in Strength in Weakness, they will share how they have built bridges with their children and have discovered newfound strength and community support, transforming their grief into a journey of hope and connection.

Any mother with children who battle with mental health can be gripped with fear and anxiety. There is sometimes an unsolvable restlessness of not knowing what the future will hold that comes with it that only God can resolve. Come alongside these mothers of teens and adults and hear their vulnerable stories.

Eugenia compartirá  de su experiencia como esposa joven con 4 hijos pequeños  y el menor (hoy en dia de 23 años) diagnosticado con Autismo a los 2 años. Compartirá los retos y angustias que siguieron después de su diagnostico y las dificultades que vivieron como familia y que aun siguen viviendo. Hablará de como encontró paz y esperanza en Dios. "El Señor atiende el clamor del hombre honrado, y lo libra de todas sus angustias. El Señor esta cerca, para salvar a los que tienen el corazón  hecho pedazos y han perdido la esperanza." Salmo 34:17-18

Esta clase se presentará dos veces. Se presentará en inglés durante la primera sesión y en español durante la segunda.

This is the experience of how a single mom of three living in the inner city learned how to raise her special gift from God. This story expands over the decades. It’s a real story of pain, suffering, fear and faith! My daughter created her own language. This is the journey into the valley and mountaintop moments of our mother-daughter relationship over the last twenty-six years.

Marriage can be hard. But marriage can especially be hard when one or both in the couple is dealing with either a mental health issue, or cognitive issues, or challenges with neurodiversity. This class will help address some of the common challenges for couples in these circumstances and some of the ways that they can benefit from counseling.

When women face limited venues and opportunities to use their God-given gifts, they must find ways to work alongside Jesus as they make choices. They can seek to make changes or keep the "status quo." This class explores ways we can listen to the Spirit's lead, focusing on the needed conversations, relational support, moral courage, patience, and camaraderie needed to partner with Jesus on behalf of women.

This class emphasizes the idea that grief can serve as a bridge to new horizons. We will explore how confronting our sadness can open doors to new opportunities and deeper connections. Through storytelling, creative expression, and supportive dialogue, listeners will learn to honor their grief while cultivating a hopeful outlook for the future.

Losing a loved one to suicide creates a profound and unique grief that touches each of us differently. We encourage you to honor your individual journey, allowing yourself to move beyond societal expectations of how you should grieve. Embrace the space where your feelings, your voice, and your healing are cherished, particularly in the eyes of God. Remember, it’s okay to feel deeply, to seek support, and to take the time you need to navigate this painful loss. You are not alone; your heartache matters, and your healing is a sacred path.

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Within betrayal, trust was not just damaged, it was abused. This trauma and the way we experience it, leaves us with deep wounds.

Leaning on her own winding journey and her trauma-focused coaching practice, Robin will explore how self-compassion (beloved by God) and self-regulation (dignity from the Spirit) leads to post-traumatic growth. As we do our own work, independent of the relationship that hurt us, God brings new wisdom, resilience and relational skills.

Infidelity in marriage can be challenging enough, but what about the children who hear and see behavior that doesn’t seem quite right? Children can feel shattered, alone and left without a voice. Join my daughter and I as we discuss the following: the loss of trust, shame, confusion, ambivalence, resentment and acting out that affects children. Even in our darkest hour, God can use the “mountains in our lives” to restore hope and rebuild a stronger family bond.
Jesus said, “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Matthew 11:23-24

Paulina will share about her health. From a very young age, she suffered from anxiety, migraines, insecurities, and panic. When she converted to Christ, she was able to overcome that anxiety. Over time, she began to have many strange symptoms. Finally, she was diagnosed with cancer. There was a lot of anxiety about the unknown: Her life? Her husband? Her daughters? The church? Chemotherapy was exhausting, painful and humiliating. She won, but a year and a half later, she had another relapse: all over again! She will share how her trust in God grew. God healed her, listened to her like Hezekiah, lifted her up like in Psalm 18 and accompanied her like in Psalm 23. She submitted to God and learned on her knees to be ready for his will to be done.

Paulina compartirá sobre su salud. Desde muy pequeña sufrió ansiedad, migrañas, muchas inseguridades y pánico. Cuando se convirtió a Cristo pudo superar esa ansiedad. Con el tiempo, empezó a tener muchos síntomas extraños. Finalmente, le dieron el diagnóstico de cáncer. Había mucha ansiedad por lo desconocido: ¿su vida? ¿su marido? sus hijas? la iglesia? La quimioterapia era agotadora, dolorosa y humillante. Venció, pero un año y medio después tuvo otra recaída: ¡todo de nuevo! Ella compartirá cómo creció su confianza en Dios. Dios la sanó, la escuchó como Ezequías, la levantó como en el Salmo 18 y la acompañó como en el Salmo 23. Ella se sometió a Dios y aprendió de rodillas a estar lista para que se hiciera su voluntad.

Faith anchors us in uncertainty. Difficult moments are challenging and force us to rely on God, because His promises are unchanging and steadfast.

This class will be presented in French; language interpretation services for English will be provided.

In this class, Michelle will share her experiences parenting a transgender child. She will share what it felt like to buy a ticket for the Bahamas and end up in The Hunger Games, while all the while, learning to cling to her relationship with God in ways she didn’t know possible. She will share with raw authenticity how God revealed Himself and gave her courage of heart along the way.

James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Adopting a child allows us to experience the nature of God in a way that inspires us and also challenges our hearts and faith. Becoming an adoptive parent usually starts with this desire to care for an orphan that has little hope of a bright future without a loving family to take them into their lives and hearts. But adopting a child that has undergone loss and trauma is not always smooth sailing. In this class, Suzanne will share her journey through the highs and lows of being an adoptive mother and how she’s grown closer to God as a result of the challenges. If you have adopted a child, this class will hopefully help you feel understood, encouraged and inspired as you grow in God’s love for his children.

Any mother with children who battle with mental health can be gripped with fear and anxiety. There is sometimes an unsolvable restlessness of not knowing what the future will hold that comes with it that only God can resolve. Come alongside these mothers of teens and adults and hear their vulnerable stories.

Unseen. Marginalized. Oppressed. Disusnified. Unloved. Divisive. What do these words bring to mind within society and our fellowship? What does true unity look like in this time of chaos and uncertainty? Have you heard calls for racial unity but no path forward and hurt is not acknowledged? How do you have these conversations when trust is low or lost? What do you do with feelings of shock and betrayal? Thoughts of, "I thought I knew them and we were on the same page"? You are not alone. Join as two women share their life experiences as they navigate a minefield called racism.

In this class, our speakers will share their personal thoughts, along with those they have gathered from others, concerning what they want and need their brothers in Christ to know and understand. Conversations are needed and important, and our prayer is that this class can be a helpful conversation starter that brings more opportunities for women to use their God-given gifts in the churches.

Losing a spouse, parent, grandparent, or another beloved family member is a profound and deeply personal experience. We hope to share a compassionate space to explore the complexities of grief, especially when emotions are suppressed or shaped by societal expectations. Together, we’ll uncover how external pressures can intensify or prolong grief, and learn how to honor feelings in ways that promote healing and growth.

Grief is unique to each person, and we hope this encourages you to embrace your own path move beyond the “shoulds” of grief and into a space where your voice, emotions, and healing matter most especially to God.

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As women, it can sometimes be challenging to be real about the pain and suffering we experience while also figuring out how to find joy in God. Let’s discover together the beauty God can create from our painful stories.