God Moves in Powerful Ways at CCC Women’s Retreat

As the Central California Conference Women’s Ministry team prepared for this year’s retreat, their prayer was simple but heartfelt: that every woman attending would experience a space where she felt accepted by God and leave knowing how deeply she is loved by Him.

One of the “fleeces” the team placed before God was a new request. For the first time, they prayed that if any woman attending the retreat felt called to baptism, the opportunity would be available. They asked God to move on hearts in whatever way He desired. God answered that prayer in a powerful way.

During the retreat, three women chose to publicly commit their lives to Christ through baptism. The baptisms took place in the pool at Tenaya Lodge, where women gathered around the pool deck and along the upper walkway overlooking the water. Worship songs filled the room as the women surrounded the candidates with encouragement, prayer, and visible expressions of love and support. It became a sacred moment of celebration as the three women stepped forward in faith.

Another deeply moving time during the retreat was the anointing service. Before the service began, many women spent time quietly preparing their hearts in prayer and reflection. Throughout the service, women were invited to stand during moments of corporate prayer if they desired prayer for specific areas of their lives—finances, health, employment, family relationships, direction in life, grief, or struggles with addiction.

As women stood across the room, the power of the Holy Spirit was evident. Tears filled many eyes as prayers were lifted together. The faces of the women reflected both vulnerability and hope as they sought God’s presence and healing.

The retreat became a reminder that when God’s people gather in faith and prayer, He faithfully meets them there. This year, the prayers of the Women’s Ministries team were answered in ways that will not soon be forgotten.

Written by Lisa Plasencia