Molded by My Lord: Hispanic Women Gather for a Weekend of Faith, Fellowship, and Transformation

“But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” — Isaiah 64:8 (KJV)

GRIZZLY FLATS, California — More than 400 women and young girls gathered October 16–18, 2026, at Leoni Meadows Camp for the annual Spiritual Retreat of the Hispanic Women’s Ministries of the Central California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Under the theme “Molded by My Lord,” the 401 attendees, including approximately 50 individuals who are not church members and around 35 teenagers, enjoyed a weekend of worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal.

Learning to Trust the Potter’s Hands

Inspired by Isaiah 64:8, the retreat reminded participants that God is the Potter and we are the clay in His hands. Main speaker Edith Ruiz shared messages about how God shapes us through difficult circumstances, suffering, pain, and important decisions. Devotionals were presented by Elsy Quiroga and Ericka Cornejo.

One of the most meaningful moments was the burning of prayer requests on Sunday morning. Participants symbolically surrendered their worries, burdens, and needs to God. They also took part in a prayer walk organized in collaboration with five churches, with stations highlighting Jesus as our Rock, Shepherd, Living Water, and Light.

The retreat also featured the first Talent Night organized by Hispanic Women’s Ministries, where attendees shared the gifts God has given them through songs and Christ-centered presentations. They also enjoyed recreational activities that strengthened friendships and fellowship.

Faith Amid Unexpected Challenges

One day before the retreat began, the organizing team learned that the cabins would be without electricity and hot water until Saturday evening. Although the situation caused concern, most of the women decided to attend as planned. Fortunately, electricity was restored Friday evening.

This experience reminded participants that faith is not simply trusting God when everything goes according to plan, but also when circumstances test our confidence in Him.

The lessons of the retreat continued on the journey home. For the women from the Redwood City church, led by Doribel López, the trip became an unexpected opportunity to put their faith into practice. After approximately half an hour on the road, one of their vehicles overheated, forcing them to wait five hours before continuing their journey.

Rather than allowing frustration to take over, the women prayed, sang, and worked together to find a solution. During the delay, they also had the opportunity to pray for an elderly woman who experienced a cardiac emergency and was transported by ambulance.

Doribel summarized the experience by saying, “We did not lose our joy, and we remembered that God also molds us through these kinds of situations.” She added, “God protects us and gave us the opportunity to pray for someone. It was a great blessing!”

Shaping the Next Generation

The teenage program, led by Judith Hernández, helped young girls explore their identity, worth, and purpose in Christ through the series “In the Potter’s Hands.” Despite having an injured foot, Judith shared messages about personal worth, emotional healing, and the importance of reflecting the character of Jesus.

One participant, 20-year-old Abi Ramírez, faced a difficult situation on her way home when she received the news that she had lost her job, even though she had requested that day off to attend the retreat. However, the lessons she had learned helped her remember where her true worth is found.

Abi expressed the truth that had touched her heart, “Simply knowing that I am a daughter of God—that is where my worth is found.”

Her testimony illustrates how our identity in Christ can sustain us when circumstances change and help us look toward the future with hope.

During the retreat, Ana Contreras was also recognized for her 11 years of service on the planning committee. The organizers expressed their gratitude for her dedication and valuable contributions to Hispanic Women’s Ministries.

Molded by His Hands to Reflect His Love

As the retreat concluded, participants returned home with renewed encouragement to trust God, persevere through challenges, and allow Him to continue shaping their hearts.

The organizing committee gives thanks first and foremost to the Lord, as well as to the speakers, devotional presenters, volunteers, participating churches, and every attendee who helped make this gathering a blessing.

We are the clay. He is the Potter. When we surrender our lives into His hands, He continues to mold us into the image of Jesus.

“Molded by My Lord,” transformed by the hands of the One who loves us, guides us, and gives our lives an eternal purpose.

Article Written by Susy Pulido, Director of Hispanic Women’s Ministries, Central California Conference - Hispanic Ministries Department

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