Refresh retreat a powerful space for women in Far North Queensland

Women from all over North and Far North Queensland gathered for the Refresh retreat on picturesque Lake Tinaroo, south-west of Cairns.

BY SIMONE WORTHING

“God moved powerfully,” said Major Petra Dorman, Area Officer, Central and North Queensland, describing the recent ‘Refresh’ women’s retreat in Far North Queensland.

For the 46 women who attended, from Townsville to Atherton and Cairns, to Mt Isa and Mossman, the retreat offered “great worship, God’s word, fellowship, fun, food and reflection".

The women were given ‘Refresh’ welcome packs on arrival at the retreat.

‘All that I am’ was the theme for the event, which was held at The Genazzano Retreat Centre overlooking Lake Tinaroo on the Atherton Tablelands.

“The ladies heard what God had to say to his daughters about what it means to live fully for him,” said Petra.

Guest speaker and artist Lyn Diefenbach “unpacked what it is to give God all of our being through confession, commitment and purpose, and to go and be all that God created us to be.

Special guest Lyn Diefenbach creates one of her artworks during the retreat.

“Lyn is a talented artist who has come to realise that the world of art is her mission field. She is a woman who loves God and loves his people. Lyn’s art is a celebration of her faith and life, and she travels all over the world and across Australia teaching workshops.”

Lyn worships at the Capricorn Region Corps (Rockhampton) with her husband and son.

‘Papua New Guinea’ was the theme for the traditional retreat fun night, with all the women dressing up for the occasion.

The group also generously donated to the Making it Happen project, raising over $3100 for the Ela Beach Refuge in Papua New Guinea.

“These funds will help renovate, expand and equip a critical women's refuge for women and children escaping domestic violence in Papua New Guinea,” said Petra. “This refuge helps restore dignity and bring real hope to those going through crisis.

Women connected in small group sessions throughout the retreat.

“The weekend was a sacred space where the Holy Spirit moved powerfully in our midst as we were reminded to declare our faith and keep God right in front of our eyes.”

The majority of women at Refresh came from corps in the area. Some of these ladies had invited friends, who were part of an event like this for the first time. A few women from other churches also attended. Lieutenant-Colonel Debra Stevens, Women's Resources Coordinator, was a special guest from Territorial Headquarters, Melbourne.

 Much fun was had on ‘Papua New Guinea Night’ as the women dressed in traditional costumes in support of the Making it Happen project.