Texico Women’s Retreat Inspires Healing and Faith

“It has been an unforgettable weekend for me at this Texico women’s gathering. I never imagined I would leave so richly blessed by coming and meeting so many precious women from different places.” These words from Marjorie Pelaez de Rodriguez, the Spanish keynote speaker, captured the sentiments of many attendees at the Texico Conference Women’s Retreat, which took place on Sept. 20-22, 2024.

Approximately 200 women from the Texico Conference gathered for the three-day event, which featured general sessions, a concert and social activities. The retreat, themed “Precious in God’s Eyes,” took place in a new location, Lubbock, Tex., allowing greater attendance from women across the Texico territory. Many participants were first-time attendees, and they expressed that the experience exceeded their expectations.

Spanish sessions focused on the importance of mental health, self-worth and finding God’s healing power. Attendees explored the significance of accepting themselves—imperfections and all—and embracing God’s unconditional love. Together, they began the journey of healing past wounds and finding safety in God’s embrace.

“They filled my heart because I was able to share my life, my story, my pain with them,” said Pelaez de Rodriguez. “I was able to tell them how Christ came and turned all that into joy, and now I dedicate myself to helping so many women.”

For the English-speaking attendees, keynote speaker Hyveth Williams, professor at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University, was enthusiastic about the weekend’s impact.

“The weekend was very successful,” Williams said. “The people came to worship, and there was a certain spirit I felt that was not normally what I get when I visit a church for the first time. The camaraderie was outstanding.” Williams spoke on the weekend’s theme, emphasizing the importance of seeking truth through in-depth study of God’s word. “I hope they take away from what I have presented the importance and significance of not just reading the Bible, but studying it,” she said. “There are many companies selling Bibles with plans to read it in a year or six weeks, and while we are doing well at reading, we are not studying. As a result, we are missing important truths that guide our lifestyle and relationship with God. I hope my emphasis on understanding God’s Word will inspire them to go home, study and search it for themselves. I am a firm believer in what Ellen White said: ‘Truth is never afraid of scrutiny.’” 

During the retreat, the Texico Conference introduced Maria Teresa Flores as the new director of women’s ministries, succeeding Nancy Monge, who served in the role for the past seven years. Monge was thanked for her dedicated service, and Flores expressed excitement for her new role, eager to carry on the vision for women’s ministries in Texico.

Attendees left the retreat feeling greatly blessed and encouraged. The weekend was filled with energy, camaraderie and heartfelt participation, reminding every woman of her immense value and preciousness.

“I leave with memories of all of them like photographs—their faces, their gestures, their joy,” Pelaez de Rodriguez, said reflecting on the retreat. “And I hope that when they go home, they take with them the clear image that Christ loves them, that they are precious in God's eyes. Satan has tried to tarnish that beauty, but through this event, which was organized so wonderfully and has been so beautiful, they will leave saying, ‘I am worth it,’ and that in their hearts they will yearn each day to prepare for the coming of Christ Jesus. We will surely meet again. Before finishing, I told them, ‘Remember, that heaven is the place where we will see each other.’ So, gratitude to them, gratitude to the event and, above all, gratitude to God.”

The Texico Conference looks forward to another inspiring women's retreat next year, with new leadership in place but carrying forward the mission of unity, faith and healing.

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