Time to say our goodbyes to our beloved attendees, but we have WhatsApp groups made and ready to follow up and pray for them!
As the Azmera GREECE Haven Retreat drew to a close, there was a beautiful mixture of gratitude, joy, and the bittersweet realization that our time together was coming to an end. Women who had arrived as strangers were now leaving as sisters in Christ, connected through shared experiences, meaningful conversations, worship, and prayer.
Our final evening included a special time of communion and personal prayer. Chairs were set apart for women who desired someone to pray with them. As they came forward, members of our Care Crew joined them, offering a listening ear, a gentle hand, and heartfelt prayers. These moments reflected the heart of Azmera: creating space for women who spend so much of their lives pouring into others to receive care themselves.
One of our Care Crew volunteers, Adana Cengeri, shared an especially meaningful story from that final prayer time.
One story from our final prayer session will stay with me for a long time.
A woman serving in Cambodia came forward and sat in one of our prayer chairs. As the team prayed over her, she began hearing a song in her mind. It wasn't the instrumental music playing in the background. It sounded like a choir of women singing.
Then she saw a picture in her mind of the historic Christian church here in Greece. She pictured women from generations past singing over these female global workers.
It gave me chills.
These women aren't just being cheered on by us. They are surrounded by the legacy of faithful women who have gone before them, and by the great cloud of witnesses who testify to the faithfulness of God.
— Adana Cengeri, Care Crew Volunteer
What a beautiful reminder of Hebrews 12:1 and the great cloud of witnesses surrounding us as we run with endurance the race set before us. Generations of faithful women have gone before us, and today these global workers continue that legacy in communities around the world.
Our final morning brought one last time of worship, teaching, and gathering in Connection Circles. Then, before the women departed, our Care Crew stood around the room and sang The Blessing by Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes over them.
"He is for you."
Those simple words carried such a powerful reminder. As these women prepared to return to their homes, families, ministries, and responsibilities across the world, they were being reminded of a truth that would go with them: God's presence and faithfulness are not limited to a retreat in Greece. He goes before them, walks beside them, and remains with them wherever He has called them to serve.
And then came the goodbyes.
There were hugs, pictures, last conversations, and the tenderness of parting from women who had become dear friends in such a short time.
Thirty-eight women representing more than 20 countries had shared these days together. Although the retreat was ending, the relationships and encouragement could continue. WhatsApp groups were already prepared to help the women remain connected, share prayer requests, and encourage one another long after returning home.
Adana ended her reflection with words that beautifully capture our prayer for every woman leaving Greece:
Their labor is not in vain. Their life matters. Their calling matters. And they do not run this race alone.
— Adana Cengeri
May the rest, hope, and encouragement received during these days continue bearing fruit in their hearts, homes, and ministries. And may each woman remember that she is deeply loved, seen by God, and never alone.