By Saturday, the Azmera GREECE Haven Retreat 2026 had settled into a gentle rhythm of worship, teaching, Connection Circles, One2Ones, laughter, and unhurried conversations.
Throughout the day, women were being reminded that they did not need to have everything figured out or hold everything together. At Azmera, our desire is to create a safe place where women can share their struggles, find encouragement, and experience the grace, compassion, and understanding that come through genuine connection.
A sweet small-town Wisconsin connection, discovered all the way in Greece! A simple pedicure became an opportunity for laughter, friendship, and the reminder that God brings women together in unexpected ways.
One woman, attending her sixth Azmera retreat, affectionately described herself as an “Azmera junkie.” Having experienced so many retreats, she noticed something different this time. More women than usual were expressing a need to simply be alone. It was a reminder of the deep weariness many global workers carry. Even in a place filled with opportunities for fellowship and connection, sometimes what these women need most is permission to step away, be still, and simply rest.
Yet, in the midst of that exhaustion, God was providing unexpected tenderness. One night, this same woman struggled to fall asleep. Her roommate, someone she had only just met at the retreat, gently sang her to sleep. What a beautiful picture of the care these women were offering one another! Sometimes ministry looks like a profound conversation, and sometimes it is simply a song offered in the quiet of the night.
In the ConnectionHub, women also enjoyed opportunities to slow down, create something beautiful, and simply spend time together. Whether making jewelry, sharing stories, or laughing over a project, these moments of connection were another way to experience the gift of friendship and encouragement.
The Care Crew continued offering personal care and prayer. After one global worker received a pedicure, Sheri anointed her with oil and covered her with a prayer shawl for a special blessing. It was a tender reminder that these women are not simply being served; they are being honored, prayed over, and reminded of how deeply they are loved.
A reflection shared by Barbara Pedersen, Care Crew:
One of the encouraging stories from this retreat comes from Carol, our most senior attendee. While many people associate retirement years with slowing down, traveling, or enjoying hobbies, Carol is looking ahead with renewed passion and purpose! She shared that she feels she is going home with a whole new ministry and a fresh calling. Her excitement for what God still has ahead for her ministry in Europe is inspiring. As she reflected on the healing God continues to bring into our lives, Carol shared something profound: “We don't even know what places need to be healed.” What a beautiful reminder that God is never finished working in us or through us, no matter our age or season of life.
— Barbara Pedersen, Care Crew
What a beautiful reminder that God is never finished working in us or through us. No matter our age or season of life, He continues to restore, renew, and call us forward.
Worship was especially meaningful throughout the day. One Care Crew member reflected on the picture of God's goodness continually pursuing us in the song Goodness of God. The familiar words of Great Is Thy Faithfulness reminded the women of His mercies, new every morning. Excerpts from Elisabeth Elliot's writings were also shared during worship, pointing hearts toward the faithfulness of God even through suffering and uncertainty.
As the evening drew to a close with communion and extended worship, there was room for both joy and sorrow. The women did not need to deny the hard things they were carrying in order to worship freely. They could come before the Lord with their questions, their weariness, their gratitude, and their hope.
That is one of the precious gifts of an Azmera haven retreat. There is room for laughter and tears, for friendship and solitude, for honest conversations and renewed purpose. There is room for the whole story.
And through it all, God's goodness continues to pursue His beloved daughters.