With our beloved attendees on their way home, the Azmera GREECE Haven Retreat was coming to a close. But before our Care Crew began their own journeys home, there was still time for reflection, celebration, and a little adventure together in Greece!
After days of serving, praying, listening, and encouraging women from around the world, our team gathered to debrief. We shared what had brought us joy, what had stretched us, and where we had seen the Lord at work. There was gratitude for the relationships formed and for the privilege of walking alongside women who serve faithfully in some of the world's most challenging places.
One of our Care Crew volunteers, Heather Trussell Fowler, who served as a biblical counselor during the retreat, shared a reflection afterward that beautifully captures the heart behind this ministry.
What do I do? I help women breathe.
I go because I love women. I want to wrap hurting women in my arms, give them a place to grieve, listen to their anger, and offer strength they can lean on.
I serve courageous women.
— Heather Trussell Fowler, Care Crew Volunteer
Heather went on to describe the extraordinary women she serves. These are women rescuing girls from exploitation, bringing lifesaving supplies into dangerous communities, comforting elderly women living in war zones, and caring for children who have lost their parents.
They are women living out the words of Matthew 25:35–36, demonstrating the love of Jesus through compassion, sacrifice, and faithful service.
Heather shared a particularly powerful testimony from a woman she called “L,” who was preparing to return to a country experiencing war.
“I'm going back to war. I'm going back to a place where I don't know if I will live from one day to the next. But something inside of me healed at this retreat. I was heard and loved. Because of this retreat I'm able to step back into that dark place.”
Heather concluded that portion of her reflection with four simple words:
“This is why I go.”
Those words capture so much of the heart of Azmera. We cannot remove every hardship these women face, but we can help provide a place where they are heard, loved, strengthened, and reminded of the Lord's presence as they return to the ministries He has entrusted to them.
And after all the meaningful moments and emotions of the retreat, there was also room for something else: celebration!
Our Care Crew had the opportunity to experience more of beautiful Greece together. With its rich history, beautiful surroundings, and reminders of the early Christian church, Greece offered a special setting to enjoy time together and reflect on the Lord's faithfulness.
There was laughter, time around the table, and even a little Greek dancing! These moments of joy were a wonderful gift after several full days of pouring into others. Serving together had brought these women into one another's lives, and the shared experiences gave them memories and friendships to carry home.
As our Care Crew prepares to return home, there is so much to be grateful for. Every prayer whispered, every conversation shared, every hug, and every act of love was an opportunity to point someone toward Jesus.
We may never know the full impact of these days. Some of the most meaningful fruit will grow quietly in the weeks, months, and years ahead as these women return to their families, ministries, and communities.
To everyone who prayed, gave, volunteered, encouraged, and helped make the Azmera GREECE Haven Retreat possible, thank you! You are part of helping global workers stay healthy and on the field, continuing the work God has called them to do around the world.
We pray that what began during these few days in Greece will continue bearing fruit for eternity.
The retreat may be over, but God's work continues.
All for His Glory!