Saturday at the Azmera ISRAEL Haven Retreat 2026 held both tears and celebration. Through worship, time in God’s Word, and conversations where women could share honestly, there were reminders of His care in the midst of very real pain.
Morning worship and teaching stirred emotions as the women explored Psalm 22 and David’s process of moving through his pain—a reminder to trust God in times of suffering.
Janelle Hsia shares these glimpses from Saturday:
Waymaker. Miracle Worker. Promise Keeper. Light in the darkness. God is showing up in powerful ways!
Paula’s church provided necklaces for the participants. Their youth created them and prayed over them, and God used them in beautiful ways this morning.
One woman had watched the fabulous sunrise and seen it as the crown of God. Imagine her surprise when she received a necklace with a crown charm! From across the ocean came a beautiful reminder she could keep to remember that sunrise.
Another woman shared that she needed to get out of her head and let the roots of her faith in Jesus grow deep into her heart. Her necklace had both a heart and an anchor—a reminder to stay tethered to Jesus.
Still another received a necklace with a Bible and a cross. For her, it was a reminder to spend more time in the Word—not just reading it, but praying over what she reads.
God gives such beautiful gifts to His daughters.
Bonds are strengthened in Connection Circles.
One attendee shared about the location she serves in, “I’m tired of being hunted, attacked and hated”.
As we washed our sisters’ feet, we heard their stories of running to bomb shelters—and sometimes not making it, having to huddle in the street instead. We learned that even their precious furry family members have been affected. When they hear the sirens, they know to run home for safety.
The women shared accounts of frighteningly close missiles and moments when they had experienced God’s protection over family and friends. They know they are in God’s hands, but they are tired and weary from running from the violence.
Create Station activities and pampering before the evening gathering. A fun-filled afternoon offered open time for appointments or simply to be pampered.
We also listened to young women who faithfully answered God’s call to serve in Israel and have remained since before the war. Alongside that faithfulness, their hearts hold a tender longing for marriage and families of their own.
We heard from mothers who dearly love their children and carry deep sorrow because those children are not walking with the Lord. Knowing they are in God’s care does not make the pain they feel any less real.
The afternoon also made room for creativity and conversation around the Create Station table.
After such a full day, the evening brought a little extra joy. The joy on their faces as they walked into the room was exhilarating. Seeing the women receive such thoughtful care made this a special ending to our day together.
We ended the day singing about God’s love for us. Praise God!
Please keep praying for these women—for rest from the weariness they carry, comfort in the places that hurt, and fresh reminders of God’s love. We are grateful for this time to listen, pray, and celebrate His daughters.
Photos and original captions provided by Christine Mousel.