Monday brought the Azmera ISRAEL Haven Retreat 2026 to a close, with grateful hearts and friendships that will continue beyond these days together. From thoughtful gifts and lovingly prepared meals to moments of worship and prayer, the women were reminded that they are loved and cared for.
Door prizes each morning have been another way to shower the women with love and blessings.
Gi Gi Horrell shares this reflection on the peace, healing, and welcome found in the presence of Jesus:
Even in seasons when we feel surrounded, pursued, or as though we are the hunted, the Lord remains our Shepherd. He does not simply rescue us from the presence of our enemies; He prepares a table for us right in their midst. It is a beautiful reminder that our peace is not dependent on our circumstances but rooted in His presence.
In that sacred atmosphere these past few days, the presence of the Holy Spirit was tangible. The fragrance of frankincense and myrrh seemed to confirm worship, surrender, and the holiness of Christ. It was a gentle reminder that where Jesus is welcomed, His beauty fills the room and His peace settles the heart.
Care Crew meetings every morning have been a wonderful way to hear encouraging stories from the previous day and pray the Lord will work through us another day as we have this fabulous opportunity to engage with His beautiful Kingdom Daughters.
Healing often begins when we find ourselves in a safe place, where we are loved without judgment, received with grace, and given room to breathe, rest, and become whole again. Through Jesus working in and through each of you, you have created such a place. It feels like home because it reflects the heart of Christ. His love radiates through the atmosphere, offering comfort to the weary, peace to the troubled, and hope to those who need a place to heal.
Many thanks to Bina and her volunteer team for the lovely meals and service they provided throughout the retreat.
And above all, there is the beautiful testimony of God’s faithfulness: I sought the Lord, and He answered me. He hears the cries we cannot always put into words. He draws near to the brokenhearted and reminds us that we are never forgotten, never abandoned, and never beyond His loving care.
I believe this is the heart of Azmera’s haven retreats: places where His presence is welcomed, His peace is experienced, hearts are restored, and lives are reminded of the goodness of God.
These Scriptures remind us of His care:
Psalm 23:5 — The Lord prepares a table in the presence of our enemies. Even when opposition surrounds us, God provides, protects, and sustains us.
Psalm 34:4 — We can seek the Lord and trust Him with our fears. God responds to the cries of His children.
Psalm 34:18 — The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. His presence brings comfort and restoration.
Matthew 11:28 — Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him for rest.
2 Corinthians 2:15 — We are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ. His fragrance is reflected through those who carry His love.
Colossians 3:15 — Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Where Christ is at the center, His peace can dwell.
Sometimes the greatest ministry is not found in what we say or do, but in the atmosphere we create through the presence of Jesus—a place where someone can lay down their burdens, take a deep breath, feel safe, and encounter the love of God. That is sacred ground.
As the attendees return to their ministries, may those who see them and those they encounter see something different because they have been with Christ and have been held by Him.
So much gratitude was expressed by the women who attended. As the retreat came to a close, it was time to say farewell—but only for now! The connections between Azmera and the women, and the bonds among these ministry workers, have grown stronger through this time together.
Please pray for these women as they return to their families and ministries, that the rest, encouragement, and healing they received would continue to bear fruit in the days ahead.
Reflections by Gi Gi Horrell. Photography and contributed photo captions by Christine Mousel.