FNQ Retreat 2015

All thanks and praise to God our Father who blessed the many women in attendance at the recent FNQ Ladies Retreat under the theme “Peace in His Presence”. During 7th -9th August, 37 gathered at Seville Mercy Conference Centre in Cairns to praise and worship lead by Sister Elpida’s team of five, from the Evangelical Sisters of Mary based in Camden west of Sydney. We were also blessed to have Dr Noel Due from our Cairns Trinity Congregation lead us in opening and closing Communion Services and LLL Promotions Officer Marie Pawsey who presented us with the work of LTM and LLL within the Lutheran Church.

Through many highlights, songs of praise and thanksgiving, the hearing of personal testimonies of God’s care and faithfulness by the Sisters of Mary, and clear teaching of God’s Word as well as Holy Communion which bookended the weekend, we were drawn into the celebration of God’s love and grace. Covered by prayer and coming into His presence ladies were able to retreat from their daily lives and be encouraged and refreshed by the Holy Spirit to return home and into their communities.

We were also well catered for gastronomically by two of our own sisters in Christ who served us joyfully with nourishing meals throughout the weekend.

Though our PNG sisters were unable to finalize their travel plans on time, to be able to attend the Retreat, we trust that God answered our prayers according to His good and perfect will and that one day they will be able to join us for this weekend of fellowship.

Even though the LWQFar Northern Zone went into remission in 2014, all were encouraged by the attendance of ladies from our northern zone from as far south as Townsville, as well as eight ladies from southern zones who traveled long distances to attend, many just for the weekend. Friendships were renewed once again and new ones made between those who attended. We pray that the Far Northern Retreat would continue into the future to bring sisters in Christ together to encourage one another in their faith journey.