A vibrant atmosphere of spiritual renewal, heartfelt worship, and meaningful connection filled Camp Tanglewood in Lawrence, Miss., as women from across the Gulf States Conference gathered for the annual “God’s Grace and Girlfriends” Women’s Retreat, October 23-26, 2025.
Organized under the direction of Gulf States Women’s Ministries Department, the event drew participants into a Christ- centered environment designed to uplift, encourage, and equip them for deeper Christian living. Through interactive small group workshops, morning devotionals, music, and fellowship, attendees experienced tangible reminders of God’s grace and the power of faith-filled friendships.
“This retreat was a beautiful testimony to what happens when women come together with a single purpose — to seek Jesus and grow in grace,” said Dania Murillo, Conference women’s ministries representative. “We saw women laughing, crying, praying, and encouraging each other as sisters in Christ. Camp Tanglewood became a sanctuary of healing, connection, and vision for the future.”
One of the presenters, Liliane De Moraes of Brookhaven, Miss., shared from her personal journey as a mother, nurse, and woman of prayer. With sessions focused on leadership, prayer journaling, and country living, her testimony resonated deeply with many.
“As women, we carry so much: our families, our ministries, our professions,” said De Moraes. “But this weekend reminded us that we are not alone. God walks with us, and He gives us each other to bear life’s burdens in faith and love.”
The retreat opened Thursday evening with a warm welcome and devotional session, followed by a full day Friday of early morning worship, small group rotations, and a Vesper service that left hearts stirred and hands lifted in praise. Musical guest Michele Alonso, a singer-songwriter with a gift for finding beauty in brokenness, led in worship and shared original compositions that echoed the theme of hope and renewal.
Each session was carefully crafted to provide spiritual depth and practical encouragement. Women left not only refreshed, but also recharged to impact their homes, churches, and communities with the love of Christ.
The God’s Grace and Girlfriends Retreat continues to be a hallmark event for women in the Gulf States Conference, fulfilling the mission to nurture faith, foster community, and inspire service.
“This wasn’t just a retreat,” Murillo concluded. “It was a movement of grace, one we pray will ripple into every heart and home represented.”
Gulf States | January 2026
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