Women’s Ministries Retreat Encourages Spiritual Growth and Fellowship in Ireland

23 Oct 2026, 20:45Luciana Riges

Women’s Ministries Retreat Encourages Spiritual Growth and Fellowship in Ireland

The Irish Women’s Ministries 2026 Retreat was held under the inspiring theme “Rekindling the Fire Within.” Our desire was to encourage every woman to deepen her relationship with God, stir up the spiritual gifts He has placed within us, and return home with a renewed desire to walk closely with Him.

We were blessed by two wonderful guest speakers, Edith Dlamini and Loretta Mabena, who travelled from the United Kingdom to minister to us. Through their inspiring messages on the Holy Spirit, prayer and Christian living, they challenged us to seek a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God.

Sabbath Morning

Sabbath began with a powerful Morning Manna shared by Annie, from our organising team. Her message focused on three challenging words from Scripture:

“Remember Lot’s wife.” — Luke 17:32

We were reminded not to look back, but to move forward in faith and obedience, trusting God completely.

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Our Sabbath School, led by Loretta Mabena, brought the women together in three teams to explore the themes of Grace, Love and Fellowship. It was a beautiful time of participation, learning and unity.

Sabbath Worship

Edith Dlamini shared a powerful sermon entitled “So Walk Even as Christ Walked,” drawing from John 17:16–17 and Romans 6:4–13. We were reminded that when Christ transforms our hearts, our lives should reflect that transformation. God’s Word should shape our thoughts, choices and actions.

The creation account in Genesis also challenged us: God spoke, and creation obeyed. This led us to ask ourselves: If creation obeyed the voice of its Creator, are we willing to obey God’s voice in our own lives?

Sabbath Afternoon & Evening

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The afternoon sessions provided practical Bible-study tools, including comparing Scripture with Scripture and understanding biblical truths more carefully.

One unexpected blessing came when Ann, an Irish lady from the hotel, joined us after being invited by Loretta. Although Catholic, Ann expressed her love for learning about the Holy Spirit. This beautiful encounter reminded us that God can open unexpected doors for ministry.

The evening concluded with inspiring testimonies, music and praise led by Nyasha, Margaret and Samantha.

Fellowship and Renewal

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The retreat was also a wonderful opportunity for friendship, rest and fellowship. We enjoyed excellent meals and the hotel spa facilities. Each lady received a thoughtfully prepared gift bag, with all the items personalised around the retreat theme, “Rekindling the Fire Within.” The high-quality bag contained a themed T-shirt, notebook, pen, bookmark, water bottle, and Women’s Ministries lanyard.

These gifts were a special token of appreciation, helping each participant feel welcomed, valued, and part of the Irish Women’s Ministries family.

These moments reminded us that Women’s Ministries is about more than programmes—it is about creating a supportive sisterhood where women can grow together in Christ.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

— Psalm 133:1

For me, it was truly a little taste of heaven.

Gratitude and Looking Forward

I praise God for His providence throughout the retreat. He provided the people, resources, premises and protection we needed. I am deeply grateful to the organising team: Loritta Munyimani, Annie and Lydia, our former Irish Mission Women’s Ministries Leader.

Special thanks go to Edith Dlamini and Loretta Mabena for travelling from the UK and sharing their gifts and testimonies with us.

To every woman who attended, served, prayed and contributed—thank you.

May the fire rekindled within us continue to burn brightly every day.

“Stir up the gift of God, which is in thee.”

— 2 Timothy 1:6

May we continue to pray:

“O let me walk with Thee, my God, as Enoch walked in days of old.”

I look forward to seeing you again next year as we continue to grow together, serve together and seek God’s presence together. May God bless you, your families and your ministry abundantly.

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