Imagine the delight to come apart for twenty-four hours over night, a time to refresh and renew our spirits! On Thursday, November 2, seven of us gathered in a beautiful cottage perched on a wee knoll overlooking Lake Erie. The waves lapped at the waters edge as we met new friends, renewed long time friendships, shared our stories, ate together, prayed together, laughed and cried together.
At mealtime, the kitchen became a scurry of activity and merry chatter as each one prepared their contribution for the delicious meal and then we sat around the large wooden table and bowed in thanks. Effortless conversation quickly filled the room. Was it possible that we were strangers just hours ago?
A purposeful quiet hour gave space to listen to God’s whispers and the sharing that followed provided memories that bonded us in sacred ways.
Life as a leader can be a lonely path and what incredible joy to gather in such a safe environment and pour into one another’s life. Appropriately called a Peer Care Retreat, we all drove away on Friday November 3 with visions of another such date just waiting to be set on our calendars.
Margaret Gibb joined Wendy Burton for 2 days of interaction, life and leadership sharing and prayer with 14 women in ministry leaders in the Maritimes. It was a powerful time of learning and peer mentoring! What better investment is there than pouring into leaders who are making a difference in their churches, and communities. Annmarie Johnson is giving excellent leadership to this valuable part of Canada.
Speaking and being part of the services at Church of God in Recife, only added to an incredible ministry time in Brazil. This church located in one of the most difficult areas in Recife, is alive, strong and passionate to serve Jesus in their community. At their request, we brought a Canadian Flag, which will now be part of their platform décor but also a point of prayer. It was moving to have this wonderful congregation, under the direction of Pastor Rosivaldo Nascimento, have special prayer for our nation! 
