Written by RAHAB’s Communications and Engagement Coordinator, Hannah Howell
This year’s annual Retreat was nothing short of miraculous! From the moment my car drove down the winding path leading to the center, it was clear God that was on the move.
The smiling faces of survivors met me as I walked into the dining room, where they were eating a delicious meal. Their laughter rang out, making it clear they felt the freedom to really enjoy themselves— a privilege their everyday life does not usually afford them. When the evening service began women worshiped with all their hearts. Survivors who are usually bound by fear danced and sang out, “God you are so good”. Tears streamed down their faces as their hearts began to believe the truth of these words. The evening service closed with a survivor telling her story, sharing with the others what could be possible in their own lives. One survivor was so impacted she said, “without you guys, I would be dead.” God showed her that despite the overwhelming difficulty she faced, her life was worth living!
Saturday was no less impactful; the morning service was filled with another testimony and worship. Once it was over, survivors participated in “Trail Mix” where they asked hard questions. They answered questions such as, “What parts of your story are you afraid to look at?” Many survivors were deeply vulnerable, expressing their desire to see change. One survivor showed the marks of where she had relapsed after being clean for an extended amount of time. Another shared some of her deepest traumas. As one woman finished sharing, she said, “It felt good to get that out and not be judged.” The love surrounding her showed her that not only did she have nothing to be ashamed of, but she could find healing through Jesus and community with others. She was able to break off the lie that everyone in her life will take from her or hurt her.
Even time meant for fun activities turned to moments of powerful life changes as one woman asked to be baptized during swim time. Staff and other survivors surrounded her as she publicly declared that her life belonged to God, and God alone. Throughout the weekend it was clear God was moving. She shared, “God is pursuing me” and her answer to His pursuit was yes!
More life changes were seen when survivors took part in an activity called Cardboard Testimonies. On one side of the cardboard, they wrote a lie they believe about themselves, and on the other side, they wrote what God says about them. This was a chance for them to be honest about the lies their traffickers convinced them to believe while at the same time allowing God to come and speak His identity over them. So many of them wrote lies such as worthless, broken, unworthy, and bad mom. While on the other side, they wrote the truth that they are worthy daughters of God, made whole and redeemed. Before the evening service, they boldly stood up displaying their stories, breaking off the shame that has held them for far too long.
As this time of sharing ended, survivors started singing” break every chain”. I watched in amazement as women who usually don’t engage not only sang but acted out breaking chains with their hands. They were displaying the very work that God was doing in their heart and lives.
Throughout the weekend, survivors were encouraged to not let shame stop them from pursuing God, as God often uses the very thing, we are most ashamed of to yield His glory in our lives. These women were encouraged with the truth that they have now been adopted into the kingdom as daughters of God.
Thank you to everyone who has supported RAHAB this year and made Retreat possible, you have helped survivors find hope for tomorrow.
In love, He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.
-Ephesians 1:5