At our 2026 He Makes All Things New Women’s Retreat, themed “God is the Strength of My Heart,” more than 430 survivors gathered to experience God’s restoring love and healing presence. Throughout the weekend, women found courage, healing, and freedom in a safe and compassionate space.
We invite you to read the powerful stories shared by those who attended.
To our retreat sponsors, scholarship donors, financial partners, speakers, staff, and volunteers—thank you. Your generosity helped make this life-changing weekend possible.
“Attending the retreat through a scholarship was one of the most life-giving experiences I’ve ever had. My time there was filled with hope, encouragement, compassion, and strength poured into me by others. Through advocacy, support groups, and the Called to Peace Ministries community, God has brought incredible growth and healing into my life. I came hoping to grow – and now, by His grace, I am thriving.”
“This was my fourth retreat, but at this retreat I finally felt free. I felt like I traded years of shame for the heart of Jesus. Called to Peace faithfully kept pointing me toward God, leading me out of darkness and into healing and hope.”
“As both a childhood survivor of abuse and advocate, this retreat always brings me back to my ‘why.’ It restores my soul, refills my cup, and reminds me I’m not alone. Along the way, I’ve also made some truly special friendships.”
“Sometimes you don’t realize how deeply you need healing until you find yourself surrounded by people who truly understand. After years of carrying my story quietly and feeling alone, this retreat made me feel seen, heard, and understood. Through the peaceful environment, meaningful connections, and the tangible presence of God, I experienced healing and hope I didn’t even realize I needed. I will never forget this weekend.”
“Before the retreat, I honestly questioned whether I belonged there. What I found at the CTPM retreat was something I hadn’t experienced in a very long time – community. After nearly a decade of feeling isolated and alone, I felt genuinely seen, understood, loved, and accepted. Women welcomed me into conversations when I sat alone, listened to my story, and shared their own with honesty and grace.
Seeing women worship God in the midst of deep suffering was incredibly powerful. The weekend was filled with meaningful conversations, new friendships, and reminders of God’s kindness through His people. I left encouraged, refreshed, and grateful – not only for the speakers and volunteers, but for the culture of care that surrounded every part of the retreat.”
“This retreat reminded me that God does not call us to do life alone. After years of pain and isolation, I found healing, meaningful connection, and women who truly understood. Thank you, Called to Peace Ministries, for the ways you continue to change lives.”
“I came to the retreat carrying the weight of abuse, single motherhood, and uncertainty, hoping to find community and God’s presence. I left feeling like I had gained 400 sisters who truly understood. My circumstances at home hadn’t changed – but I had. I returned with more peace, joy, hope, and a strengthened heart.”
“My weekend at Women’s Retreat was truly life-changing and eye-opening. For the first time in a long time, I experienced a kind of peace that comes from being surrounded by women who genuinely understand the pain, confusion, and challenges of overcoming abuse. I arrived carrying heartbreak, uncertainty, and the weight of a difficult season, but I left feeling seen, supported, and filled with hope.
Through the generosity of scholarship donors, I was able to attend during a time when I could not have afforded it on my own. What I found there was more than a retreat – it was the beginning of a new journey toward healing, restoration, and purpose. Called to Peace created a space where I could finally breathe, begin to heal, and rediscover that my story is not over. I will forever be grateful for the compassion, encouragement, and life-changing support I received.”
