WOWgroup Global Network Staff Retreat Team members felt appreciated; had a great sense of team unity and commitment to the common goal. The Inn at Leola Village, PA was a comfortable site away from our normal comfort. We were in a beautiful learning environment that was positive and relaxing. The WOWgroup Global Network Staff formed friendships by having some fun "Social Time".
Some of the activities that the team enjoyed playing was Billiards at the pool room, swimming outdoors and connecting with nature, and playing Dominoes.
Wowgroup Global Network Staff team members enjoyed dining at Restaurant Mazzi ~ a European atmosphere where we were treated to fine Italian Cuisine. At the end of the retreat we were given an assignment by Dr. Sandrie Serrano Smith ~ to write a paragraph or 2 about our reflections or what we learned from the staff retreat.
During the retreat I learned that we need to take a step of faith like Peter did when he walked on water and Jesus met him half way. If we walk with faith Jesus will meet us half way. God wants us to put forth our best effort in order for us to trust in him. We have to realize that God wants
the best for us, but we have to put faith in him. If we step out of the boat Jesus will make sure we don't drown if we trust him. Jesus is our Lord and Savior and He loves and cares for us. We need to make sure to put Jesus first with everything we do. Minister William Merced Jr.
I learned that I have to fix my eyes on Jesus and stay focused on Him and not on personal problems. Listening to Melisa's testimony really touched me and made me realize that many of us go through similar problems, but we can overcome that if we focus on Jesus and help one another. My prayer is that I will do God's will and not lose sight of what He wants for my life. Yolie Rodriguez
Zechariah 13:9 "I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call upon my name and I will answer them. I will say they are my people and they will say the Lord is my God". Although this scripture was not quoted during the retreat it is the one that spoke to me after I went home. God is always in the business of purifying our hearts so that we can be more like Him. Sure the process is painful at times, but when the fire is put to the metal such as silver only the imperfect things come out and the rest stays in tact or gets even better. God wants our journey to get better. How can we be effective at home, communities, ministries or jobs if we do not allow our Father (The Refiner) to make us better ~ why settle for less. When we have been purified made like gold) by our Father's fingers we know without a doubt that we can empower and change others for His glory.
Minister Tanya Merced
|
Say What God Says
I have always know what God had for me. Well, maybe not fully known or fully understood, but I had a good idea.
I was 8 years old the first time I sang with anointing. I opened my my mouth and God showed up in all His glory and in all His splendor. I remember watching the congregation as God began to move. As tears flowed and arms raised in surrender. I knew it wasn't me. I had been singing since I was old enough to speak. It was the first time I had experienced being used by God. I was hooked! I knew this was why God had put me on this earth. I was here to lead people in worship.
I realize that 8 is very young. But God knew what He was doing. He knew the chaos that would become a part of my world by my 9th birthday. His timing is always perfect.
I have had to remind myself on many occasions that its His timing that is perfect not mine. I have also struggled with believing what God showed me about His plan for my life. I can't and won't tell you the number of times I have been "shut out" from leading worship. When I prayed and hoped to be given the opportunity to lead even one song for a small congregation of 30 people. It was hard, frustrating and if I am being honest irritating! But God was faithful. He was faithful to ease my pain. He was faithful to replace my anger and disappointment with joy and hope. He was faithful to whisper encouragement to my spirit. And He was faithful to keep the seed that He planted alive in me. Even when I could not see any possible way, my spirit knew I must "say what God says".
25 years is along time. That's how long it took before I began to see God's plan unfolding. Four years ago, during Master Builder, a leadership school in Monterrey Mexico, God gave me a vision and a specific word. I saw my self standing on a huge stage leading people in worship. That vision seemed impossible and yet it was so real. My heart and my spirit knew that God had allowed me to have a glimpse of the future He had planned for me. My mind, on the other hand, was having some difficulty processing all this. I wanted to know, "HOW and WHEN". God didn't answer those questions. And yet with no plan of action I knew I must "say what God says".
Two years ago, we moved to a new church. A BIG church, three services, 2500 people. I sat in service and looked at that huge stage and the super talented people who were up there leading worship. Honestly, I did not "say what God says". I said, "No way! Impossible! There is no place for me up there!" God again was faithful to bring people into my life to encourage me to "say what God says".
Saying what God says is a change of thought process, its a reNEWing of the mind. My old mind was limited. God has no limits. He is able to do exceeding above all we can ask or even imagine (my paraphrase of Ephesians 3:20). The truth sets us free (John 8:32) If we want to live God's dream for our life we MUST speak God's word over ourselves and over our circumstances.
Within 6 months I was a part of my churches worship team. Not long after that I was singing lead vocals. And recently, I was asked to be one of their worship leaders! Its God, its all God!!! He is faithful to keep His promises. He opens doors that no man can shut (Revelation 3:7)
I am still overwhelmed. This is an amazing opportunity. I feel so honored that God would trust me to lead his people. I am only the cup, He is the water that quenches so completely that you never thirst again (John 4:14-15) But I gotta say, I LOVE being the cup!!!!
Say what God says and you will never go wrong!!!
Minister Corrine Smith 
