Fall retreat challenges women to live with an undivided focus on Christ

CLAYTON, Ga. — More than 200 women from across the state gathered at Pinnacle Retreat Center on Friday and Saturday for the annual Women on Mission Fall Retreat. In a weekend of reflection and prayer, women were encouraged by Philippians 1:27 to focus on a singular, undivided pursuit of Christ.

 The event kicked off on Friday night with a welcome from Beth Ann Williams, executive director of Georgia Baptist Women, a time of games and laughter, and a fireside dessert fellowship as women unwound from the week. For many, it was their first time at the retreat center, but for others, the annual retreat is a treasured trip each year.

“The fall WoM retreat, for me, is a time of rest and encouragement. Pinnacle is one of the most beautiful places, and it’s also a place that the Lord has taught me so much over the years,” shared Stephanie Deal. “Returning to Pinnacle for the WoM retreat is a reminder of what God has done, and it provides a place to spend time with the Lord for my future.”

During the retreat, women participated in a mission project, bringing a supply of diapers for the Family Resource Center of Northeast Georgia. The center works to prevent child abuse, nurture children, and strengthen families in Banks, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens, and White Counties.

Sandra Wisdom-Martin, executive director-treasurer of national Woman’s Missionary Union, came as keynote speaker, sharing Paul’s call for believers to make their pursuit of Christ visible in every way. Throughout her time as director, Wisdom-Martin has raised more than 513.5 million dollars for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering and 1.4 billion dollars for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Wisdom-Martin is set to retire in January of 2027.

Wisdom-Martin shared that the beauty of every personality, talent, and experience is a tool in God’s hands, and though His people are different and unique, each woman is called to an undivided focus on Him.

“A singular pursuit isn’t about getting people to respond the way we want. It’s about making Christ our singular pursuit and loving people well and living faithfully and trusting God with the outcome,” Wisdom-Martin stated. “Be kind. Be tender. Be faithful. We can release the outcome because the outcome belongs to God. That is a beautiful way to live worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

Breakout sessions led by Georgia WMU President Pam Murphy and Missions Advocate Lauren Sullens focused on the nations and on prayer. In a time of “Chat and Chai,” Murphy shared about the missions focus of Georgia Baptist Women as they partner in prayer for the lost on the Eastern Frontier. In a special time of prayer, Sullens encouraged women to pursue singular time with the Lord in order to live a life worthy of the gospel.

“Through the Singular Pursuit emphasis, I was challenged to focus on pursuing God through every aspect of my life. When He calls us to Himself, it is a natural overflow to serve, love, and share Jesus with others,” stated Pam Murphy. “I left with a renewed challenge to lead our women to pursue God in our communities as we live out His mission wherever He has placed us: every woman, in community, on mission.”