There probably isn't a woman anywhere who doesn't want to take a break, at least for a little while, and do what she wants instead of what she needs to do. A woman is usually called to raise children, clean, cook, iron and perform a lot of different duties. Even when she does everything joyfully, there is still a natural desire to stop and rest.

 

Fortunately, there is a place in Poltava where ladies can turn their dreams into reality for a whole week. From July 1 to July 6 the Christian womens's retreat titled "Maria" was held in the picturesque village of New Sanzhary. The Gospel of Christ evangelical church made their building available for this camp for the eighth year in a row.

Fifty-two women and fifteen children from all corners of the Poltava region (and also from the Kharkov and Kirovohrad regions) had the opportunity to relax at the "Mary" retreat this year. Three meals a day, games, contests, quizzes, skits, a great beach on a clean river, a musical group with beautiful singing and unlimited socializing ... All of this provided an environment for making friends for woman of all ages, and for each heart to be opened and to be spiritually enriched. Spiritual enrichment was the main value of this retreat. Every morning Pastor Sergei Zakharchuk shared a sermon revealing the depth of the feminine essence. He spoke of women as a wonderful creation, explaining God's view regarding the fairer sex and how women can live a happy and fulfilling life.

It was for me as director, this camp was special. Valery Antonuk and Oleg Ovsy were a great help in organizing it. Tthank God for their wisdom and open hearts. Thank you to everyone who prayed for us! May God reward and bless!

Irina Kovalenko