More than 70 women from the Australia North and West District gathered for a spiritual retreat held 11-13 October 2024 in Bundaberg, Australia, with the theme “Glow Up: Transforming Inside and Out.”

Women traveled across Queensland and abroad to gather for worship, fellowship, recreation, and rest. 

“The 2024 ANWD Women’s Retreat was one of our best yet,” said Megan Meade, district Nazarene Discipleship International chair. “For the first time, we had international ladies and ladies from other denominations. There was such an intimacy in our sessions guided by our speaker, Reverend Cindy North. Our sessions were complimented by intentional worship and many a deep chat over cups of coffee and tea.”

Sharing meals and tea between services was a highlight for many in attendance. Saturday’s lunch was served in a beach setting at Elliot Heads beach near Bundaberg. Ladies shared conversation and a meal outdoors before enjoying walks on the beach, swimming, and searching for shells.

The retreat included four worship services, during which Cindy North (missionary on the Australia New Zealand Field) spoke from 2 Corinthians 3:18. Between services, women took time to shop in a pop-up market, where funds were raised for the Backpacks for Christmas Project, a ministry of NazCare. Donated funds go toward providing backpacks filled with school supplies, hygiene items, and gifts given annually to children in Western Australia during the Christmas holiday.

“God met with us all over this weekend,” Meade said. “Healing took place. Lives were changed. It was humbling to lead our incredible team over the weekend.”

The Australia North and West District looks forward to hosting its annual women’s retreat again next year in Brisbane, Queensland.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region