“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”
Psalm 34:4-5
“I think being part of STS in the retreat format, first as a participant then as a co-facilitator, adds another more intimate layer to the healing process. It allowed me to focus solely on myself and my healing journey, which can be hard for us women to do. It also was easier for me and my schedule to set aside one weekend, instead of weekly meetings.” -Charissa (participant and now co-facilitator)
“I am so thankful I had the opportunity to attend a weekend Surrendering the Secret retreat! I feel like the focused time of processing, where I couldn’t procrastinate, was so key for me. I also really appreciated being able to discuss my feelings and revelations and fears immediately after having them, rather than having to live with my own thoughts by myself for a week before getting to hear much needed words of affirmation from my fellow class members. I could go on and on, but I highly recommend the retreat format!” - Laura (participant)
“The retreat was such a beautiful time with women who I am forever deeply connected with. I loved and appreciated the shorter time frame and format. I would not have participated in a 6 or 8 week study.” - Ann (participant)
“It was so nice to take time away from daily life to go on this retreat and to have the time to reflect on that season of my life and to do the work of working through the process of what happened. I felt taken care of and loved by the leaders. It was a safe place and I had my own space I could go and be with the Lord. I experienced a new level of healing.” - Jacqueline (participant)
“When I heard about the Surrendering the Secret retreat I knew I had to go. An intense 3 day weekend would work better for me than a weekly commitment because after having kept my secret for over 40 years I thought there was more likelihood of breaking the chains.” - Susie (participant)
“Debbie and Tim’s ministry was like getting a redo. All of the dead, dry places in my life came back to life!” - Robin
“I truly thought I was healed after struggling from a past abortion. I was set free from all my guilt and shame, but I had not validated or celebrated my baby’s life until I went through the Surrendering the Secret retreat, with Debbie facilitating. That was the missing piece (peace) of the puzzle. God is never finished with us as long as we are open to His leading. Thank you Jesus. And thank you Debbie.” - Penny
"I came into the retreat seeing myself as a murderer, but left seeing myself as a mother! He showed me what forgiveness truly means and how painful deception is. I am a mother. Never having had children - I am a mother and once had a child.” - Val
"God opened my heart and released the burden and secret of carrying all this for 43 years. God loves me and is not disappointed in me. This was the best thing I could have ever done.” - Pam
"God allowed me to see the child as a child, and permission to love him. My child still matters to the Lord. The key to healing is receiving God's forgiveness - it was never my job to forgive myself...just receive.” - Mary
“He gave me such peace!! And knowledge and wisdom to help other women make a better decision.” - Susan
“God helped me to know that I am not alone. That I no longer am a captive to my shame.” - Deb
"God allowed me to forgive myself and to be free from Satan's grip on me - through fear. He also showed me how deep and unconditional His love is for me! This study is so amazing and so healing. I thank God that I attended!” - Kelley
“I conceived and out of fear and immaturity, I chose to go against God's plan and the blessing he gave me. I never felt true forgiveness, guidance or the full understanding of my choices until I was blessed to attend, "Surrendering the Secret.” I was finally able to forgive myself, fully apologize to God, and to heal on so many different levels.” - Brittany
“God was right there with me revealing His love for me, His forgiveness, and His never ending mercy. He truly transformed my heart of stone toward my abortion to a heart set free to acknowledge and remember my child without guilt, shame, and fear. God does perform miracles! Glory be to God!” - Julie
“Several weeks before I attended the retreat, I talked about the abortion that I had over 25 years earlier for only the second time. I knew I was forgiven and I thought I had dealt with the any issues related to the abortion. As we worked through the Bible study that weekend, I found even more forgiveness for myself and others that were involved. I also found healing from the wounds of abortion that I didn't even know I had. Now I know that I am truly forgiven and set free from the bondage of the memory of abortion.” - Sue
Poem written by Katie after attending a healing retreat:
Thunder crashes and lightening streaks across the sky.
Wind whips salty sea water up into a wall that seems impenetrable.
A boat drifts through the dark, open ocean with no hope of rescue.
Then, in the distance there is light.
Reaching, waiting, bright.
A light that restores hope to the boat and draws it near.
A light that loves and casts out fear.
What matters not is where the boat was going.
What matters not is where the boat has been.
What matters not is what the boat was doing.
What matters now is that the boat drifts in.
The vessel approaches, weary, worn, and battered.
Scared from the journey and afraid its sails are tattered.
Worried that the hull is broken beyond repair,
And ready to give up, its heart is drained of care.
But the light that comes from the cliffs above falls like a warm embrace.
Love, support, and comfort fill every empty space.
Repairs are made and holes are sealed.
The boat has scars, but it is healed.
A new course has been set and a new guide leads the way.
Faith, hope, and love are fueling this new day.
With the sun on the horizon, and a gentle breeze,
The wonderfully and beautifully made boat sails the open seas.
Thank you for being a lighthouse and allowing God’s light to shine from within, bright and reaching out over the open sea.