Baptist women will focus on faith 'legacy'
A pediatric emergency room doctor born in Lebanon, a Texas writer and Bible teacher and a Nashville author and blogger will headline the 2017 Baptist Women's Retreat set for April 21-22 at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center near Davis.
The Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma hosts the retreat each year to give women an opportunity to enjoy Bible teaching geared specifically for them, as well as a chance to relax and partake of the amenities offered at the newly revitalized Falls Creek.
This year's retreat also give attendees an opportunity to get to know Amy Cordova, the convention's new women's missions and ministry specialist. Cordova, her husband, Rick, and their three children are members of Quail Springs Baptist Church in northwest Oklahoma City. She took the women's missions and ministry post in February, succeeding Kelly King who left to take a position as women's ministry specialist at LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville.
Cordova said the retreat's guest speakers, Lina Abujamra, Annie Downs and Jen Wilkin, are all Bible teachers who are well known to Oklahoma Baptist women because they have spoken at previous retreats.
Baptist Women’s Retreat
April 21-22 Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center near Davis
$85 per person; Registration is $35 for girls ages 13-18 who come with an adult. Deadline is Monday.
www.bgcowomen.org
They will be preceded by actor and Christian comedian Michael Jr., who will entertain attendees at the conference's Friday evening session. Cordova said Michael Jr. may be known to many attendees for his role in the hit Christian faith themed movie "War Room." In addition to the speakers, The MET Collective, from Metropolitan Church in Houston, Texas, will lead worship for the weekend.
An annual 5K run and walk through Falls Creek also is planned. Cordova said women will be able to enjoy a zip line over Baptist Lake, a ropes course and other activities during their stay.
Focus on 'legacy'
Theme of the retreat is "Resolved: “Live your Legacy."
Cordova said with the 100th anniversary of Falls Creek being celebrating later in the year, Oklahoma's Southern Baptists have been talking a lot on the subject of legacy.
"We're also focusing on women who have gone before us, preparing the way to do ministry in Oklahoma. So now it's our turn to do legacy — it's our responsibility for the future generations," she said.
Shining a spotlight on the importance of leaving a faith legacy is perhaps even more important in the today's busy society.
Deadline to register is Monday so that adequate plans may be made to host the thousands of women expected to converge on Falls Creek for the retreat.
Cordova said 3,000 women attended the 2016 retreat and she is expecting more than 3,000 to attend this year's event.