Weekend Reflections from Bellville
by Carol Ann Schwartz
Looking back on this weekend, I can clearly see how God orchestrated the guests around the table — ten women sharing a special moment in time. He had brought them together to be alone with Him, and to experience Him together as a group.
The conversations were so rich, especially around the breakfast table. It made my heart SO happy and joyful. I’m incredibly grateful for this land in Bellville that has been set apart for His people to hear from Him.
On this weekend, I was serving as a Prayer Minister with Kate Moorman, and the two ladies we met with were truly ready to hear from God. During TPM, they received the words He spoke through tears — His precious and beautiful truth. One of the sweetest moments was hearing the bell ring loudly after one lady’s first session on Friday night. Then, Saturday morning after her second session, she said, “I’m gonna ring that bell again.” It brought tears to my own eyes hearing that bell ring again, witnessing her worship after releasing the pain and a faulty belief she had carried for so many years.
And then there was also another profound experience during a session. Without sharing details, the Lord ushered one of his daughters from a place of darkness, where things had been hidden and painful, into a place where He began to reveal Himself. To witness her receive His light was truly amazing. You could almost see the darkness giving way to light. The light and love of Jesus. It was beautiful to see.
In between sessions, I met another lady who shared that a relative had a dream that she was supposed to come to Serenity Retreat. At the breakfast table, she shared how simply being on the property created a shift in her. She felt God leading her to paint, which is something she never does. As she sat there crying and sharing how God was meeting her in such amazing ways, I was overwhelmed by the goodness of God and how He was speaking so personally to each woman.
And aside from all of this, God continues to show me things about my own walk with Him. This weekend was no different.
One example was something God used to speak to my heart. One of the ladies we met with had the same name as a woman who mistreated me years ago at work. Afterward, I found myself asking God, “Am I still holding anything against her?” During the session, I couldn’t even remember the woman’s name. It was almost as if my mind wanted to forget what had happened. But God used that experience to gently show me that yes, there is still something I’m holding onto.
How amazing is He?!
I’m just so grateful to have been a part of what God was doing this past weekend — to witness Him meeting these women right where they were, while also continuing to show me areas of my own life where I need His perspective. I’m sure there was so much more that He was doing that I didn’t even see. All I can do is praise Him!
I’m so thankful for the team at Serenity, for the work done every day to make this possible. And I’m equally grateful for all of the donors who support Serenity Retreat and help provide these moments and make this ministry available for God’s people. What a beautiful thing we’re all a part of. What a beautiful God we serve.
Would you like to meet with the Lord on retreat in Bellville? We’d love to have you! Click here for more information on our individual and group retreat opportunities located just west of Greater Houston. If you’re in the area, email [email protected] to schedule a tour today!
Would you like to join Carol in helping to provide prayer ministry in Bellville — whether once, once monthly, or quarterly? Email [email protected] and let us know!
“Come and see” — John 1:39.