Retreats are an excellent addition to any women's ministry program. They provide a time away from responsibilities and cares--an opportunity for women to explore their relationships with God in more depth and to build close relationships with one another. The

Rev. Joy Shih Ng has an active retreat ministry in her women's program at the First Chinese Baptist Church of San Francisco, California. Join us as she shares with me her experience and wisdom in planning and carrying out fun and meaningful retreats!

By the way, there is more about retreats in Come to the Edge, the 2007-2009 Ministry Resource of American Baptist Women's Ministries. Among many other resources, the book contains a three-day retreat outline based on Matthew 4:16 entitled "Survivor at the Edge: A Retreat Experience" (reminiscent of the popular television show Survivor), and an outline of how to plan a retreat with young adult women. You can check out Come to the Edge at