Leah Fuller

September of 2015, my dear friend and pastor’s wife at the time, invited me to a one-day Silent Retreat. I believe my exact words to her were, “Have you met ME?” I really couldn’t conceive of not talking for seven hours. I did, however, really want to get away with a girlfriend, and my husband really encouraged me to go. So I reluctantly agreed.

It turned out to be the most amazing, moving, reflective, wonderful time with God. I felt so close to him. I found that when I was truly quiet and still before the Lord, I heard his voice so much more easily. At the end of the day, I really didn’t even want to start talking again.  My friend and I both felt that way. We did at some point end up sharing with each other about our experience and how profound it was. 

When another opportunity came to attend a silent retreat with NEWIM in our area, I couldn’t wait to go. This time it was a two-night retreat and my friend was not able to go, so it seemed a little daunting, but I decided to go by myself anyway. Again, what a blessing it turned out to be. With that, I became a regular silent retreat attendee. I try my very best to go at least once a year. God meets me at these retreats in a special way. I have grown the most at these retreats. I get filled up. There is always a new nugget from God for me, a new way to grow with him, closer to him, grow in my walk and my love and trust for the Lord. It never fails. Not only that, but at each and every retreat, whether in Southern California or Prescott, AZ, or Three Rivers, CA or Santa Cruz, CA, I have felt the love and care and prayers of the wonderful women who purpose to provide a safe, beautiful space to have time away, carved out of “normal life,” without having to worry about anything else at all. I have come to look so forward to these times with anticipation of spending time alone with my Lord and Savior. He never fails to speak to me. What a blessing this ministry is to me.     

Leah Fuller