From April 24 to 26, the Women’s Ministry of the Barakaldo Seventh-day Adventist Church, Spain, organized a spiritual retreat under the theme “The Sanctuary Brings Me Closer to Christ,” held at a rural guesthouse in Mendieta, Álava.
The event featured special guest speakers Pastor Javier Moliner and Diana Munteanu, and brought together some 40 women from the churches in Barakaldo, Portugalete, Basauri, and Santander in a natural setting conducive to prayer and spiritual fellowship. This gathering marked a historic milestone as it was the first women’s retreat held in the Basque Country since the church’s founding in the region.
A transformative experience in the heart of the sanctuary
The event stood out for its practical and profound approach, as for 95% of the attendees, this was their first experience of a spiritual retreat. The central focus was the Sanctuary, facilitated by a scale model provided by the church in Castellón. The participants had an immersive experience, learning about the symbolism of each element and participating in ceremonies that emulated the service in the earthly sanctuary of Israel.
In addition to the lectures, there were prayer sessions, “Alone with Jesus,” where the sisters conversed with the Lord, seeking only personal closeness in specially prepared areas with educational spaces. One of the most memorable moments was a symbolic enactment of the heavenly banquet.
The preparation for this gathering took more than six months of work, which included fasting, prayer, and in-person and virtual formation meetings. The logistics received essential support from more than 15 people.
https://revista.adventista.es/retiro-mujeres-pais-vasco/