Take God at His word—God keeps His word.” With this invitation, speaker Conny Warning, Women’s Ministries Director of the HANSE Conference, opened this year's Women’s Sabbath in Stralsund. Under the theme “Promises and Assurances,” she led the participants on a journey through the Bible and, drawing on personal experiences, showed how God’s promises continue to offer guidance, comfort, and hope today.
Conny Warning began by inviting the women to reflect on the meaning of promises. Using humorous examples, she illustrated how quickly misunderstandings can arise from small differences in language—and how valuable clear words and reliable promises are. From there, she drew a connection to God’s promises, which remain unchanging.
Together, the women examined various Bible passages, including Genesis 9:11, John 3:18, and Matthew 28. These passages remind us that God is faithful, promises His presence, and accompanies us with His love. As the discussion continued, the focus shifted to the question of what actually constitutes a promise. It became clear that promises are God’s firm assurances that give us hope and direct our gaze toward the future He has in store for us. Through additional Bible passages, the diversity of these assurances became apparent: Joshua 1:9 encourages us to act courageously because God is at our side. Philippians 4:6–7 invites us to cast our cares upon God and experience His peace. 1 John 1:9 reminds us of God’s forgiveness, while 1 John 2:25 directs our gaze toward the hope of eternal life. A special focus was placed on Psalm 91:1–2. Those who seek refuge in God and trust in Him can feel secure. This thought ran like a common thread through the entire Sabbath and became a source of personal encouragement for many participants.
After a hearty potluck, the program continued in a special way: A boat ride through the Stralsund Bay, provided time for conversation, fellowship, and contemplating God’s creation. In her welcome remarks, Brigitta reminded everyone that Jesus repeatedly sought solitude by the water to spend time with his Father. These reflections encouraged everyone to consciously seek out places of peace and encounter with God in their own daily lives as well. During the boat ride, Conny Warning explored the topic further with a devotional on gratitude. She emphasized that a grateful heart changes the way we view God’s work. Those who consciously recognize God’s blessings often discover His guidance precisely in the little things in life.
Bright sunshine rounded out the Women’s Sabbath in Stralsund. The participants returned home strengthened, encouraged, and full of gratitude—with the certainty that God’s promises are not empty words. They endure yesterday, today, and tomorrow.