The WCD Women’s Ministries recently hosted a Beauty for Ashes Women’s Retreat in Oakhurst, California. Beauty for Ashes is a ministry movement that invites women into the freedom, healing, and restoration that God desires for them. Throughout the weekend, women gathered in a safe, grace-filled environment to share their stories without shame and experience the hope and healing found in Jesus Christ.
Through powerful personal testimonies woven together with biblical narratives, participants explored God’s redemptive work in the lives of ordinary people. As Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15, NIV), attendees were challenged to reflect on and answer that same life-changing question “How do you currently see Jesus in this season of your life?”
During the session, A Healed Heart, women reflected on the story of the woman at the well. Through her encounter with Jesus, she was no longer defined by shame, isolation, or rejection. Jesus met her in the midst of her daily routine and pursued her with compassion and grace. He restored her dignity, elevated her above the cultural norms of her day, and reconnected her to her community. Her story painted a beautiful picture of kingdom community and reminded participants that Jesus continues to pursue each of us with the same desire to heal and restore.
Attendees also explored the stories of the women in the lineage of Jesus (Tamar, Rahab, Bathsheba, Ruth, and Mary), discovering how God transforms brokenness into beauty and purpose. Sessions focusing on Joseph and Peter highlighted the power of forgiveness: forgiving others as Joseph did and receiving God’s forgiveness for us as Peter experienced after he denied Christ. Women were encouraged to release past hurts and embrace the freedom Christ offers.
In the session Where Was Jesus? participants studied scriptures that reveal God’s constant presence throughout every season of life. They were reminded that God has been with them from the moment they were formed in their mother’s womb and throughout every experience they have faced. As painful memories surfaced, women were encouraged to invite Jesus into those places of hurt and allow Him to bring healing, hope, and restoration.
Throughout the retreat, women selected personal “power verses” to remind them of their identity in Christ. They also created a keepsake craft featuring their chosen Scripture verse as a tangible reminder of God’s promises and their worth in Him.
The Sabbath concluded with a special spa night filled with fellowship, beauty product giveaways, and a fun photo booth where women captured memories together. Several attendees shared that this was their very first women’s retreat, making the experience especially meaningful as they encountered Christian community and spiritual encouragement in a new way.
The gospel message was shared throughout the weekend, and an invitation was extended for women to respond to God’s call in their lives. A special prayer service was reserved for those seeking personal prayer, creating sacred moments for healing, encouragement, and spiritual renewal.
To support continued spiritual growth beyond the retreat, each participant received a follow-up Bible study designed to be completed at home and within their local church communities. The study encourages women to continue reflecting on God’s healing work, their identity in Christ, and the freedom found through His grace.
The Beauty for Ashes retreat was a powerful weekend of connection, healing, renewal, and spiritual growth. Women left encouraged, equipped, and empowered to extend God’s forgiveness, grace, and love to others while walking confidently in their identity in Christ. As they returned home, they carried with them the assurance that God is still transforming ashes into beauty and restoring hearts through His unfailing love.
— Jennifer Stucker
