On Friday evening, May 2, 2025, 52 extraordinary ladies and a lovely young lady arrived at the Russell Inn in Russell, Manitoba, to enjoy a fantastic weekend of spiritual blessings, fellowship, meeting new friends, and a tremendous time together.
Our team arrived the day before to set up, decorate, and prepare lovely surprises for each lady. To our delight and surprise, our fabulous hostess had the meeting room all prepared as though a banquet for a wedding were to take place. She had gone above and beyond to make it beautiful, even making the pretty centrepieces for each table. We cannot express enough gratitude to her for all her love and care for each of us.
On Friday afternoon, she took a few of us on a tour into the countryside to show us some neat historical places. Inglis Manitoba has restored five elevators that reach up to the blue skies in a majestic style.
We then went to the ski hill, as the Inn owns and operates that as well, and hosts many events during the winter. The mountain has 11 runs. On the way there, she took us to an old townsite that is so beautiful to walk around. Although it no longer exists as a town, the memories are still present to enjoy. The river winds and sings as it passes through the valley on its journey beyond. The old boarding house is the only building that remains. Plaques were placed around to give information about the past, which was very interesting.
We then went to a beautiful spot called the Chapel of the Vines. There, one can have a gathering for any event. It consists of an open building with vines planted to reach up and spread their pretty leaves to enhance the chapel’s beauty. The view is breathtaking. It is an ideal spot for a Sabbath service and picnic. We plan to return there next year.
At 6 p.m., we enjoyed an excellent meal and began our evening program. We had our preliminaries, welcoming each one who had joined us, and then Fran presented each of her team and DeeAnn (our guest speaker) with a lovely Shawl she had made for each of them. They were quite delighted and grateful. They are all such a blessing and deserve something special.
Our theme for this year was “The Lighthouse in the Midst of the Storm.” Our guest speaker, DeeAnn Bragraw, Women’s Ministries Director for the NAD, brought us words of hope and encouragement and helped increase our faith in Jesus as she spoke to us at each meeting. We all have storms in our lives, some more than others, and her presentations were a blessing. We were so delighted that she could spend this time with us.
Her topics were “Riding the Stormy Seas” on Friday night, “Anchored or Adrift” and “Adjust Your Course” on Sabbath morning, “Safe Harbour” on Sabbath evening, and “Beacon of Hope” on Sunday morning.
On Sabbath afternoon, we enjoyed a craft of building lighthouses out of flower pots. The ladies had a delightful time creating their lighthouses, which were a fantastic variety.
After the Sabbath evening meeting, several ladies gathered on the patio to enjoy a beautiful time of fellowship. We sang lots of hymns and roasted marshmallows over the fire. It was a wonderful time together. Some ladies had gone to soak in the hot tub, swim in the pool, and even enjoy the waterslide. Everyone had a chance to visit the store and make some purchases.
Sunday came way too early for most of us. We enjoyed the weekend so much and wished it could last longer. We had our last inspirational presentation with DeeAnn, which was very heart-touching. We appreciated that she was willing to travel to ManSask and give us her time to bless us.
We were served a lovely brunch. We were able to visit some more, take more pictures, say our goodbyes, shed a few tears, and receive plenty of hugs and well wishes. Before everyone left, we joined hands in a circle and sang “I’ll Meet You in Heaven.”
A very special Thank You to all those who came; our pianist, those who willingly participated in giving us special music, and to all who helped in different ways.
Most of all, a Great Big thank you to Megan, Sara, Myrtle and all the staff at Russell Inn.
God’s Richest Blessing to each one.
Fran Gorbenko, Women’s Ministries Coordinator
