NOTICE TO ATTENDEES: If you have special dietary needs, please bring what you need
8am – 9am: Check in
9am – 10am: Worship / Opening Session
10:15am – 11:15am: 1st Session
Thanks To Our 2025 1st Session Speakers
Donna Rico
Pain with Purpose
(Betrayal)
I’m no hero, I’m no one - but my pain had purpose. He’s always had a plan for me even if I didn’t see it, he worked in every step of my life.
Being invisible most of my life was both blessing and a curse. From lowered self value to alcoholism, rape, depression and suicidal tendencies.
I will share my journey through betrayal from my first boyfriend, a close friend of 30 years, close family members, my husband (now ex) and ex-pastor and all of his leadership.
Being under Gods covering doesn't mean we won't have pain - but it's definitely
shown to always have purpose even if we can see it during our darkest hours.
Jackie Adamson
Rejection To Acceptance
(Desperation)
I wanted love and acceptance. I was so desperate, I looked for it in the backseat of a car, then in bars, and even in my marriage. What I got was rejection. I gave all I had to too many who did not love me or accept me. Rejection after rejection, I finally found the love and acceptance I had been so desperately looking for in Jesus. You’ll be surprised where I found Him.
Karen Macdonald
My Husband Is Gay!
Never thought this would ever happen to me. Wayne was my brother's youth minister. Me, a pastor's wife? Three years married, Wayne announced, "Honey, I'm gay and I want a divorce." Bewildered and rejected, I cried for hours. Then, Wayne changed his mind, wanted to stay, and asked for my help. Another seven years pass; marked by drugs, alcohol, prostitution, and pornography. My "mess is my message!" But, for Jesus! Please come! Hear the rest of this amazing love story!
11:30am – 12:30pm: Lunch
12:45pm – 1:45pm: 2nd Session
Thanks To Our 2025 2nd Session Speakers
Chris Thompson
Healing from the Shame of Multiple Marriages
In a world quick to judge and slow to understand, navigating the pain of divorce—especially more than once—can leave deep-rooted shame. In this heartfelt and honest talk, I share my personal journey through multiple marriages and the emotional aftermath that followed. This isn’t just a story about relationships—it's a story about rebuilding identity, reclaiming self-worth, and discovering that grace doesn’t run out after failure.
Elaine Oostra
Tearing Down Walls of Bitterness
(Mental Illness)
I struggled greatly with a mother who suffered from mental illness. My childhood pain built walls of protection. With Christ I was able to overcome. Come hear how you can find hope to overcome past pain and be set free.
Betsy Ward
A Message Out Of Messy
(Suicide-loss)
Years of white knuckling and striving led to exhaustion and emptiness. After ending the life of my 3 year old nephew in an accident, I learned that God’s presence can be felt in the midst of grief and despair. My daughter’s suicide is teaching me that surrendering to The Lord is the only path to lasting peace. I’m learning, day by day, to trust Him and I know that Jesus is with me in the messiest of times—He is the author of this unfinished story.
2:00pm – 4:30pm: Worship / Keynote / Closing
Thanks To Our 2025 Keynote Speaker
Linda Kennedy
Finding Joy Through Life’s Punches
(Grief)
Life... It seems as though things are moving right along; and then WHAM you feel that kick in the gut, the slap in the face, or the sucker punch that brings you to your knees. Getting back up can be difficult, but over the years I’ve learned that as I still my heart and cry out to my Heavenly Father, He is always there right with me. Yes, true joy can be found, even through those times when you feel like a box of shredded wheat.
