From Hidden to Healed: The Unseen Retreat Helps Women Embrace God’s Gaze
- Matthew Lucio
- 10 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Matthew J. Lucio
Assistant to the President for Communication
It began with gratitude. “I am here because God put amazing women in my path.”
With a smile, Laura Lucio stood on the small stage before a hundred women who had gathered from across Illinois—and even as far as Texas and Tennessee—to worship, connect, and grow together in East Peoria. Appointed as the volunteer Women’s Ministries Coordinator in 2024, one of Laura’s first goals was to plan a statewide retreat. A year later, that dream became reality: The Unseen.
The retreat’s theme centered on noticing those whom the world often overlooks. Gail McKenzie, the keynote speaker and longtime Women’s Ministries director for the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference, drew powerful lessons from Hagar, the woman at the well, and the woman who anointed Jesus in Luke 7. Through heartfelt storytelling, biblical depth, and passionate appeals, Gail reminded attendees that God not only sees—but deeply values—every woman’s story.
Worship became the heartbeat of the weekend. The team—Erika Campos, Stacey DePluzer, Katherine Soriano, and Luda Drumi—blended beloved hymns and contemporary songs, creating an atmosphere that drew hearts to the cross.
Following a worshipful welcome on Friday night, Sabbath offered time for reflection and renewal through a series of breakout sessions addressing the whole woman—mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical health.
Dr. Erika Campos invited women to “choose their hard,” offering practical, lighthearted insights on pelvic floor health with visuals and humor that encouraged self-care and self-respect.
Dr. Angelika Kaiser, from the SDA Theological Seminary, led a dynamic exploration of biblical narrative, highlighting the role of curiosity in discovering God’s Word anew.
Caitlin Musgrave approached the difficult topic of abuse with empathy and courage, sharing from her own life experience to help participants recognize and respond to the unseen suffering that exists in many homes and churches.
Dr. Genalin Niere-Metcalf, clinical psychologist, grounded her message in both science and Scripture, reminding her audience that “we are meant to be fully known, fully seen, and yet unashamed.” Though humanity has fallen many times—both in Eden and since—God has wired us for healing and restoration.
The weekend reached its sacred crescendo in a moving anointing service. Dozens of women came forward for prayer, while others remained in their seats, heads bowed, tears quietly falling. The Spirit’s presence was unmistakable—gentle, healing, and deeply personal.
Given Laura’s professional background in customer experience, the retreat concluded with something she couldn’t resist: a survey. The feedback reflected hearts touched and lives changed:
“Everything was so WONDERFUL! Exactly what I needed. Good job!”
“I received answers to many questions I had never discussed with anyone.”
“Praise God for the successful Illinois Women’s Conference. I’ve attended many Christian gatherings, and this is one of the best.”
As Laura and her team begin planning the next chapter, mark your calendar: The 2026 One-Day Women’s Respite—Forged in Faith—will take place on May 2 in Joliet, Illinois.
You won’t want to miss it.
NEXT STEPS
Please send any news items of what God is doing around the Illinois Conference to communication@ilcsda.org.