The Women of Valor Retreat, held from 28–30 August 2026, was planned several months in advance. From the beginning, we committed the retreat to prayer, and the Women of Valor coordinators prayed consistently. Someone was praying about the retreat every single day, and God truly showed Himself faithful.
He made it possible for over 80 sisters to participate, along with several guests. Personally, one of the highlights for me was having a guest attend. It reminded me that the mission of Jesus Christ remained at the heart of the retreat. This was not simply another church activity; it created an opportunity for guests to experience something meaningful and potentially draw closer to Christ.
It was a beautiful time of bonding, learning, relaxation, fun and spiritual encouragement. We learned about health and finances, but more importantly, we were reminded that the circumstances or experiences that brought each of us into Women of Valor do not define us as disciples or prevent us from living life to the fullest.
Jesus calls us to experience life in its fullness, and that is what Women of Valor represents to me. Whatever my circumstances may be, I can still live fully as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
My guests experienced this as well, and I am especially grateful that one of them has now started studying the Bible with us. For that, I give all the glory to God.
I am already looking forward to the next Women of Valor Retreat. Although it is currently planned as a biennial event, I sincerely hope we can eventually make it annual because I believe it meets very real needs among many sisters in the church.
I want to say kudos to every Woman of Valor who attended, and to every regional coordinator and assistant coordinator who worked together to make the retreat such a great success.
I also deeply appreciate the guest speakers who travelled to share their knowledge and expertise with us.
Special thanks to Martina Ajao, the initiator of the Women of Valor ministry. Although she does not personally fall into any of the Women of Valor categories within the church, she has demonstrated a genuine heart for all women—to belong, to feel accepted, and to know that they still have a place and a purpose, regardless of what may have happened in their lives.
And she doesn’t simply have that heart—she puts it into practice.
I am also grateful to Jide and Biola Ojo, our church’s Lead Evangelist and Women’s Ministry Leader for West Africa, who joined us from Saturday.
Biola generously supported the health demonstration, and I am especially grateful for that. Together, they taught and preached an inspiring message on Sunday that was deeply valuable. If put into practice, it will help us draw closer to Jesus and become more like Him—which is both the theme of our retreat and our church’s theme for this year.
Finally, I sincerely appreciate our brothers who took the time to support us with media, photography and other services throughout the retreat. Your service helped us capture and preserve these special moments.
To everyone who contributed in one way or another to the success of Women of Valor Retreat 2026, thank you.
May God bless you all abundantly.
To God be all the glory!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Dr. Funmi Aina — WOV, Surulere Region, ICOC
