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Well Woman: A Journey to Wellness and Restoration

November 13, 2025 | Patricia Ferreira Lopez | Ontario Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

Last October 24-26, 2025, the Health and Women’s Ministries departments of the Ontario Conference hosted Well Woman: A Journey to Wellness and Restoration—a three-day leadership training retreat for women across Ontario.

The weekend focused on whole-person wellness—covering spiritual, physical, social, and mental aspects—while emphasizing the importance of protecting wellness through the End It Now initiative. Every part of the event was thoughtfully designed to model how local leaders can foster safety, warmth, encouragement, and gospel growth in their own districts.

Participants enjoyed impactful keynote sessions, interactive workshops (including two tailored for Spanish-speaking leaders), and a variety of resourceful ministry and wellness booths. On Saturday night, Hope Felix led a lively workout session, filling the room with laughter and joy as women of all ages moved together—an inspiring display of wellness in action.

The retreat began with a heartfelt reflection led by Patricia Ferreira Lopez and Edith Habaradas, who urged leaders to think about whether they were “pouring parched” and how that impacted their ministries. Participants wrote on water-soluble slips of paper the burdens that left them spiritually dry and brought them to a symbolic “well,” watching them dissolve as a gesture of surrender. Each person was then given a blanket to be “wrapped in His love” for the weekend.

Edith Habaradas, Prayer and Health Ministries Director, describes the weekend event as a blessing, “overflowing with heartfelt moments, powerful lessons, and the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit.”

Throughout the retreat, women intentionally supported and uplifted one another, culminating in Sunday’s exchange of handwritten blessing cards—a touching moment filled with tears, laughter, and prayer.

Below is a sampling of feedback from attendees:

“This weekend was truly restorative and uplifting. I’m grateful for the opportunity to rest, reflect, and connect with other women leaders.”

“I came to the retreat feeling like I didn’t have much left to give to my ministry, but I was reminded that God can use even my broken parts to bring Him glory. I left with a renewed outlook and energy to continue ministering to the women in my community.”

“I will be more intentional in modelling grace for the gaps and going the extra mile to make each woman feel seen, known, and loved.”

“I felt more connected with my sisters in Ontario—truly part of the body of Christ.”

A golden thread of wellness, connection, and spiritual renewal ran through every part of the weekend, leaving leaders refreshed, inspired, and ready to pour into others once again—this time from cups filled by the living water of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Patricia Ferreira Lopez
Director, Women and Children’s Ministries