The theme planned for the Fall 2008 Ladies’ Retreat was “A Time of Love,” but God had something different in mind.  

As the conference opened Thursday evening, Joanne Picataggi explained that she and others believed God was calling the women during a critical time in national and world events to “a time of war”—to intercede for the school, the nation, and God’s purposes in the world.

“The times demand prayer!” declared Joanne, and the women responded to the call in worship, prayer and words of prophesy throughout the weekend, with many testifying that God transformed their lives in the process.

The conference was filled with women (and a few men!) from the nearby community and as far away as Maine, Florida, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia, Delaware and Canada. Several of the women registered in advance for the Spring Ladies’ Retreat in March, and others said they would encourage their children to come as students to be a part of what God is doing at the school.

At the Friday morning meeting, the women joined with the student body to pray for what God is birthing at Pinecrest. “There is strength to bring forth,” said Joanne, who shared on Hezekiah’s intercession in 2 Kings 19. “The strength was not in Hezekiah,” she said, “it was not in his leaders, it was not in his army, it was not in his people—his strength was in the Lord.”

Friday night, Wendy Levey spoke on Esther as an intercessor. “When we come before the Father, there’s nothing else we put on but the robe of the righteousness of Christ Jesus,” she said. “There’s nothing else that satisfies the Father but the blood of Jesus Christ…and we gain access into the very throne room, into the very heart of the Father, because that’s what He sees.” (Click to listen to Wendy’s message)

Saturday morning was set aside for individual prayer ministry, when God met many people on a personal level. That evening, Joanne Picataggi spoke of God raising up leaders for this critical day. “If we altogether hold our peace, He will raise up His bride, His leaders, His priests,” she said. “But the question is now, will we be the ones that He needs for this hour? We—His bride, His people—are His hope in the earth.” (Click to listen to Joanne’s message)

The Spring Ladies’ Retreat will be held March 26-29, 2009.