More than 100 women from the Central District of Costa Rica participated in the "Take Care of Yourself" retreat, held at Casa de Dios in San José from 7-8 March 2025. 

The event was a space for healing, restoration, and spiritual strengthening, where 110 total attendees reflected on God's love and grace through times of worship, teaching, and ministry.

The initiative was led by Gladys Vindas, president of the Crecer ministry, Rebeca Martínez, district Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI) president, and Pastor Yorleny Herz, who led the organization.

Prominent speakers such as pastors Kimberly Arce, Jeannette Barboza, and Martínez shared messages on emotional healing, forgiveness, and the renewal of the mind in addition to addressing topics such as depression, anxiety, and mental strongholds that impede spiritual growth.

The event's preparations were supported by the constant prayer of the district's churches and a prior spiritual retreat for the women preachers, who sought divine guidance for this time. 

The district superintendent actively supported Crecer, while the men's group, led by Wilberth Picado and pastors and lay leaders, contributed with logistics and spiritual guidance.

The retreat's impact was reflected in the participants' testimonies. 

"From the first day of the retreat, the love of service was rekindled within me," Stephanie Sánchez said. "My time with the Lord has increased, and I feel strengthened and accompanied." 

This gathering not only marked a turning point in the lives of each attendee but also ignited a fire to spread the message of healing and hope in local churches. 

"When we work together and unite as one body under the leadership of Christ, we see his hand at work in surprising and transformative ways," Martínez said. "Cooperation and mutual support are essential for growing spiritually and bringing the message of hope to more hearts in need."

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region