💛 Singles Retreat 2025 - Faith, Fellowship, and Resilience in the Storm

From October 24-26, 2025, the Singles Ministry hosted a memorable and faith-filled retreat at the Bahia Principe Hotel. What was meant to be a weekend of rest, reflection, and renewal became a powerful testimony of unity and faith - as Hurricane Mellissa unfolded that same weekend.

           Despite the storm, God’s hand was evident in every moment. The journey began with carpools and a chartered bus transporting attendees safely from Half-Way Tree to the hotel and back. Upon arrival, participants were warmly welcomed, checked in, and introduced to the weekend’s itinerary. The evening concluded with dinner at the renowned Nyam restaurant, featuring a rich variety of dishes from vegetarian options to classic Jamaican cuisine; followed by a lively night of games and entertainment, setting a joyful tone for the days ahead.

Saturday began with worship and devotion, centering hearts on God’s presence. The day’s sessions were both practical and inspiring, with powerful lessons from several of our brothers and sisters in Christ:

• Hannif Miller opened with “God’s Purpose in Our Singleness,” setting a spiritual foundation for the weekend.
• Wendy Bailey and Desmond Jones shared heartfelt testimonies on Kingdom Relationships, offering wisdom and encouragement.
• Britney Welsh and Jordan Walker followed with a relatable, modern session on Navigating Modern Dating with Biblical Wisdom.
• The men and women then separated for a candid and transformative discussion on Sacred Sexuality: God’s Design for Desire — led by Sandy Swaby and Marcia Brevett for the women, and Peter Swaby for the men.
• The day concluded with an inspiring joint session by Fleur Gooden and Hannif Miller on Aligning Life Goals with God’s Purpose.

Between sessions, attendees enjoyed fellowship, meals, and time to relax and explore the resort’s amenities. The evening closed with friendly games of Dominoes and Exploding Kittens, bringing laughter and connection among all.

           On Sunday morning, as news of the approaching hurricane intensified, the group gathered for a heartfelt worship service, giving thanks to God for His protection and the meaningful time shared together. The retreat concluded with a sermunion message from Brother Kenneth Francis, leaving everyone uplifted and spiritually refreshed despite the storm outside.

          The success of this retreat was made possible by the dedication and love of our planning committee, led by Hannif Miller, Tijuana and Jamoya O’Meally, Marsha Lewis, Sheron Gayle, Annie, Wendy Bailey, Carlos Berry, Andrea Johnson, Lesia and Mark Gregory, with many more. Their vision and care ensured that every detail reflected the heart of the ministry faith, fellowship, and growth.

Even amidst Hurricane Mellissa, the Singles Ministry Retreat became a symbol of God’s faithfulness; a reminder that no storm can stop His people from worshiping, learning, and growing together.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.” - Isaiah 43:2