RADIANT

More than 200 women from across the Southwest District and beyond gathered October 23–25, 2026, at Camp Buckner in Burnet, Texas, for the SWD Radiant Women’s Retreat. Centered on the theme “Radiant: Shining with God’s Glory,” the weekend was filled with worship, fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual renewal.

One of the retreat’s greatest blessings was hearing heartfelt testimonies from women who shared the struggles and trials they had faced and how God had helped them overcome. Through these powerful stories, given by Emma Mercado (Laredo), Esmeralda Cabrera Bu Buh (San Antonio), Priscilla Marquez (Oklahoma) and Rhode G. Villarreal (Houston), they encouraged one another with honesty, wisdom, and faith, reminding everyone that even in life’s darkest seasons, God remains faithful. The spirit of “advice from women to women” created meaningful opportunities for connection, understanding, and encouragement.

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The retreat featured two inspiring main speakers, Lorena Vera (Houston) and Priscila Ruiz-Sanchez (Dallas), who shared messages that encouraged women to grow in their faith and reflect God’s glory in their daily lives.

SWD Women’s Director Jessica P. Salazar concluded the weekend with a devotional and words of encouragement, challenging women to keep reaching for Jesus, just like the woman in Mark 5, in the midst of illness, trials and unexpected changes in their lives.

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A dedicated committee of women from throughout the Southwest District worked diligently to make the retreat a success. Thank you to Cindy Medrano (Austin) and for leading the beautiful worship team that was made up of adult women and teenage girls, Gabriela Barrientos (Pharr) and Area 7 women for taking care of food and snacks the entire weekend, Iza Benavides (Laredo) and her group of women who took care of cleaning, Paula Melendez (Houston) and her team who took care of registration and so much more, Debora Garcia and Josette Chavez who helped with the preparation of the testimonies and speakers, Paulina Montoya who led the ice breaker activity, Merari Teran (Laredo) and Jessica Pila (San Antonio) who led the activity and also translated, Keyla Villarreal and her prayer team who led the prayer circles, Judith Salazar led the activities and workshops for the teenaged girls, Damaris Herrera (Dallas), Iza Benavides (Laredo) served as translators and the rest of the committee, Rebecca Alvarez (San Antonio), Ana Herrera (Dallas) and Gem Huizar who help keep everything running smooth where needed. We are so grateful for all of these women who serve whole-heartedly.

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The weekend served as a beautiful reminder that, after being refined through life’s challenges, we are called to shine with God’s glory.