Jill Austion

In 1996 my husband and I moved from Arizona to Irvine, CA. not knowing a soul. A new church friend shared an invitation to attend a NEWIM gathering called  “Return to be Encouraged.”  I felt compelled to attend and that began my journey of flourishing in the Lord. I had been involved in a Christian women’s group in Arizona and was praying to connect with one in California. My prayer was answered when I found NEWIM.

NEWIM became a place of connection, a lifeline, a safe place to share and grow with other Christian women, and my life has been strengthened and transformed. As Director of Women’s Ministry in my church, NEWIM helped me grow in the challenges of leadership.  I found a mentor in Jackie Rettberg. I was introduced to Luann Budd and The Springs Retreat, which became an annual practice of spending time in solitude and silence with my Abba Father. Serving on the board helped me to drink from the well of many seasoned Christian women. How blessed and honored I felt. Serving in leadership helped me flourish in ministry. I was invited to help launch the Arizona Springs Retreat and share my love of solitude and silence with other hungry women. Leading several  Zoom book discussions with a NEWM friend  gave us the opportunity to reach women from all over the US. I moved to Colorado in 2012 but am still able to stay connected to many of my sisters in Christ I met over almost 30 years and share in various NEWIM ministries. NEWIM has been a gift from the Lord to me and I will be forever grateful.