Rugena Duff

When I was introduced to NEWIM, I was in a very dark, lonely period in my life, and ministry. I was mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted from service to the Lord’s church, and I had no one who understood how I felt. I was running empty!! Then a dear friend introduced me to NEWM. I was skeptical at first about another women’s group, and spending time at a retreat with women who were looking to advance themselves. However, I discovered NEWIM was not like most Retreat organizations I knew. This ministry offered women who supported, encouraged and prayed for me when I didn’t have the words to pray for myself. In the past 10 years, I have met women who understood my need for rest, reconnection with the Lord, and offered encouragement, all without selfish gain.

At first, I began attending half-day retreats, then 3-day overnight retreats, and recently I completed the Fuller Seminary Spiritual Formation program through NEWIM. NEWIM has helped me grow exponentially in my ministries, I’ve become friends with other likeminded women, and my relationship with the Lord has deepened. Through this ministry I have served on half-day Retreats, as Table leader at 3-day Retreats, and currently I am the Registrar on the NorCal Springs Team.

NEWIM has become a very important part of my retirement. I volunteer as often as I can serving other women who are dying for refreshment in the Lord; just as when I first came to NEWIM 10 years ago.