When women from across Idaho Conference gathered at Camp Ida-Haven on Sept. 5–7, 2025 for this year’s Women’s Retreat, most expected the usual rhythm: a weekend of fellowship, inspiring messages, good food and beautiful nature. But God had something far greater in store.
As attendees arrived, they checked in, browsed the silent auction and shopped at the mini ABC. The weekend started with the group of women singing together and watching the sunset over Payette Lake.
Guest speaker Nitza Salazar, Idaho Conference children’s ministries coordinator, shared a powerful message about how God created us to be “Better Together.”
As the evening drew to a close, attendees retreated to their cabins. Some groups rested and others stayed up late catching up with friends.
After a wonderful breakfast, Salazar spoken again painting a picture of faith as a butterfly’s metamorphosis: the hidden, painful “cocoon stages” of our lives where God feels distant and the miraculous moment when His love breaks through, releasing us into something beautiful and free.
Her words struck deep. As God moved, the retreat schedule took an unexpected turn.
Lineah Gibson, from Long Creek, Oregon, planned on being baptized at the retreat. She had studied the Bible for years and had responded to a baptism call from Salazar at Long Creek Church.
At the end of her message, Salazar announced the planned baptism. As she invited others to consider giving their lives to God, another hand raised.
Klarissa Arocha, who had come to the retreat through a last-minute miracle of provision, boldly said she wanted to be baptized that very day.
Arocha had met Erica Figueroa, Parma Church member, at their gym. They had started studying together. Arocha started attending several of the churches in the area. She wanted to go to the retreat but couldn’t afford it. Arocha and Figueroa were both praying for a way for Arocha to go. At the last moment, someone else’s emergency opened the door for her to come.
Figueroa’s pastor, Cheri Gatton, arrived just in time to baptize Figueroa. Standing by the lake, surrounded by her sisters in Christ, she chose to give her life fully to God.
Attendees learned how God had worked in Gibson’s and Arocha’s lives to make commitments to Him. As both women rose from the waters of baptism, joy radiated across the retreat. The “ordinary” retreat had become extraordinary — a living testimony of God’s power to transform lives. If you want to see it, go to Idaho Conference's Facebook page, @idahoadventist.
This weekend was a reminder that no matter where we are in our journey — stuck in the cocoon or spreading new wings — God is present. He shows up in ways we don’t expect. And when He does, everything changes.
Destiny Osborn presents Nitza Salazar with a Heart of Hands, made by the women attending the retreat.
Cheri Gatton, Parma Church pastor, (left) baptizes Klarissa Arocha (center) as Nitza Salazar (right) celebrates.
Nitza Salazar passionately shares her message, "Better Together."
Joyce Biggs, dressed as Naomi, shares the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Kelly Goehring sings "It Matters to the Master."
