"My life was transformed.
Nothing was the same.
I knew that I had been changed."
-Sis. Devon Burgess
The Annual Family Retreat Ministry
Pastor Gale C. Richardson
History
The family retreat is a ministry that started from the Youth Development Program in the early 90s at the Greater Bible Way Church in Paterson, NJ. The program targeted single families and families in the urban areas. The purpose was to render services that would bring families together, provide a safe atmosphere for children to go that is not on the streets, and conduct weekly programs for children whose ages ranged from 3 to17 years old. Seeing the success of the Youth Development Program, Pastor Gale Richardson sought out ways to expand the program thus birthing the 1st Family Annual Retreat. Word spread as families along with other church organizations gathered together in the mountains of Pennsylvania to commune in the Presence of the Lord. People were prayed and prophesied over, healed and delivered, and filled with the Holy Spirit. Pastor Gale knew that her mission was to continue helping people develop a closer relationship with God. Several years later, the retreat come to a surprising halt. For 3 years the retreat was at a standstill. Pastor Gale C. Richardson took a break to recoup and gather her strength. In 2007, the retreat regained it's momentum and continued to bless people all throughout the east coast. Later that year, Pastor Gale suffer the loss of her father James Richardson. However, with supernatural strength, she continued to carry on the tradition of the Annual Family Retreat. Four years later, she would suffer another devastating loss, her mother Mary Richardson. Once again depending on the Lord for renewed strength, she continued her mission to help those find salvation, encourage the brokenhearted, and enhance spiritual growth in others. Today, the Annual Family Retreat continues as it celebrates 16 consecutive years of existence. When asked what was the most rewarding thing in her life in an interview with Silk City Love Magazine, Pastor Gale states, "The retreat is the most rewarding because I've seen the young and old get saved, people healed, but most importantly, I've seen people's lives changed."
Purpose
For about 17 years, the Annual Family Retreat has continued to attract a diverse group of people who are looking to develop a more meaningful and beautiful relationship with God. The purpose of the retreat is to gather yearly for a marvelous weekend where everyone as a family come together for spiritual guidance and for natural enhancement and development in their daily lives.
About the Retreat
The Annual Family Retreat is held yearly at The Inn at the Pocono Manor in Pocono, Pennsylvania. Here, we will fellowship with other Christians and those wanting to know more about Jesus Christ. Join us in 2017 as we celebrate the 18th Annual Family Retreat because with God there are "no limits...no boundaries"!