The annual CRU women’s retreat gave women the chance to learn about how to defend themselves spiritually in today’s society while bonding with their peers.

Junior communication disorders major Erica Engle said the women’s retreat has been a tradition at Marshall University for around six years.

Engle said this retreat gives women the chance to discuss prominent issues and themes that come up in their walks with God.

“We go to a place in Kentucky just to get away from campus, away from Huntington, just for one weekend,” Engle said. “We get together and talk about a prominent theme going on in the ministry.”

CRU Women’s Director Misty Esterhuizen and graduate student Shannah Diehl were the speakers at the retreat. Engle said these speakers each give a Bible lesson.

“We have a few speakers that talk and take us through a lesson in the Bible,” Engle said. “We do worship and have discussion groups to discuss what was talked about.”

Engle said that unlike the men, the women do not do a joint Bible study before the retreat. This weekend gives them a chance to bond with people that they might not talk to otherwise.

Junior psychology and social work double major Brittany McClain said she enjoys the retreat because it gives her and others a chance to see how God is influencing their lives.

“My favorite part about women’s retreat was just getting to hear the speakers talk and see how God is moving through our group of ladies,” McClain said.

Freshman nursing major Adriane Johnson said she loves getting the opportunity to grow closer to her sisters in Christ.

“I loved being able to bond with my fellow sisters in Christ and encourage one another in their faith over the weekend,” Johnson said. “I also loved hearing the speakers give talks on the importance of being equipped to guard and defend against what comes against your heart and your mind.”

The CRU women’s retreat took place Friday and Saturday in Kentucky.

Nancy Peyton can be contacted at [email protected].