El Roi Retreat was created to encourage and offer hope to women as they navigate their healing journey from past wounds using supportive teaching, small groups, art, exercise, and worship. Our first retreat was held in 2022.
The retreat dates for 2026 are Thursday, April 23, to Sunday, April 26.
Meet our 2026 Guest Speakers
Maria Waldron
Maria Waldron is wife to Nate and mother to three boys and two girls ages 12 to 3. Most of her days are spent managing household tasks and children. She loves occupying her mind by listening to music or podcasts during daily tasks and discussing it later with her husband or friends. She prefers warm weather over cold, small social groups over large, speaking over writing, thrifting over buying new, coffee over tea, and being outdoors over indoors. Her journey includes discovering what life brings after 40. Maria gives testimony to God’s faithfulness every step of the way.
Rose Fisher
Rose Fisher is a Certified Nurse Midwife with a homebirth practice predominantly in Juniata and Perry Counties. When she’s not taking care of mammas and babies, she’s probably hanging out with her nieces and nephews, taking care of her animals, or spending time in nature.
She learned to more deeply introspect and find meaning in her own journey during her time at Faith Builders, and through taking some courses at Life Counseling Ministries. This personal work brought much healing and personal freedom, and she came to understand that she has always been and will always be held in the arms of God.
2026 Sessions
Transforming Self-Sabotage into Brave Actions – Karen Peachey
Have you avoided, grappled with, or pushed away difficult emotions? I get it – when life becomes difficult and overwhelming, we tend to “shut down” feelings. Perhaps we numb our pain or berate ourselves when our feelings don’t align with our “should” and “shouldn’t.” I should be (kind, submissive, loving) or I shouldn’t feel this way (disappointed, angry, overwhelmed). Facing what is, naming the hard things and taking brave actions are ways to transform self-sabotage into clarity and freedom.
“The Three Chairs” – Lisa Detweiler
We are complex people and sometimes feel confused by our own or others’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The Three Chairs is a demonstration developed by Mark and Debbie Laaser to bring clarity to why we do what we do.
Finding a Way Through Betrayal in Marriage – Maria Waldron
Betrayal in marriage, whether it’s from pornography use or other acting-out behaviors, is a devastating reality for many Christian wives today. Although a difficult road to walk, healing and hope can happen with God’s help. This session will cover understanding betrayal trauma, finding support, and setting boundaries. It will also touch on how to support a friend or sister who is experiencing betrayal.
Held by God – Rose Fisher
Pain seems to be an inevitable part of life. Babies are born screaming while everyone else stands in awe of the miracle of new life. Pain can prevent us from noticing that we are cared for and held in the arms of God. Introspection and asking God for clarity on past and present events can highlight the ways in which the Father walks ahead of us and behind us (Ps 139:5). If we are still in the middle and can’t see it, faith can carry us until we can see and believe that we always have been and will always be held in His arms.
Additional Highlights
Worship Time – Bettina Yoder
Worship unites our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves into a tapestry of expression and connection with the Creator Himself. The worship times at El Roi invite you into singing, Scripture reading, silence, guided meditation, and corporate prayers.
Recreational Art – Diane Horst
At a young age, Diane began discovering the transcendent power of art – the space that does not need words, yet is free to speak. She regards art as a form of therapy and enjoys walking with others through the process.