El Roi Retreat was created to encourage and offer hope to ladies as they navigate their healing journey from past wounds using supportive teaching, small groups, art, exercise, and worship.
“El Roi” means “The God Who Sees,” and is taken from Hagar’s words of worship found in Genesis 16. We believe God sees into and cares deeply about each aspect of our lives.
And she called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?
Genesis 16:13 KJV
El Roi Retreat was born out of a vision to come alongside girls and women who, like Hagar of the Bible, find themselves in the middle of a wilderness, hurting, and struggling emotionally. Our heart is to provide a healing, restful weekend, filled with community and connection. We will offer tools and resources for emotional healing and wholeness. We will talk about hard things, but with hope and redemption. Small groups will provide safe space to share your story (only as you feel comfortable!), and be heard, loved, and prayed over.
Have you faced trauma, abuse, or loss? Have you made sinful choices which left you feeling hopeless, and buried in shame? No story is too ugly, no person too messed up. You are welcome. We would be honored and humbled to be a small part of your journey to healing.
Ultimately, we want the weekend to be an intimate encounter with our El Roi, the God who sees you.
Ladies age 18 and older are welcome!
Planning Committee
The planning committee includes Lisa Detweiler, Gina Garber, Karen Peachey, Mary Sadler, and Bettina Yoder.
Lisa Detweiler
Lisa is married to Art and is mom to five children. She first became interested in attachment and trauma as a foster mom, and over the years she has learned more by reading and going for counseling for her own growth. She is passionate about encouraging women to live authentic, grace-filled lives. A few of her hobbies and interests are reading, sewing, singing, and teaching.
Gina Garber
Gina is the wife of Lavern (also well-known as Fred), and mom to 6. Most importantly, she’s the redeemed daughter of a heavenly Father. Out of her own journey toward much needed healing, was born a deep compassion for other women in their hard places. She has a passionate vision to walk alongside them towards healing, freedom, and redemption. Between wife, mom, church and community life, her favorite ways of recharging are through good books, stimulating conversations, fitness, and being outdoors.
Karen Peachey
Karen is a nurse and therapist working at her private practice called “Journey to Hope Counseling.” She is passionate about “holistic” (body, soul, and spirit) care and strives to live and empower individuals to live out their God given identity. Her focus in helping people is trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, and relational issues. She counts it a privilege to assist clients in reaching their goals and helping them overcome obstacles to living fully. In Karen’s spare time, she enjoys being in nature, hiking, spending time at the beach and sipping a good cup of coffee with family and friends .
Mary Sadler
Mary is currently employed as a mental health counselor at The Peacemaker Center in New Holland. She considers it a privilege to sit with people as they process painful and traumatic life experiences and walk alongside them on the journey of healing. She also works part-time as a nurse. In her spare time, she enjoys nature, flowers, and spending time with her family.
Bettina Yoder
Bettina Yoder works as an individual and child therapist at Life Counseling Ministries. She seeks to understand how trauma and early wounding impact current challenges. Believing in the power of relational connection, she delights in walking with clients of all ages towards hope and healing. In her leisure time, Bettina enjoys finding a new trail to bike, cooking, hiking, or crocheting.