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Women from the ten churches of the Cebu City District gathered at the Cabreros Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Cebu City for a "Kiddush and Spiritual Retreat" on December 7-8, 2024. 

Organized by the Cebu City District Women's Ministries under the theme "With Our Strength, We Testify," the event aimed to empower women to embrace significant roles within their church and community. It featured Mrs. Fe Pigon, director of the Central Visayan Conference Women's Ministries, as the guest speaker.

On the opening of the event during the vesper worship,  Mrs. Pigon and the CCD Women’s Ministries initiated a special program derived from a Jewish tradition named “Kiddush.”

Kiddush, meaning "sanctification" in Hebrew, is a beautiful ritual involving a blessing over wine or grape juice. It is a core Jewish practice that marks the transition into a period of sacredness, enriching the experience of Sabbath and holidays. This act sets apart the Sabbath and Jewish holidays as sacred occasions.

By performing Kiddush, the performing group acknowledges the holiness of these special days, distinguishing them from the ordinary. It's a way to mindfully enter a time of spiritual reflection and joy.

On the Sabbath, Mrs. Pigon explored women's important role in the ministry in one of her lectures. She drew on biblical examples and historical figures to showcase women's contributions to missions throughout history.

The lecture addressed the unique challenges women face in mission work, such as cultural barriers and safety concerns, while also highlighting their strengths and unique perspectives. It emphasized empowering women to take on leadership roles and utilize their talents in service to God.

Furthermore, the lecture delved into themes related to women's ministry, such as the importance of diversity in mission work. Overall, it aims to inspire and inform women about their call to mission service, offering practical insights and encouragement for those considering or already engaged in this work.

Marilyn Lucero, CPUC newswriter, offered an analysis of Miriam and Zipporah, delving into their characters, strengths, weaknesses, and influence on those around them. She began by vividly recounting the Israelites' oppression in Egypt, providing context for Miriam's emergence as a leader and beacon of hope for her people. Lucero highlighted Miriam's strength and leadership skills, emphasizing her crucial role in guiding the Israelites through their trials.

However, Lucero didn't shy away from exploring Miriam's flaws, drawing parallels between her envy and the discord Lucifer sowed in heaven. This envy ultimately led to Miriam's punishment, but thankfully, after realizing her folly and acknowledging her evil deeds, she reconciled with God. This emphasized the powerful lesson from the consequences of sinning and God’s readiness to forgive, just as He healed Miriam after Moses' intercessory prayer. This nuanced portrayal of Miriam showcased both her strengths and weaknesses, offering a valuable lesson of humility and redemption.

Stressing the cause of Miriam’s fall, she said, “We need to keep watch. In our moment of weakness, the enemy comes in. Just as when Miriam started to cherish the spirit of envy by gaining sympathizers, the enemy was there to complicate the issue.”

In the afternoon, Mrs. Pigon led the women into a discussion that taught them how to flourish amidst trials and tribulations by sharing personal experiences and drawing stories again from the Bible. 

She also emphasized the importance of seeking support, finding strength in prayer, and trusting in God's plan even amidst difficult circumstances. Furthermore, she encouraged the women to view trials as opportunities for growth and to embrace their faith as a source of resilience.

“Like Joseph, we need to flourish amidst envy, hardships, and oppression. We need to keep in mind that God is always there,” Mrs. Pigon said.

The event clearly resonated with the audience, as evidenced by the numerous women who approached Pigon after her sessions, expressing gratitude for the valuable insights they gained.