Testimonies From CBF Florida & The Caribbean Islands' Retreat for Women Pastors.

Various Authors
Nov 6
3 min read

We hosted a cross-cultural retreat to help pastors from the US and Puerto Rico create a stronger support network by sharing their stories and ideas related to their ministerial work.

Mariela Santos

IBAREDO (Iglesias Bautistas de la Republica Dominicana)

When I was invited to participate in the women's clergy retreat in Puerto Rico, I had mixed feelings, a mixture of fear and excitement. It was the first time that I would participate in a retreat without my husband and to that was added the fact that I had to read a book in two weeks (quite a challenge for me, because I don't really like reading).

I bought the book and reviewed how many pages it had so I could make a plan to fulfill the commitment of reading “Abuelita fe” before the retreat. I started reading, the first chapters were boring, but when I got to chapter 4, I was hooked and wanted to know what happened in the next chapter. I started writing every interesting thing about women in the Bible who are not so popular and their great work and legacy. I began to look at the women around me in a different way, to value and recognize the simple things that make a difference.

Then, arriving in Puerto Rico and sharing with so many women from different cultures, sharing our experiences, seeing that despite the language, we were able to share, get to know each other, laugh and enjoy together, was something wonderful.

After this experience, I ask God to give me the opportunity to continue living these enriching experiences for my life, because I am definitely different

Rev. Hilda Acosta; Puerto Rico

God always surprises us with wonderful experiences in pastoral ministry. I express my gratitude for having participated in the CBF Florida, Virginia, Alabama and the Caribbean Islands Clergy Women Retreat in Puerto Rico. It was held from October 13 to 18, 2025 at the facilities of the Parador Mauna Caribe in Maunabo, Puerto Rico. A great privilege to welcome this beautiful group of pastors to my Island of Puerto Rico.

Sharing our culture in every possible way was incredible. Each space created and shared was a blessing for all. A sacred and safe place that provided diverse opportunities to get to know each other, integrate, share and, above all, accompany each other, recognizing that we are not alone in our ministerial responsibilities. Sisterhood, that is what we experienced. We were able to give ourselves permission to show ourselves vulnerable, genuine, thus allowing us to raise our arms to each other, affirming our special calling.

Personally, very grateful because in addition to the spiritual growth and affirmation of our pastoral call, bonds of friendship and collaboration were created precisely to support us in the particular work that each one does for the Kingdom. Thank you, again, Xiomara and the CBF Cohort de Pastoras for allowing me to be part of an inspiring encounter.

Pastora Luz Doris Rivera

Iglesia Bautista Country Club, Carolina Puerto Rico

Thank you to CBF for being an instrument of the Lord, for your effort and dedication to the Pastoral Ministry to extend the kingdom. We give thanks for every Pastor, sister and friend who has accompanied us. I feel strengthened in the Lord.

We thank God for this time of grace and reflection that we have experienced in this retreat. Thank you for allowing us to walk together, despite the language barriers; We were able to win with our brotherly love.