We were excited to be invited by Wycliffe South Africa to lead training on how to run a Scripture Engagement Ruth women’s retreat and then a women’s retreat itself in Johannesburg.

How did this idea of women’s retreats come about? Initially, a team in Russia used the OBT internalisation techniques in translating the biblical book of Ruth into oral Russian.

Yulia had recently lost her husband and realised that through internalising the book of Ruth, she had found inner healing. The team then had the idea to run a retreat for women based on the book of Ruth using the same OBT internalisation techniques for this Scripture Engagement event. Using the internalisation techniques in studying the book of Ruth helps people open up and connect the story with their own life and circumstances. Although the retreat team does not advertise trauma healing as part of the description of the Ruth weekend, in many ways, this is in fact what is happening during the retreat.

In Johannesburg 4 people from Wycliffe South Africa took part in the training, and the first retreat was held with 16 people. Although nervous at the start, after getting to know each other and sharing their future dreams, the participants began to bond and trust each other. We led the group through the book of Ruth, internalising the whole book at first using drama, and then in detail immersing ourselves in the chapters of Ruth – we used techniques such as drawing and modelling clay to do this. The group was surprised at how much they identified with the characters and the themes of the book of Ruth, relating this story to events that they had experienced in their own personal lives. The group relaxed with art classes and an evening spa and opportunity for a massage.

The Wycliffe South Africa team is planning to run more women’s retreats in the future, in both Johannesburg, Cape Town and other venues.

Things came out of my mouth that I didn’t even know I was carrying inside of me. It felt good to let it out and a burden lifted - Ansie

I felt like the activities we did and the discussions we had about the story of Ruth went so much deeper than just an intellectual Bible study approach. The story came to life and I could see myself in it. It provided a platform to reflect on and process my own struggles and traumas, not in isolation or shame, but through connection with others and our shared experiences of suffering. What was so beautiful were the themes of compassion, hope, and restoration that showed up alongside the sad parts of our stories. We laughed and hugged and dared to dream. It was real and raw and sometimes difficult, but it provided a rare space to meaningfully connect and be our true selves - Jen

What was really special for me was being able to have the place just to be. Not having to do anything, but just to be me. Being really present here and allowing healing - Chantel

It gave me an opportunity to hear other ladies' stories, and be able to share mine in a safe space where I felt loved and supported. It also opened up an opportunity to learn more about God's Word - Sheri

I was so refreshed. Ladies have a lot of things troubling them. We were given the time to share these things, and to overcome them - Nkhensani

It was really something that I needed - Nozi

This retreat was amazing. I had so much fun connecting with other women and engaging with the Bible in ways that I haven't before. I had a lovely time - Tshego