For information about the retreats and to register:

Call 828-403-6477

or

Email kimberly.ollis@hushmail.me

Have you ever wanted to talk to others out loud about your abortion, but are afraid to do so because of the fear of being judged and/or rejected? 

     If you have regretfully chosen abortion in your past and still struggle with accepting God's forgiveness or with forgiving yourself, or long to have the opportunity to grieve and honor your child's life in a public and meaningful way, then consider a weekend retreat to gather with others who know and share your pain, and with experienced facilitators that are able to help guide you through the journey to find God's healing in your life. 

     Below is a list of questions that many people have for us when considering attending a retreat.  If you don't find the answers you are looking for in this list, please don't hesitate to call us at 828.403.6477, and we'll be glad to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have.

What kind of retreats do you offer?

     We offer Interdenominational Rachel's Vineyard Retreats.  This means that any Christian denomination is welcome to attend our retreats.  Rachel's Vineyard Retreats, founded by Kevin and Dr. Theresa Burke, are powerful and life changing and are offered around the world.  This ministry is the largest post-abortion healing ministry in the world.  The weekend retreats, two per year, are full of spiritual and emotional exercises that engage all of the senses and allow the participants to reveal deep layers of psychological trauma and move through the steps of allowing God to heal those wounds, as only He can.

Where are the retreats held?

     We will be meeting in the scenic foothills of North Carolina and staying in an old country estate that has been carefully and lovingly restored and renovated into a retreat center that is warm and inviting, the perfect setting for healing.  It is in a private location on land that affords beautiful mountain views, has a pasture with horses and alpaca, and many places for quiet contemplation.  Each of the bedrooms has its own adjoining bathroom, so you will enjoy your privacy in this beautiful old home, which feels much like a cozy bed and breakfast. 

                    This is what one of the bedrooms looks like.

             And this is one of the bathrooms in the retreat center.

    ** Our group will be the only people at the retreat center with the exception of one other person, who happens to also be a counselor, who will prepare our meals for us.**

When do the retreats take place and how long do we meet?

      Our retreats take place in the Spring and Fall of each year, the latest date is listed above.  At the retreats, we start to work right away on Friday afternoon and continue throughout the weekend until late afternoon on Sunday.  Once you register, closer to the date of the retreat, information will be shared with you regarding specific times and agendas.

Who can attend these retreats?

     These retreats are intended for any woman or man that has lost a child to abortion.  Further, grandparents and siblings may also attend in order to grieve the loss of their family member.  If a couple has lost a child together to abortion, we recommend that you attend a weekend retreat individually first, and then together as a couple. 

What about Miscarriages?

                 We also honor pregnancy losses that occur from miscarriages through these healing retreats as well.  During the weekend, you will have the opportunity to acknowledge and honor the dignity of the lives of all of your children, and losses.  We recognize that all of your losses matter and that grieving these losses is absolutely valid and necessary for complete healing to take place.

How much do the retreats cost?

     We are now offering the retreats free of charge to those who feel God's leading to attend.  The cost of the retreats are being covered by donations that we have received here at Oaks Studio.  All materials, meals and your two night stay are covered at no charge to you. 

Are the meals provided for the weekend?

     Yes, our meals are all lovingly prepared from scratch on site in the beautiful estate kitchen.  If you have special dietary needs, such as sugar free or gluten free for example, please, let us know and we will accommodate you as best we can by making modifications in our meal planning.

Are the materials needed for the weekend provided?

     All materials are provided at no cost to you.

What should I bring with me to the retreat?

     You should bring comfortable clothes and shoes to wear for the weekend, any toiletries that you may need and your Bible, if you would like.  Also, you may bring bedtime snacks, if you would like.  We encourage you to leave your laptops, ipods and ipads at home for the weekend and really "unplug" so that you will reap the fullest benefits possible from the weekend.  Cell phones are fine, but we ask that you leave them off during our group sessions and during your own quiet healing sessions; and use them on a very limited basis over the weekend, so that you may fully focus your time and energy on the work at hand.

Linens are provided by the retreat center, so no need to pack these either.

***If we have failed to answer any question you may have, simply give us a quick call and we'll be glad to speak with you and answer your specific questions, call 828.403.6477.***