march 2012
CityLight.org
5
T
he CityLight Esther Women of Influence
gathered in Myrtle Beach, SC to celebrate at
their annual three day retreat . The retreat is held
every year during the last weekend in January. The
theme for 2012 was "Women in Transition." The
retreat was held at the Landmark Hotel and Re-
sort. Luella Redfern, the group's National Direc-
tor, called the retreat a weekend of blessings.
The retreat opened with powerful praise and wor-
ship by Pastor Sylvia Mickens, Executive Director
of Christ Central Columbia. Mickens, ushered
the group into the presence of God with prayers
for women worldwide. "We are here in minis-
try to minister to each other and to the world,"
Mickens said.
The conference
was attended by
women from all
over the United
States. The meet-
ing had repre-
sentation from
all parts of the
country. Speak-
ers were from
Oklahoma City,
OK; Charleston,
SC; Columbia,
SC; and sev-
eral other cities.
Conference staff,
Annette Balaguer and Angela Kitchens, were
excited about the diversity in the registration.
Pearl Holloway, a CityLight Esther Director
from Saluda, SC, had the largest registered
group to attend the conference. Holloway com-
mented on this being "the best conference yet!"
CityLight founders, Joe and Gladys Grimaud,
were the featured speakers for the opening session
on Friday night. The Grimauds started CityLight
nearly 15 years ago with the Tony Evans Cru-
sade, at Williams Brice stadium, with over 80,000
people attending. Responding to a divided and
broken community, split over the confederate flag
controversy, the Grimauds led a crusade to unite
the community with the love of Christ.
In her opening remarks, Gladys Grimaud used the
life of Queen Esther of the Bible as an example of
the power of a submitted life. "Submission is not a
bad word," Grimaud said. Esther's obedience to God,
submission to her elder cousin, Mordecai (who raised
her) and submission to the King's eunuch, Hegai
(who was in charge of her) put her in a position that
allowed her to save her nation from annihilation.
Mrs. Grimaud stirred deep emotions within the
group with story
of Esther. "Prayer
is the answer,"
she said. Women
can get our hus-
bands to respond
to their needs by
being in prayer;
showing their
inner and outer
beauty through
submission.
When Queen Es-
ther learned about
the fate of her
people, she not
only prayed and
fasted, but she prepared for her entrance into the
King's court with the attitude, "If I perish, I per-
ish." Esther walked into the presence of the King
under the anointing of God. The King responded
by extending his scepter, he offered Esther any-
thing she wanted up to half of his kingdom. This
is the power of prayer and a submitted will to
the plan of God.
Gladys also quoted some excerpts from one of
C.S. Lewis' books, "Mere Christianity." There is
Continued on pg 14-17
The CityLight esther Women of Influence Celebrated
"Women in transition" at their 6th Annual retreat
by: Luella Redfern