New Beginnings for Selah Journeys

Photo by Mary Meirink September 2019: The entrance to Glorious Hope Ministries’ first retreat, now doing business as Selah Journeys.

Selah’s New Wine Skins: An Important Update

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost and the skins as well; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.” Mark 2:22 NAS

To you, my dear Selah friend.

It has been my privilege and honor to serve as Founding Director & President of Glorious Hope Ministries, Inc. doing business as Selah Journeys. We incorporated August 2019 with a dream to host gatherings for women where the primary vehicle of healing would be connection. Our first retreat was October 2019 at Selah Retreat Center in Arcadia, MO where twenty ladies joined from twelve churches! We had no idea how to run a retreat, but we did know one thing. We would gather at the cross as we focused on Jesus and in showing care for one another.

The simplicity of our beginnings remained throughout our last seven years with; numerous retreats, Saturday Mornings of Connection, Zoom gatherings during Covid, and Scripture meditations called Lectio Divina. We celebrated the beauty of God’s presence in community and in quiet times alone. Here are a few testimonies.

“I was nourished in a safe, loving, and peaceful environment. It is so important to have a safe place to let your walls down, to be yourself, and to know that you are loved and accepted as your heart is held safely.”

“This weekend gave me a renewed sense of hope and strength for my journey.”

“I was able to slow down, to exhale, to breathe, and to make room for more of God.”

“My hope was refreshed as I laid down my burdens at the cross.”

“The best part was the heart-to-heart talks, release of concerns, prayers, and great counsel from women of like minds.”

“It was great meeting women of God from so many churches. What a small world!”

It is with deep gratitude that I share about a new phase of ministry for Selah Journeys. I have joyful peace about our transition. I am also mindful that this news might initially stir sadness in some. I pause to honor your heart…

After seasons of prayer and godly counsel, I am stepping away from Selah Journeys, including my roles of Director and President. It is understandable that you might question. Why? The best way I can describe it is that the grace has lifted. I am drawn to focus on my full-time service in chaplaincy, in prayers, in writing, and in offering Saturday morning appointments. Other than that, I do not know what the future holds. I do, however, know Who holds the future. And the future is good! In case you are wondering, there is no scandal on my end. (We live in a time when such things merit clarification.)  

Selah will continue with fresh vision and new wine skins! Pam Caldwell and Diana King have graciously accepted their new leadership positions and responsibilities with Pam as Selah’s President and Diana as Secretary/Treasurer. Our Board of Directors are supportive of this change.

You are in capable hands that have labored among us since our beginnings. The path of Selah Journeys will continue to grow brighter unto the full day!

I encourage you to pray for Pam and Diana and support them as you already have been doing. They will be reaching out soon.

Most importantly… Stay connected with Jesus, yourself, and others. There is healing in connection.

You can stay in touch with me through my website at HopefulConversation.com. Contact me through email: mary@hopeconversations.org.

I look forward to being Selah’s biggest fan!

Love always & forever,

Mary Meirink