A PLACE TO REST. A SPACE TO RECEIVE
OCTOBER 9-11, 2026 RESERVE YOUR PLACE
Are you feeling spiritually dry, overwhelmed by life’s demands, or simply in need of a sacred pause? The Olive Leaf Retreat is your invitation to step away from the noise and rediscover the peace and purpose God has for you.
Rest.
Come away and experience the gift of slowing down.
Connect.
Share meals, moments and laughter with women who know.
Receive.
Anchored in worship and renewed in His presence.
Meet Your Hosts
Jenn and Teresa knew God was calling them to create sacred space for women to step away from the noise and hear again the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit.
Teresa Janzen
Jenn Dafoe-Turner
Meet This Year’s Speakers
Karen Dittman
Thriving on the Hamster Wheel
As a mom, Karen has supported her kids through Five Big A’s: Adoption, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism and Addiction…
Read Full Bio & Details
Karen Dittman is a speaker and writer who is passionate about helping women find God’s grace in the middle of life’s most chaotic seasons. Her 25+ years of parenting has been bookended by infertility and conceiving a bio child at 46. She has seen it all and thrives because of it, sharing her journey with honesty and humor.
Talk Title: Thriving on the Hamster Wheel: Finding Peace in the Chaos
Summary: Life can feel like a never-ending cycle of demands, but God offers us a different rhythm. In this session, Karen helps women encounter God’s presence in the midst of chaos through “The Grace Cycle” and a simple daily rhythm that moves us from surviving to thriving.
Sarah Schwerin
From Setback to Setup
Sarah is an author and Bible teacher who encourages audiences to discover God’s faithfulness in every season of life…
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Sarah Schwerin is an author, Bible teacher, and speaker with Stonecroft Ministries and Enlightened Bible Studies. Through her engaging presentations, she encourages audiences to discover God’s faithfulness, find hope in every season, and deepen their walk with Christ. Her writing has appeared in Mature Living, Bible Advocate, and The Upper Room. She is also the author of the historical novel The Willow Still Sings, a story that weaves together themes of resilience, redemption, and enduring hope. Sarah delights in sharing biblical truth through both teaching and storytelling, inspiring others to trust God in every chapter of life.
Talk Title: From Setback to Setup: Climbing Out of What Holds You Back
Description: Have you ever been stuck in a pit of hopelessness? Has something been done to you, or have you made decisions that left you feeling that there was no way out? God wants to heal us from the shame and trauma we carry. He wants us to live lives full of joy and peace. Using biblical examples and life stories, Sarah gives listeners a plan to find hope and healing amid circumstances that threaten to drag them under.
Ginger
Information coming soon
Testimonials
“What a wonderful time of relaxation, faith-filled encouragement, and connection with other women! I went home refreshed and ready to face the everyday stuff of life again.”
– Lora Avery
Location & Details
October 9th-11th, 2026
Gull Lake Ministries
Hickory Corners, MI
Email for more information: info@oliveleafretreat.com

