When an experience is personal, it becomes a story. Its significance can no longer be captured in just a few short words. Stories reflect the impact of an event on our lives. So it’s no small accomplishment that so many of our guests have stories to share about their visit to WinShape Retreat. Please enjoy a few of them here.
“My wife and I attended a marriage intensive this past weekend at WinShape Retreat. WOW what an awesome blessing this facility was for our marriage. My wife and I arrived Thursday night with a lot of hurt and desperation that I personally didn’t see any answer for or relief from. The minute we arrived in the parking lot, God took us in His arms and started some long overdue healing. I know now why they call these events ‘intensives’ as the emotions of this weekend were very intense at times.
I had the privilege of not only watching healing occur in my marriage but some serious breakthroughs in 4 others too. One couple that said “Monday we file for divorce…this is our last option” – they were holding hands by Sunday. The Holy Spirit of God worked in a powerful and amazing way.”
Shared from a couple attending an ACM Marriage Intensive at WinShape Retreat by counselor:
Tim Bowman, LPC
“Our trip to WinShape Retreat for the Prepare to Last Retreat was an amazing experience. The staff was very pleasant and serving. The rooms were spotless and furnished better than any hotel I have been to. The time spent in a media free environment was priceless, it was so nice to not have to worry about email, TV, calls and such. The time spent in quiet with my fiance and the Lord was a much needed refreshing experience. The programming was also very beneficial and enjoyable. God really used the weekend to bring my fiance and me much closer together and gave us a refreshing breather from the busyness of planning a wedding. It felt like we were a couple again. Praise God for teaching us so much about Himself and each other.”
Nate Moore
“I just wanted to pass on that we had a really productive, romantic and valuable time at the Courageous Hearts Retreat. It may have been the best weekend since our honeymoon. We’ve recommended WinShape Retreat to a number of friends and to our marriage counselor. We plan on coming back next year to refresh. You guys are doing marvelous work.”
Gary and Becky Cundiff
Johnson City, TN
“I want to tell you something from my heart. I was very surprised, excited, open minded. All in the same moments this past weekend. I can not say anything at all that would even define the time we had this weekend. My wife Angela and me were very receptive to everything that happened and are on a road toward being closer to God. That in turn will bring us closer and then our family closer. We could have taken a bad food moment, but even that did not happen. If there was a word to cap off the entire time their it would be “powerful” We can not thank your staff their and our church Smart United Methodist Church for everything that has been done for me and my wife. What a place, an awesome place.”
Paul Walls
WinShape Retreat Courageous Heart
“We absolutely loved our retreat – we think it was our best Stephen Leader retreat yet. Normandy is spectacular, with the re-do, and was simply perfect for our group. Our group seemed to share at a deeper spiritual level than we ever have before, and yet we had lots of laughter as well. The weather didn’t hurt, either! As always, everyone who responded to our requests was courteous, servant hearted and gracious, as well as being quick to take care of us. What a place, and what a group of people you all are. It’s truly remarkable to see the body of Christ in such beautifully coordinated service and caring. The introduction Friday night was especially fun, as we got to hear some facts we hadn’t heard before. Thank you for the work you put into making our retreat wonderful.”
Marilyn Shinn
Fellowship Bible, Roswell
“Last weekend my wife Michelle and I attended the “Marriage Under Fire” seminar at WinShape Retreat. It was our first trip to WinShape Retreat, and Rome, Georgia, and we were blown away. Neither of us had ever heard of Berry College or Martha Berry, but first impressions are lasting impressions. Both of us agreed that Berry College is EXACTLY the place that we want our two young sons to attend college. From the moment we drove onto the main campus, we felt peace and we felt like it was home.
When we made it to the Mountain Campus and WinShape, our eyes were met with some of the most beautiful architecture and landscape we have seen. We were warmly greeted at our car by staff that took our bags to our room. Once inside the Grand Chalet, the friendly staff made us feel at home and directed us to our wonderful room. I have lived in a college dorm, and spend a lot of travel time in various hotels. The lodging at WinShape Retreat is top-notch and gave both of us peace almost immediately. The “Daily Bread” CD playing when we walked into the room contributed to the nice atmosphere, and other little details made it very enjoyable to just “be.” The lack of television and computer media were a welcome surprise.
The meeting hall was very comfortable and the acoustics were great. The programming definitely strengthened our already-good marriage. The McElroys are a good teaching team and are very friendly. Forever Families and Serving Marriages are definitely on the right track. So many people need to hear their message.
The dining room was phenomenal. The staff was amazingly polite and had a service oriented spirit that was very evident. Thank you for choosing the staff that you have. Careful selection of the right team takes a lot of skill and your team members made my wife and I feel like we were part of your family. The food was wonderful and the sweet tea was perfect. Every meal was a joy.
We will definitely be returning to WinShape Retreat at least once a year for a weekend of recharging and refocusing ourselves. I have and will continue to sing the praises of WinShape, Serving Marriages and the rest of the team that makes the total package such a wonderful experience. I will continue checking the various web sites affiliated with WinShape to find programs that are right for Michelle and me, and recommend programs to our friends to strengthen their marriages.”
Sincerely,
Adrian Breedlove
There is no doubt about the care & service at WinShape Retreat!! You are the Ritz Carlton of Rome. We, in the tourism office, are so happy to have partners like WinShape Retreat. You make Rome look good….no great!!
Thanks, Linda
Rome CVB
“I have always been impressed with the grounds on the WinShape Retreat campus as well as the staff. Each person I came in contact with was very courteous and friendly. It was an honor and a privilege to actually serve on staff at the Retreat. I also stayed in the rooms at times and they were always clean; I never had a complaint. Overall, the campus is gorgeous and I would highly recommend people to come and stay at WinShape Retreat. It truly is a little piece of heaven.”
Laura Shannon
“Yesterday I wrapped up my 6th marriage intensive at WinShape Retreat in Rome, GA. It is difficult to describe the joy and fulfillment I feel after one of these weekends. Once again God showed up in a huge way and tore down walls and reconciled his people to himself and to each other in marriage. There were 5 couples present, two of which I was especially concerned about. If God hadn’t done a work in their hearts, there would be no possibility of reconciliation. All five couples made significant progress, and have hope even though there was no hope prior (including the two I was most concerned about). Here is what one couple said “We were truly blessed and can’t wait to see what else God has in store for our marriage in the future! It was a weekend we will NEVER forget.” Everyone makes tremendous progress when they attend an intensive weekend, but I am convinced that God uses intensives to reach some couples that cannot be reached under any other circumstances. That was certainly the case this weekend.
Atlanta Center for Marriages’s next intensive will be Jan 28-31 and I have two spots left. If you know someone who could benefit from attending, send them my way.”
Tim Bowman, LPC
“My wife and I recently stayed with you for the SonScape Pastor/Wife 7 day retreat. We experienced the love of Christ at WinShape Retreat. We left refreshed, restored and renewed. While there I read Mr. Cathy’s book and was greatly encouraged. My wife, Lori, and I have been married for 22 years and the Lord has blessed us with five daughters. The week we spent with you is now counted as among the best weeks of our 22 year marriage. The impact, I think, will be felt for years to come.”
Ray Rhodes
“I wish to express my appreciation for the fabulous hospitality your staff provided this week while I was there for the Thirst Conference. I was previously responsible for training at 25 resort hotels at Walt Disney World. Because of my hospitality experience with a company renown for superior service I have very high expectations and a critical eye. That said, the entire Winshape team did an absolutely incredible job! In addition to great hospitality, the food was delicious and the rooms, facilities, and grounds were immaculate. Kudos to you and your entire staff.”
Don Levonius
Thirst Conference
“The hospitality and personal attention extended to us last weekend at WinShape Retreat was genuinely extraordinary - it was only matched by the beauty of the grounds, and the palpable presence of Christ. WinShape is a place that positions the mind, heart and soul to receive the Lord in a deep way. We are blessed recipients of Miss Berry’s vision and your ongoing faithfulness and provision. You and your staff are truly the hands and feet of Christ. Each one of us were ministered unto in a rich way. We look forward to experiencing more enriching retreat on your grounds. Thank you again for making it so memorable, so special.”
Jana Harmon and Bill Smith
C.S. Lewis Institute of Atlanta
“THANK YOU is just a small token of my appreciation for the amazing weekend you assisted me in planning for our first marriage retreat. Your staff was the BEST I have encountered in a very long time. Everyone one was very helpful always wanting to know what they could do to assist us. Our pastor was so moved with the retreat that it brought him to tears on Sunday with how amazing God is and how amazing God’s country is, because that is exactly what your retreat is: GOD COUNTRY!”
Tami Goodwin
Atlanta Church of Christ in Gwinnett
“Katy and I were engaged on Easter Sunday 2009, shortly after we were at WinShape for the premarital retreat. Our wedding was two weeks ago. We are blessed and know God did a wonderful work in our lives. Our experience at WinShape was “significant” to the development of our relationship and our move to marriage in a Godly union.”
Mark
Prepare to Last
“Kevin and I had a great weekend!! God is truely using you all at WinShape to change lives and impact marriages. We have a great marriage, but we had encouraged two couples to go to Retreat and were curious to find out more for ourselves. It was such a fun time for us. We enjoyed listening to Grant and Monique and the worship times were wonderful. Everything about the weekend was good.”
LeeAnne
Romantic Adventure
PS - Both of our friends who came to retreats at WinShape have healed marriages! One couple had been married thirty years and had filed for divorce. They only went to Retreat so they could tell their children they had tried everything. God changed their hearts and their lives. They are now ministering to couples at their church!! Thankyou.”