Texico Women’s Ministries Unites in Faith and Health

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – “Soy hija del Rey, no soy cualquier mujer, soy escogida, amada, perdonada y llamada. Recibo esta corona como símbolo de mi identidad en Cristo. Caminaré con fe, valentía y propósito. ¡Viviré en victoria, porque Cristo ya venció!” (“I am a daughter of the King; I am not just any woman. I am chosen, loved, forgiven, and called. I receive this crown as a symbol of my identity in Christ. I will walk with faith, courage and purpose. I will live in victory because Christ has already overcome!”)

These powerful words echoed throughout the hall as women from across the Texico Conference came together for a weekend of spiritual renewal, healing and celebration at the 2025 Texico Women’s Retreat, held Oct. 24-26, in Albuquerque, N.M.

This year’s event marked the first conference-wide retreat for Spanish-speaking women under the leadership of Maria Teresa Flores, Texico Women’s Ministries director. With a new format, the Texico Conference will now alternate retreats annually between Spanish and English audiences, allowing for greater participation and cultural connection across the territory.

Themed “Vive en Victoria, Cristo ha Vencido” (“Live in Victory, Christ Has Overcome”), the weekend was filled with activities focused on strengthening the women’s spiritual, mental and physical well-being. Early morning walks, interactive sessions and inspiring messages helped participants refocus on living victorious lives through Christ.

The retreat featured guest speakers, including Marjorie Peláez de Rodríguez, psychologist, and Sofía Delima, general director of the online radio  program Corazones en Sintonía (Hearts in Tune). Their sessions centered on mental health, emotional healing and the theological foundation for living victoriously through God’s grace.

As part of this year’s outreach activity focused on heart health, participants attended sessions led by Josué Yin, who shared valuable insights on caring for the heart and overall well-being. Local women’s ministries departments from various churches also brought handmade heart-shaped pillows that will be donated to local hospitals and patients recovering from surgery, extending compassion and encouragement to the community. On Sabbath afternoon, attendees dressed in red to symbolize heart health and unity, reinforcing the importance of caring for both body and spirit.

Saúl Flores, pastor of Albuquerque North Valley Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church and Albuquerque La Roca Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church, led a workshop from Adventist World Radio on evangelism through cell phones, showing participants how to share the Gospel digitally by sending inspirational messages, leading Bible studies through apps like WhatsApp and connecting with others for prayer and spiritual conversations.

Throughout the weekend, laughter and fellowship filled the air. Women enjoyed a joyful social night that strengthened bonds and created lasting memories.

The retreat concluded with a moving consecration ceremony on Sunday morning. Dressed in white, symbolizing purity and the hope of heaven, women were reminded that they will one day receive a new name and crown. The ceremony served as a moment of reflection and empowerment, affirming each woman’s identity as a daughter of the King, chosen, loved and forgiven.

As the weekend came to a close, participants left renewed and inspired to live victoriously, embracing the truth that “Cristo ya venció” (“Christ has already overcome”).

Under Flores’ leadership, the Texico Women’s Ministries Department continues to grow, uniting women from across New Mexico and West Texas to seek healing, faith and strength in Christ. The new alternating retreat format promises to expand the ministry’s reach, providing meaningful opportunities for all women in the conference to connect and grow together.

By Debby Marquez

Communication Director