Attendees across the Atlantic Union gathered at Camp Berkshire from Sept. 19–21 for the 2025 Prayer Ministries Retreat, themed “Positioned for Power.” Representatives from all six conferences came together to seek God’s presence, align their hearts with His will, and receive the Holy Spirit’s power to move forward in mission, inspired by the biblical promise in Acts 1:8.
The weekend provided participants with a chance to step away from the busyness of life and enter a space of reflection, renewal, and communion through prayer. Services included moments of praise and worship, testimonies of God’s goodness, and time set aside for fellowship among prayer coordinators and church members.
Guest speaker James Yansen Jr., pastor of the Hyde Park Seventh-day Adventist Church in Boston, delivered messages that challenged and encouraged hearts. Michelle Hill, Prayer Ministries and Women’s Ministries director for the Bermuda Conference—and the first female commissioned pastor in the conference—brought a message of hope and inspiration that resonated deeply with attendees.
“We felt the presence of the Holy Spirit this weekend,” said Angela Beras, director of Atlantic Union Conference Prayer Ministries. “I am grateful for everyone who attended, and thank the Lord for all of His blessings.”
Prayer Ministries coordinators throughout the union led and supported the retreat, with seminar presenters covering topics such as “Prayer and Prophecy” and “How to Start an Effective Prayer Ministry.” On Sunday, Dana Brady, Prayer Ministries coordinator for the Northern New England Conference, shared her testimony of deliverance from an abusive relationship and her return to the Christian faith after feeling abandoned by God. She credited the intercessory prayers of her grandfather and his profound spiritual influence for guiding her through her darkest days. Attendees were visibly moved as she shared her story.
In addition to structured programming, participants spent time in a dedicated prayer room and engaged with interactive stations where they could leave praises and prayer requests. Many testified afterward to the power of prayer, with one attendee simply summing up the experience: “Personally, I feel very blessed.”
The retreat closed with a symbolic outdoor service that left a lasting impression. Attendees gathered in a circle and released balloons into the blue sky, representing the surrender of their burdens, hopes, and dreams into God’s hands. As the balloons floated upward, people wiped tears from their eyes and cried out, “Hallelujah” and “Thank you, Lord,” in both English and Spanish. The moment carried a sense of euphoria and release, underscoring the retreat’s theme of being positioned for power through prayer.
Organizers collected contact information from participants to encourage continued connection and accountability. Attendees will have the opportunity to stay in touch and serve as prayer partners for one another in the months ahead, extending the retreat’s impact well beyond the weekend.
View the album on the Atlantic Union Conference Facebook page for additional photos.
