Hope
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Hope

A retreat for grieving parents

April 11-13, 2025

Are you grieving the loss of a child?

Muskoka Bible Centre is offering a unique retreat for bereaved parents. Our retreat facilitators, David and Lisa Elliott, have a genuine understanding of grief as they have lost their own son, Ben, in 2009. They come with personal experience, Biblical teaching and practical tools that will help you navigate steps toward healing and hope on this unpredictable journey. We welcome parents to join in this safe space with others who understand the devastation of losing a child. Our prayer is that you will return home connected to others, encouraged and reminded of God’s faithfulness.

Please Note: This retreat is designed for couples or singles who come with support.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Shelagh Raymer at shelagh.raymer@muskokabible.com

Teachers

Dave & Lisa Elliott

Dave & Lisa Elliott
Read about David & Lisa Elliott

David and Lisa Elliott are happily married and have been serving together in pastoral ministry for almost 40 years. They have been blessed with 4 children (3 on earth, 1 in heaven). Since the death of their son, they have facilitated 20+ grief support groups. Lisa is the author of two award-winning, grief-related books: The Ben Ripple; Choosing to Live through Loss with Purpose and Dancing in the Rain; One Family’s Journey through Grief and Loss.

Visit Lisa at: lisaelliottstraightfromtheheart.wordpress.com

Weekend Itinerary

Friday

Registration begins at 4pm, followed by dinner at 5:30pm.

EVENING – Session 1 – Be (The effects of losing a child)
how losing a child affects us

Saturday

MORNING – Session 2 – Be You (Self-care) – caring for yourself after the loss of a child

BREAK

Session 2 – Be You (continued)

AFTERNOON – Session 3 – Be Together (Marriage and Family) – dealing with the uniqueness of grief within your marriage and family

EVENING – Session 4 – Be Aware (Others) – managing relationships with others as you grieve)

Sunday

MORNING – Session 5 – Be Still (God) – connecting with God during your grief

Accommodations

Please refer to our website for accommodation selections*. 20% discount on accommodations for MBC retreats. 

All prices are plus HST

Meals & Program

Program, 6 meals and 2 snacks — $316.70/person.

All prices are plus HST

Program Only

$150/person.

All prices are plus HST

* Accommodation options are subject to availability. Please call the office at 705-789-0123 if you have any questions.

Media Kit

If you need any promotional material to share, you can download posters and slides from the links below.

“An excellent opportunity to connect with others on a similar journey of grief; to learn from each other, encourage each other and to be reminded of God’s faithfulness and promises. Hearing how God has showed up through hurt strengthened our faith! This retreat offered hope for the hurting and practical ways to move forward through grief.”

-Hope, 2023

“I reluctantly attended this retreat because I did not want to ‘walllow’ in my grief. I’m so glad I did. It was emotionally challenging but spiritually recharging.”

– Hope, 2023