12th Annual Retreat
We are excited to announce that the 12th Annual Northwest Arkansas Beautiful Girls Retreat will be held on March 13th and 14th, 2020 at the Embassy Suites in Rogers, AR. This year’s theme is “Beautiful Life.” At this years retreat each participant will explore their past, present and future to recognize the unique ‘beautiful life’ God has gifted them with. Girls Retreat has grown into a national retreat welcoming girls and women from all over the United States. This community based retreat develops the spiritual journey, esteem, and identity of each person that walks through the door.
Our 2020 Sponsors
Speakers
Our speakers are grounded and the message listeners receive is trustworthy. We invite the best national speakers, community leaders, peers and girls ministry leaders. Our teaching is developmentally appropriate and target the true needs of today’s women. BGR is interdenominational encouraging community to come together in unity of the theme. We are passionate to see a generation rise up and take their place in leading, character, and as world changers.
Main Speakers
Tori Harper
Singer/songwriter Tori Harper desires to speak truth over people through the original songs she writes. Tori seeks to vulnerably share her experiences and the ways in which she’s seen God work in her own life in the hopes she can inspire others to replace the lies in their head with truth. After struggling with depression, the Franklin, Tenn., native became divinely reminded that God sees her. This became a turning point in her journey that sparked a renewed commitment. Tori began to root her identity and to acutely notice other people’s heartache. Her songs are an effort to respond to people’s hurt from a place of deep authenticity and relatability. As a budding songwriter, she’s had the opportunity to co-write with Cindy Morgan, Mia Fieldes and All Sons & Daughters, among other artists. As a vocalist, she’s contributed background vocals recorded by Chris Tomlin and Tenth Avenue North.
Breakout Speakers
Abigail Howard
Abigail Howard is a nineteen year old senior in high school, who is an advocate for high fives and hugs. She loves to be with people and is always up for a fun adventure. She currently goes to Providence Academy where she serves on the Night of Worship leadership team and is the girls discipleship leader. Abigail has a passion for middle school and high school girls and wants everyone to know of Christ’s redemptive work. She plans on attending and playing soccer at Ouachita Baptist University after high school.
Christy Martin
Being busy with ‘good things’ was just enough to keep Christy distracted and not pursuing the only thing that really mattered. But a big move and the decision to give-up several idols in her life allowed her to discover what God had for her all along! Because of what God’s graciously shown her, Christy is now extremely passionate about helping others get into God’s Word and know Him better. Whether it’s daily reading plans, simple disciplines, prayer journaling or using what you’ve learned to teach the next generation, Christy hopes her experiences can help others see how reading the Bible will be the best and most important part of each day!
Cheryl Smith
Cheryl is a wife, a momma, a worshipper and a warrior, leading women’s ministry for 15 years. Cheryl lived behind a mask of perfectionism, fear, anxiety, people pleasing and never feeling good enough for many years. Her identity was defined by “what” she did, not “who” she was. She has shared her story on Right Now Media through a bible study called “Fear and Faith” written by Trillia Newbell. Cheryl says, “There is FREEDOM that awaits all our brokenness, all our mess, all our shame, all our hurts, all our past. I know this…because Jesus did it for me and I have faith He will do it for you.” More of Him, less of me-John 3:30. Cheryl loves warm desserts (especially chocolate), fresh flowers, and painting floral on canvas. She began leading worship as a little girls, lining up her stuffed animals and turning her hairbrush into a microphone.
Devotional Speakers
Mary Beth Sorg
Mary Beth Sorg is a creative girl living in Springdale, Arkansas, who loves to read, write, garden, and take pictures. If you know her personally, she is kind, humble, witty, and a modern Anne of Green Gables! She loves the Lord her God with all of her heart and strives to be genuine and not fake in her Christianity. Her life verse is 1 Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light." It reminds her that she is chosen by God to fulfill the purpose He has given her. Mary Beth desires to make everyone feel like a true princess of the King, hoping to be an example to live differently.
Emma Sweeney
Emma is 17 years old, and has lived in Arkansas almost all her life. She enjoys spending her time playing music, taking pictures, or reading. Like a lot of young Christian teens, she finds it hard to live as a believer in a very secular world. But she is learning to rely fully on Christ in this ever changing world. She is so excited to share with you and hopes she can help you live out your Beautiful Life.
Joana Valdez
Joana is a senior at Bentonville High School. She is also a member of the Bentonville Marching band and Internship program. She is a small group leader for Things Above girls discipleship on Wednesday nights. Joana interns for the NWA Beautiful Girls retreat, leading donations, creating a first ever Spanish track for mothers, and learning event planning. This year Joana has the opportunity to travel to NYC to be the Banner Carrier for the Macy’s Great American Marching Band! When not doing homework or volunteering Joana is day dreaming about Disney. Her favorite Disney character is Jasmine from Aladdin.