Joy, Worship, and Sisterhood: 2025 Ladies’ Spring Fling at Arbor Christian Fellowship

A Heartfelt Afternoon of Worship, Testimony, Prayer, and Fellowship as Women of All Ages Gather to Celebrate God’s Faithfulness and Each Other

Saturday, May 10, 2025 | Mother’s Day Weekend | 12:00–3:00 p.m.

This past Mother’s Day weekend, the women of Arbor Christian Fellowship gathered for an unforgettable afternoon of joy, worship, creativity, and heartfelt connection at our annual Ladies’ Spring Fling. Hosted on Saturday, May 10th from noon to 3 p.m., the event was a beautiful blend of spiritual refreshment and celebration—welcoming women of all ages to come together in the love and presence of God.

The fellowship hall was alive with warmth and anticipation as the event began with a charming and uplifting performance by The Arbor Angels—also known as The Cousins—singing “Heaven is a Wonderful Place.” Their harmonies and joyful spirit set a sweet and sacred tone for the afternoon. Among the many touching moments was a moving duet by Ruth and Rudy Dignadice, a beloved mother-daughter team whose performance brought many to tears. Their song captured the depth of God’s love and the beauty of generational faith, inspiring hearts across the room.

Our event was gracefully emceed by Linda Baldwin, Women’s Ministries Director and the event’s fearless leader. Linda had the special honor of sharing a very personal and joyful video message from her granddaughter, missionary Allyson Roestorf, who serves with her husband Wikus in South Africa. For months, the women of Arbor had faithfully lifted Allyson and Wikus in prayer, asking God to bless them with a child. With tears of joy and gratitude, the room erupted in celebration as Allyson shared the incredible news—she and Wikus are expecting their first baby.

This announcement was more than just a happy update; it was a profound answer to prayer, a testimony to God's perfect timing and faithfulness. The moment was filled with hugs, praise, and joyful tears of thanksgiving, as many in the room had been part of the prayer journey leading to this miracle. It reminded us all that God hears every cry of the heart and is faithful to fulfill His promises in His perfect way.

As the celebration continued, Prayer Warrior Carol Allen took a moment to inspire and challenge the women with wisdom drawn from recent ministry gatherings. She shared spiritual insights and prayer instruction from the Ascent Prayer Summit as well as the California Women’s Missionary Union event held the Saturday before. Carol emphasized the power and responsibility of intercessory prayer and reminded us how every believer can be part of God’s mission through prayer.

She also brought a sobering and heartfelt report from the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams currently serving at the 2025 Southern California wildfires. Volunteers, many of them retired and experienced, had spent hours sifting through ashes to help families recover precious items—heirlooms, valuables, and mementos. Carol highlighted how these Southern Baptist teams are highly respected, often working alongside the Red Cross, as a trusted arm of compassion and practical help in times of crisis.

Carol also shared a powerful takeaway from conference speaker Pastor Steve Yu, who encouraged believers to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), grounded in God’s Word. His message was bold, biblical, and uplifting—calling each of us to counsel, correct, and encourage one another through Scripture. The event also featured an incredible selection of Biblical counseling resources, including books for children. “Everyone just really enjoyed him,” Carol said, capturing the spirit of encouragement he brought.

Of course, no Arbor tea is complete without an exquisite spread, and this Spring Fling was no exception. Attendees enjoyed delectable, handcrafted delicacies, fresh fruit, grilled protein selections, and incredible desserts, all paired with freshly brewed hot and iced teas. Each table was lovingly prepared, offering a place for conversation, laughter, and encouragement.

Following the meal, Elizabeth Johnson and Ruth Dignadice led a creative craft activity where each attendee created a paper mâché butterfly—a fitting symbol of new life, transformation, and the freedom we have in Christ.

A cherished tradition at our women’s gatherings is the time set aside to pray for missionaries who are celebrating their birthdays that day. Led by Tina Johnson, each woman took a moment to honor active and retired Southern Baptist missionaries by name, affirming our commitment to global missions through prayer.

The afternoon concluded with an unforgettable message from our keynote speaker, Yukko Akuna, a missionary to Japan. She shared a deeply moving testimony of faith, hope, and service, including her experience ministering in the aftermath of the devastating 2011 tsunami—the most powerful in recorded history. Her story of perseverance, love, and unwavering trust in God deeply impacted everyone in attendance and reminded us of the eternal hope we have in Christ.

As the final notes of worship faded and the last cups of tea were sipped, women lingered to help cleanup, pray together, and embrace one another with full hearts. It was more than an event—it was a holy gathering of sisters in Christ.

If you’ve never attended a Women’s Ministries event at Arbor, we warmly invite you to come. You will be welcomed, encouraged, and strengthened. You will laugh, maybe cry, and most certainly feel the love of God and the fellowship of women walking faithfully together.

At Arbor Christian Fellowship, you are not just a number—you are family. Every woman has a unique and valuable place in God’s Kingdom. Come join us, and be refreshed, renewed, and reminded that you are deeply loved.