Testimonials
Kara Hill:
Cursillo a short course in living the Christian faith is designed to provide a framework for continued spiritual growth and development of Christians in local churches and in the world. Cursillo is a 3 day retreat weekend filled with short talks, lively music, fellowship, small group discussion, and fabulous food. Each weekend is led by lay people and ordained clergy from Presbyterian Churches in LA and the surrounding area. You may be asking yourself…what is so great about a retreat with fellow Presbyterians? Well, I would like to share my story with you.
I was reared in a home with two loving church going parents and I have continued this through my adult life. Going to church for me was not just sitting in a pew. I was involved in the church. I am an elected deacon, elder, taught Sunday school, play in the hand bells, and attended Sunday school when not teaching. I have attended church camp after church camp; for I was living the life of a Christian through and through. Or was I? In April 2002, I walked into my home after a recent shopping trip to my local Wal-Mart to find a 5 page legal side letter from my then current husband sitting on the counter. Right before my eyes my life was unraveling. Here I was at the top of my career, top of my spiritual growth as a Christian and wham…a failing marriage!!!! Why had God failed me in the one aspect of my life that I thought was going alright? I was broken and torn. I needed a new purpose, a new direction, and a new relationship. I was leaving church one Sunday morning when I was stopped by Rob, an active member, elder, you know the perfect JOE PEW SITTER. Rob said to me, “my wife and I would like you to take the opportunity to renew yourself.” I said, “super this is what I was looking forward to. Rob was about to send me to a spa for a massage, detoxification, facial, and pedicure!!!! Actually, Rob said, “Kara you need to attend Cursillo and it just so happens there is an opening for you.” I told Rob that I would think about it, pray about it, you know the line when you do not want to commit! I didn’t really have a problem with attending a spiritual retreat but how could I possibly get away from work for one day. I was the principal. They couldn’t possibly run the school without me. Of course, they can…I signed up pretending to go to the spa! Of course, I arrived late that evening the last to arrive! So I was dragging me feet a bit! What I found that weekend was the SPA DELUXE!!! I was showered with love, grace, joy, laughter, and peace. I was beginning to find my purpose and potential in my life all over again however, it was much more meaningful and I was renewed; for I saw Jesus that weekend in my life and in the faces and lives of others. As humans, we do not like change or to try things that are new or different but I want to encourage you today to allow yourself to try a Cursillo weekend. It is unlike any retreat you have experienced in the past! You will gain a new insight into yourself and other Christians. You will not want to leave your spa like weekend and the fact is you can have that each and every day when you return! Remember to always let go and let GOD! He will lead you in the direction you need to go! Try CURSILLO!!!!