✨WHAT GOD DID AT THE WOMEN’S RETREAT AT SANDY COVE✨ By Saliha A.K. – Faith Beyond Rejection

salihakeddache
Nov 18, 2025
4 min read

This past weekend, I was invited to Sandy Cove in Maryland for a women’s retreat with my new friends from Liberty Church in Philadelphia. I thought it would be a simple time of rest and connection… but God had something far greater in mind.

For months, the Lord has been putting on my heart to share my testimony with women and to release my book Faith Beyond Rejection. And as I released my book Faith Beyond Rejection, I knew that stepping into my calling would require me to use my voice—not just my pen.

Out of obedience, I created my YouTube channel, bought my equipment, prepared my website, and positioned myself for the new season God was leading me into.

But the enemy fought my voice. For months I prayed. I received prophetic confirmations. I prepared everything… …and yet fear of public speaking still held me.

But God had already planned my breakthrough.

A Dream Before the Retreat

Early Friday morning—just hours before leaving for the retreat—I had a dream. In the dream, I was walking into a room where I thought I would meet my husband before our wedding to ask him about the details of the ceremony. But when I opened the door, instead of finding him, the room was completely filled with gifts—beautifully wrapped in Christmas paper. Every single one of them was for me.

My husband is Muslim, so Christmas wrapping has never been part of his life. Even now, during Christmas, I am the one who wraps all the gifts for our children. So the moment I saw those Christmas-wrapped presents, I knew immediately: this was Jesus.

I woke up, and the Holy Spirit whispered: “You are entering a new season. Your spiritual gifts will be revealed one by one.”

I told my friend Leila, we prayed, and I drove to Sandy Cove with expectation.

A Set-Up from Heaven

The first session was beautiful. I met author and speaker Ellie Lofaro, bought her books, shared a little of my testimony, and took a photo with her—not knowing what God was orchestrating behind the scenes.

The next day I dressed up for the morning session. Later that afternoon I told my friend, “Let’s change into comfortable clothes so we can walk by the water.” We enjoyed the sunset, connected with beautiful women, and shared stories.

Time passed quickly, and after dinner I didn’t even have the chance to go refresh myself or change before the evening session.

This detail matters—because God was about to use me in the most unexpected moment.

The Suddenly of God

As the session began, Ellie Lofaro took the stage and said:

“I met a special woman last night. Her story inspired me… the woman from Algeria.”

She pointed toward me.

Then she said, “Saliha, would you share a few minutes of your story?”

My heart stopped.

She didn’t know: — I had a fear of the stage. — I had never held a microphone to share my testimony publicly. — I had been battling the lie that my accent or soft voice disqualified me.

But God said, “Now.”

I walked to the front trembling… but when I opened my mouth, His presence filled me.

I shared my first encounter with Jesus—my very first supernatural moment with Him, when He spoke to me through John 14:6, saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” In that encounter, Jesus revealed Himself to me so clearly that every doubt fell away. That moment became the foundation of my faith, the doorway that led me out of Islam and into a living relationship with the One who is the Way Himself. I shared—how He met me as a Muslim girl from the mountains of Kabylia, Algeria, and how following Him was not an easy road. I walked through rejection and challenges within my family and in my marriage, but by the grace of God, He somehow worked it all together. He has transformed my life over the last 17 years.

And for the first time ever, I publicly told an audience of women: “If you want to hear more of my story, get my book Faith Beyond Rejection.”

The fear broke. The season shifted. God fulfilled what He promised.

What I Learned

God’s ways are sudden. He steps in when we feel unprepared. He doesn’t call the equipped— He equips the called.

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord.— Zechariah 4:6

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”— 2 Timothy 1:7

“Your gift will make room for you.”— Proverbs 18:16

I thought I was going to Sandy Cove to rest.But God brought me there to release my voice as I released my book.

I am stepping into the new season Jesus showed me in my dream—Gift by gift.Courage by courage.Glory to glory.

The Morning After — A Confirmation from Heaven

On Sunday morning, several women came to me—some with tears in their eyes—thanking me for sharing my testimony. Others asked me for a word of knowledge and how they could minister to Muslims and unbelievers with compassion and wisdom.

In that moment, I felt something deep rise inside me: I am chosen for a purpose greater than myself, greater than my trials, and all for the glory of God.

If you’re reading this, remember:When you feel least ready, God might be positioning you for the moment He has prepared all along.

— Saliha A.K. | Faith Beyond Rejection

Closing Prayer

Jesus, thank You for breaking fear off my life and awakening my voice for Your glory. Thank You for every woman who hears this testimony—may it ignite courage, healing, and boldness in them. I pray that every reader steps fully into their calling with confidence, knowing that You equip the ones You choose. Open doors, release gifts, and let Your Spirit lead us from glory to glory. Amen.