Currently, she serves as the resource coordinator for World Missions with Brethren in Christ (BIC) U.S., playing a crucial role in supporting missionaries, managing prayer publications and providing resources to congregations.

Crawford will tell you that God’s word is dynamic and full of life. In both times of joy and challenge, the Bible speaks directly to the heart.

For Crawford, Bible journaling is a creative way to engage with scripture, reflect on God’s word and capture those special moments when God impacts your life.

On Jan. 17-19, Crawford led a meaningful weekend at the Christian Retreat Center in East Waterford, sharing her passion and expertise in Bible journaling with 37 women at the CRC’s first Bible Journaling Retreat.

Photo courtesy of CHRISTIAN RETREAT CENTER
Julie Barton reviews her work in her Bible during the Bible Journaling Retreat at the Christian Retreat Center in East Waterford.

“It went really well even despite Sunday being a bit snowy,” said Wendy Kerstetter, development and events director at Christian Retreat Center. “Bible journaling is a creative way to engage with Scripture by combining Bible study with art.

“It involves reflecting on a passage and expressing insights or emotions through writing, drawing, painting or other artistic methods, often directly in the margins of a Bible or a separate journal,” Kerstetter added. “It’s a way to deepen your faith and connect with God through creativity.”

Women attending the event discovered they didn’t need any artistic talent — just an open heart and mind as they connected with God’s word. Each brought their own Bible or notebook to use for journaling.

“Such an amazing weekend in every way,” Beth Byers Bashore, of Reading, Berks County, said on social media after the event. “Thank you to everyone who had a part in putting this together.”

Denise Wenrich, of East Waterford, agreed, stating, “Had a great time in fellowship with these women.”

Photo courtesy of CHRISTIAN RETREAT CENTER
Presenter Tess Crawford (standing) talks with Ronda Spear and Amber Zimmerman during the Christian Retreat Center’s first Bible Journaling Retreat.

Area artist Judy Mummau is ready for the 2026 event, adding, “I loved the weekend. What are the dates for next year?” (For those interested, it’s scheduled for Jan. 16-18, 2026.)

Each also had the option of staying at the beautiful White Oak Lodge for the weekend as the cost included two nights lodging, meals and supplies for the sessions.

The weekend included a total of five sessions with Crawford, whose heart for nurturing disciples who not only study God’s word but also find joy and fun in their spirit journey.

Photo courtesy of CHRISTIAN RETREAT CENTER
An attendee has decorated a page in a Bible with a positive message.