A cowboy church is something special. There’s nothing like being able to come into a culture you’ve known all your life and walk into a church that feels like home. That’s what Calvary Trail Cowboy Church in Louann, Arkansas, feels like for those within the cowboy culture. And that’s why this cowboy church was planted in 2012 – to reach people in the community that would like to worship and gather within the western heritage culture.

For the last eight years, pastor Donny Hargett and his team have worked tirelessly to help people in their community feel loved and connected. However, like many churches, their mission doesn’t just lead up to a Sunday morning worship service. It also requires an investment in the town and the people living there because people’s hearts are designed for community!

One way to create community like this is in a retreat setting, so five years ago, members of Calvary Trail Cowboy Church worked together to host a Cowgirl Retreat. This is held on the grounds of their church plant location at Beech Springs Camp. They are so thankful for this location and for their sending church Beech Springs who has been so gracious to give them a space to meet at the very beginning of their church planting journey.

One of the members present at the retreat responded to their Facebook page, “I've had the BEST time this weekend. Everyone was so welcoming and made me feel at home as soon as I walked through the door. The speakers, from the very first to the end, all had very powerful messages, great music, and humor. I'm already looking forward to next year!!”

This year, Calvary Trail Cowboy Church’s Cowgirl Retreat had over 100 ladies join together on the weekend of March 6 - 7 all for the glory of the Lord.

"Ladies this weekend God did prepare me for this week. I have seen God work in so many ways. There has been death and sickness. But there has also been peace. I sat with a lady who lost her son and my heart broke as a mother. God was there in that room ... I tell you nothing happens by chance. Thank you God for your grace,mercy and comfort.”

We love watching our God move and continue to encourage others through our planters throughout time. We could truly do nothing without the help of our Lord. What a blessing!