On January 10, 2026, the sisters of EXSSA Douala launched their annual journey with a spiritual retreat held at Berean Baptist Church in Kotto, choosing honesty, reflection, and renewal as guiding principles for the months ahead.
The gathering began with a frank recognition of a common challenge within communities: gossip. Addressed without judgment, this reality was presented as an opportunity for maturity rather than a source of guilt. Under the theme “Transforming Gossip into Positive Conversations”, participants were invited to embrace a path shaped by truth, grace, and responsibility in everyday interactions.
Through biblical reflection, structured teaching, role play, and participatory exercises, attendees explored how ordinary exchanges influence relationships and collective balance. Discussions highlighted the power of words to damage trust or, when guided by discernment, to strengthen bonds. Emphasis was placed on choosing speech that builds understanding instead of fueling division.
By the close of the retreat, concrete tools had been shared, including thoughtful pauses before speaking, purposeful questioning, and conscious redirection of dialogue. More than a simple workshop, the encounter marked a decisive moment, reaffirming the role of healthy communication in personal development and shared progress.