“ Lisa’s series on “Choosing Joy” speaks powerfully into our present moment. With all the challenges of the past few years, her messages are just what we need to renew our perspective. Lisa reminds us that our true joy is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ and she encourages us to live each day with a cheerful and grateful heart. Her background as a women’s health nurse informs much of the practical advice she offers, and her love of scripture inspires others to enjoy life as God intends. Lisa has a great sense of humor and she relates well with her audience. I highly recommend her for your next retreat or women's’ event.”

— Mary Ann Noack - Riverwest Pastor of Women’s Ministry- MABTS, DMIN

“I recently had the privilege of joining in ministry with Lisa Martin at a local women’s retreat. As Lisa joyfully shared her life with wit and insight and taught with wisdom and passion throughout the four weekend sessions, I observed a definite shift in the room. Women came weighed down with heavy hearts and burdens, but by the end of the weekend there was an overwhelming individual and collective commitment to choose the joy and freedom we have in Jesus. Lisa did an outstanding job communicating what it means to choose to live joyfully, in every circumstance, while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus!”

— Lisa Reiff - Worship Leader

“Lisa Martin is a delight and a treasure both as a person and as a speaker. In her presentations she is open, vulnerable, down to earth, moving, inspiring, as well as entertaining and downright funny. Her unshakeable faith and love for the Lord permeates her talks. She teaches, encourages, and she brings joy! Lisa has my highest recommendation.”

— Kim Taylor Henry – Author of Making God Smile

“When God called Lisa Martin to develop the topic of Choosing Joy into content for a weekend retreat, she took the call seriously – and with joy. In fact, Lisa radiates joy. I’m not talking about surface-level happiness, but deep-down joy. Yes, Lisa goes deep; her messages are grounded in Scripture and demonstrate that Lisa knows how to speak into women’s hearts. She made the topic of Joy so beautifully relevant to each retreat participant. Lisa’s vulnerable sharing of her own real-life experiences touched us in special ways. We laughed; we cried. I have attended many retreats over the years, and I must say that Lisa Martin’s recent Choosing Joy retreat for Riverwest Church was the best women’s retreat I have ever attended.”

— Sally Sjordal Auguston, author of the devotional Meet My God

“Can you say “BEST RETREAT EVER”! I sincerely mean this. Lisa brought her “A” game and we were all blessed by her energy, sense of humor, vulnerability, and sincere desire to reach women with practical life changing words from our Savior, Jesus. Lisa is by nature joyful, entertaining, and funny. However, many women do not share these same gifts and Lisa related how to experience the joy of the Holy Spirit in spite of our circumstances. She was so thoughtful and thorough that I truly believe the lives of those attending have been changed for the better. I know mine has. Thank you, Lisa, for listening when God called you into this ministry. The two of you are going to do great things together.”

— Janet Huber

“Women’s’ Retreat?” Oh gosh Lisa, thank you for asking but I don’t do retreats. This was my response when Lisa asked me to attend Riverwest Women’s retreat at Cannon Beach, Oregon. Not only do I not “do” women’s retreats but I am afraid of Tsunamis (not very Godly I know) and I do not like the sand or the beach. But as usual, God had other plans for me. Shortly after declining the invitation, I received an email indicating that housing was almost full. I fell for the classic marketing ploy: create perception of limited supply and watch your demand increase! I grabbed my credit card, texted my daughters, and got us signed up! I am so glad I said yes! Lisa did a masterful job leading this retreat using God’s word, scriptures, and truths to inspire the women to choose joy for their lives. God has given her the remarkable ability to deliver His message using her funny sense of humor and the ability to laugh at herself. We all identified so easily with her stories and experiences. If you have the opportunity to bring Lisa to your Women’s group, do it! Take it from me, a retreat avoider, you will not regret it! God is working through her in a mighty way to bring joy to the hearts of women.”

— Lisa Wendland - Wendland College Planning LLC

“I am so excited to recommend Lisa Martin for your next retreat or conference! She is funny, articulate, vulnerable, and full of God’s joy. Her message is clear! We choose joy in spite of our circumstances! Joy is a condition of the heart, a calm delight in all of life’s ups and downs. Lisa brought us to tears-of laughter, but also tears of love and repentance! “Those who sow in tears, shall reap in joy” Ps 126:5 You will not regret having her come and share her joy in the Lord. Being a participant will help you find ways to look for joy instead of letting the enemy steal it! I choose joy!! So should you!”

— Karen Herman

“I was an attendee at the Riverwest Women’s Retreat and experienced a truly inspirational weekend. Lisa Martin was the keynote speaker and she was absolutely delightful! She brought humor and wit, raw honesty, and personal stories of inspiration and authentic love for the women in attendance. She opened our eyes and hearts to recognizing the need for choosing joy in our lives, no matter which season of life we are in. I left feeling uplifted, renewed, and encouraged.”

— Lori Di Paola

“I have attended several Christian women’s retreats and Lisa Martin’s retreat on "Choose Joy" was by far the best. Lisa’s messages inspire a closeness to God and fellowship with other believers. Using God’s Word, Lisa achieves these responses through tears, laughter, and joy.”

— Bev Anderson

"I loved the idea of a retreat and looked forward to a weekend of rest, rejuvenation, and a reunion with friends. What I didn’t expect was how life changing it would be for me! The messages Lisa shared about “Choosing Joy” helped me overcome my fears and stop the negative noise in my head. As I departed, I left worry and anxiety at the doorstep of the retreat center. Lisa's gift of joy, laughter, and her faithfulness is a bright light for God. I am grateful to have attended this retreat, as it equipped me to choose joy in my daily struggles". 

— Linda Owen

“In February 2023, myself and about 130 other women from River West Church attended the Women's Retreat.  I have been to several retreats over the years . . . but had no idea what a 'treat' we were in for with Lisa Martin as the keynote speaker.  Lisa's topic for the weekend centered on the concept of JOY. What brings us joy, what steals our joy and everything in between. The topic, as Lisa presented it, was engaging and fun.  It was also heartfelt in that her many examples rang true with many of us.  We laughed in agreement with her points and we also laughed because (as we found out) laughter is good for the soul and contagious - and a key to JOY!  The concepts Lisa presented were accentuated with biblical references, which really closed the loop for the weekend. Lisa, you were a joy to have as our keynote speaker. Best wishes as you continue this wonderful ministry!”

— Kim Childs