Sandpoint Church of the Nazarene, 477954 Highway 95 in Ponderay, is inviting the community to join the congregation at an upcoming retreat.

The retreat is will take place from 6 p.m. Friday, April 28 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 29. Registration ends April 2.

The cost of the retreat is $85.00 if you want to stay the night at the Holiday Inn Express or $35 if you just want to take part in the retreat portion at the church. Scholarships are available. There is a $3 convenience fee for purchasing tickets using a credit card. You can also purchase tickets by check at the church

Keynote speaker at the retreat is Penni Bellomo, who was born and raised in the desert sun of the Southwest. At the age of 17 she met the love of her life, Jesus Christ. It was to Him, she repented her sins and accepted His cleansing, amazing gift, of salvation. Six months following this life changing event, she was introduced to a young man, three years later they became husband and wife. Together, through thick and thin, over 37 years have passed. They’ve been blessed with three children, a daughter, a son, and a child who lives in heaven.

The Pacific Northwest became home almost 25 years ago, Bellomo said. Both, her daughter and son have married, and also live in the region. She is known as, Nonna, to her four lovely young granddaughters and one handsome tiny grandson.

Bellomo is a survivor who, from infancy, has had a life filled with continual traumas. However, without a single doubt she said she knows God calls her His own and it has been by the grace of His strength that she is a survivor.

“Through each despair God has provided His unending hope,” a press release said. “In the darkest of moments His love and light have been continual in guiding her, drawing an ever closer relationship with her Savior.”