Are you a bereaved parent who feels trapped in the darkness of your grief, especially with the painful reminders of everyday life? Or are you a bereaved parent who is weary from missing your child?
Then this come-away weekend is for you!
Come join us for a relaxing and meaningful time with others who get it. At Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) we know there will never be a time when we are “over it”, and our grief is behind us. But we can take intentional steps toward a greater measure of healing, allowing us to live life with hope, light and purpose again, not in spite of our child’s death, but because we want to find a way to live that honors his or her life.
Join GPS Hope founders Dave and Laura Diehl, for a weekend retreat in 
various places around the nation, where you will be encouraged to take off your masks, be yourself in your grief, and share your children and your journey together.
Your time away will strengthen you in all three areas of life, body, soul and spirit by
o Allowing your body to relax in a soothing atmosphere
o Receiving encouragement for your aching soul
o Give you a safe place that is free of any judgment or shame for you to explore where you are spiritually and to grow your relationship with God
Psalm 62:5 Let all that I am (body, soul and spirit) wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. (NLT) (Italics added)
You will also:
• Gain clarity on how to move forward in a way that honors the life of your child.
• Get to know on a personal level author, speaker, singer and podcaster, Laura Diehl, and her husband, Dave (co-founders of GPS Hope).
• Walk away with life-long friendships of others who understand the issues of the death of one’s child.
All meals are included, starting with supper the first evening, 
and ending with a hearty brunch on Sunday before everyone leaves. Our delicious meals are provided and served by those who understand the world of parental grief.
What does the schedule look like?
Arrival time on the first evening varies, but is usually late afternoon. We have a relaxing evening with supper, getting to know each other, and there is a short word of encouragement from Laura.
The day(s) consists of a few set times for sessions taught by Laura and Dave, along with free time to go off on your own or chat with each other. In the afternoon, there is time set aside where the men will do an activity with Dave and the women will spend time with Laura.
Saturday night is a meaningful candlelight ceremony in honor of our children.
Sunday morning, there is a final session with a very special closing ceremony and a brunch before we all say our final good-byes and head home, refreshed and strengthened.
Some of the possible sessions throughout the weekend:
- This Was Not in My Plan
- Grace in Grief
- Parents in the Bible Who Lost a Child
- Where is God in All of This?
It is important to note that music and times of worship are woven into the weekend, as it is a pathway to the soul and can bring some much needed peace and healing.
TESTIMONIES FROM PREVIOUS RETREATS:
- My favorite part was being together and being able to open up. You get to learn that you are not alone. ~Jeff
- The whole weekend really blessed us and is giving us the strength to walk thru our daughter’s 2nd anniversary. ~ Kristin
- When I got here I wasn’t too enthusiastic or optimistic about coming, but I am so thankful for y’all and this weekend. It ministered to me. ~ Salvador
- I loved spending time with other pareavors, especially in a Godly setting. ~ Val
There is a set registration fee, and a separate fee for accommodations, based on the room chosen. Rooms are first come first serve, based on payment.
(Note: The registration fee does NOT include transportation to and from the retreat.)
OUR GOAL IS TO HAVE SPONSORS COVER THE RENTAL COST OF EACH VENUE, ALLOWING US TO CHARGE A SMALL ACCOMODATIONS FEE. IF YOU KNOW OF ANY COMPANY THAT MIGHT BE INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT US AT office@gpshope.org.
If you would like to have a retreat in your area, click here.
Upcoming GPS Hope & Healing Retreats
Sarasota, FL 3 day, 2 night Retreat
All Oar Nothing Home | Lido Key Beach, St Armands
Date: Friday Oct. 15th to Sunday Oct 18th 2026.
All Oar Nothing offers a spacious retreat, just 0.3 miles to Lido Key Beach on the gulf and under a mile to St. Armands Circle in Sarasota. It is a great place to get away with other parents who have also been thrown on this unwanted journey of child loss. With such a small, intimate group, you will be able to laugh together, grow together, yes cry together, and receive a measure of healing together, emotionally and spiritually.
Dr. Doug & BJ Jensen
of Healing Hallelujah Ministries
will be joining Dave & Laura
Dr. Doug and BJ Jensen are the bereaved parents of Jodi Joy and John Jay. Their son, Jay, died by suicide 30 years ago at the age of 30. In the wake of his death, Doug earned a Doctorate in Biblical Studies with a focus on Biblical Counseling — fulfilling Jay’s dream of helping those struggling with addiction. In her grief, BJ began composing songs for the bereavement community.
After the loss of two children, three failed adoptions, and the deaths of three siblings, the Jensen’s turned their Unbearable Misery into an Unshakable Ministry, founding Healing Hallelujah Ministries to offer hope, help, and healing to hurting hearts. As international speakers, they share with honesty, warmth, and humor — always with a heart of compassion for the bereaved.
BJ is also the founder of the internationally traveling Love in Motion Signing Choir in San Diego, where she served as Director for 32 years. Both Doug and BJ are Song Signing Artists, bringing music to life visually through American Sign Language.
Retreat Particulars
Friday night arrival and registration will be from 4 to 5:30 pm with dinner at 6.
Thanks to a donation from the Blessed by E! foundation, the prices below are all-inclusive for the entire weekend. Here are your options…
- Private room for a couple or single attendee – King Suite – Early bird price $250 ($295 after August 30th) – 5 spots left.
- MOMS ONLY – Twin beds shared room with shared bath – Early bird price $170 ($205 after August 30th) – 2 spots left.
NOTE to those with difficulty climbing stairs: The main gatherings and dining are on the second floor and most of the bedrooms are on the third floor. We will accommodate your needs as best as possible. Please let us know if you have any concerns on the registration form.
ALSO NOTE: Parking at the venue is limited. If you are flying in, we encourage you to consider using Uber or another rideshare service instead of renting a car. Overflow parking is available in a nearby parking garage if needed. We will be happy to provide shuttle service between the garage and the venue. The estimated cost for garage parking is approximately $40 for the entire weekend.
Click here to fill out a registration form
Details for traveling:
171 McKinley Dr., Sarasota, FL
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) – 15 minutes
Tampa International Airport (TPA) – 1 hr. 15 min.
Questions or problems registering? Click here.
