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Welcome to the website for “A Weekend of Encouragement!”, a Christian Marriage Retreat held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in late January and early February of each year.

Feel free to look around the site to get the information you need to join us on Friday January 30 – 31, 2026 at The DoubleTree/Ellie Resort by Hilton in Myrtle Beach, located at 3200 South Ocean Blvd in Myrtle Beach. It’s a great location with a rooftop, oceanfront ballroom, The Springs Ballroom, that we’ll be meeting in for the retreat. The DoubleTree and Ellie Resorts are next door to each other, and we’re staying in The Ellie Resort, which is connected to the Springs Ballroom. To make a reservation at The Ellie Resort, call them at 843-315-7100 and tell them that you are with “A Weekend of Encouragement!” Marriage Retreat (Discount Code “90D”) to get the special rate of $134.00 per night plus tax and fees. If you have any issues, call the Group Reservations Coordinator, Kyleen Tamney at 843.907.1021.

Our guest speakers for 2026 will be Eddie and Dawn Leopard of Leopard Home Base Ministries. Eddie and Dawn have been married for 40 years and have been active in ministry all of those years. The desire of their ministry is to support and strengthen families to create Christ – centered homes. They recently published a book titled “Home Base Marriage – Essentials for a healthy marriage that will last for generations.” Eddie has served as the president of the SC Baptist Convention, and is a graduate of the University of South Carolina where he played football and baseball. Dawn has served with Eddie in ministry, especially to students and women. She is a business owner and writer.

For any questions you may have, please reach out to our founder and director, Rob Pierce at repierce@aol.com or call him at 803.473.0386.

“A Weekend of Encouragement” is a regional Christian Marriage Retreat sponsored by churches in North and South Carolina. It is underwritten by the S. C. Baptist Convention, the S. C. Baptist Foundation, The Pee Dee Baptist Association, Latta Baptist Church as well as various other churches and individuals.

To register, fill out the information below with the names of the husband and wife, and pay the registration fee as noted below. After you have paid your registration fee, you’ll receive an email with additional instructions. Thank you!