Waterfall cascading into a turquoise pool in a lush forest
Welcome to

Bayshore Living Waters Ministries

Flowing in Faith, Renewed by Grace

Empowering intercessors via prayer retreats and providing caregivers with inspirational and educational programs.

17
Retreats Hosted
18
Years of Ministry
6
Board Members
21
Sub-Committee Members

A Prayer for Caregivers

Heavenly Father, we lift up every caregiver reading these words. You see their weariness, their sacrifice, and their love. Pour Your living waters over them today. Refresh their strength, renew their joy, and remind them they are never alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." โ€” Matthew 11:28

Scripture of the Month

"He leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul." โ€” Psalm 23:2-3

2026 Events

Caregiver Retreat | International Showcase | Educational Program: An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence โ€” Join our mailing list

Testimonials

Why We Exist

BLWM gave me permission to rest. For years I carried the weight of caregiving alone. This ministry showed me that asking for help is not weakness โ€” it is wisdom.

โ€” Margaret T., Family Caregiver, NJ

I came to the retreat exhausted and left with renewed faith. The prayers, the worship, the community โ€” I felt seen for the first time in years.

โ€” Denise W., Caregiver & Intercessor

As a nurse and a family caregiver, I thought I could handle everything. BLWM has been a lifeline โ€” spiritually, emotionally, and practically.

โ€” Ruth A., RN & Family Caregiver

"He leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul." โ€” Psalm 23:2-3

Our Foundation

About Bayshore Living Waters

Bayshore Living Waters Ministries Inc. (BLWM) was organized in 2007 by founder Andrea E. Ward with a two-fold vision: to operate a God-class Prayer Retreat and to establish a Resource Center for family and professional caregivers in New Jersey.

Since 2008, BLWM Directors and Team Members have hosted and conducted in-person and virtual retreats for intercessors as well as support programs for caregivers. Rooted in the belief that God's grace flows like living waters, BLWM serves intercessors, caregivers, and seekers across NJ and beyond.

Our Vision

To see intercessors and caregivers thrive spiritually, emotionally, and practically โ€” rooted in the Word of God, strengthened through prayer, and surrounded by a compassionate community.

Our Mission

To empower intercessors via prayer retreats and to support family and professional caregivers through prayer, education on community resources, assistance with grant applications, health awareness, and respite retreats.

Board of Directors

BLWM is guided by dedicated saints who bring faith, expertise, and compassion to every aspect of the ministry.

Andrea E. Ward

Founder & President since 2007

Founder and President of BLWM since 2007. Andrea serves as the Chairwoman of the Board and oversees all of the sub-Committees. She retired from the NJ Turnpike Authority after 26+ years, where she served as a contract attorney and Director of Procurement and Management Materials. She holds a BA from Rutgers University and an MA and JD from the University of Pennsylvania. Upon retirement, Andrea was the primary caregiver for both parents until their passing. She serves as an Elder and Bible Teacher at EPIC Church International, Sayreville, NJ, enjoys travelling, and has participated in mission trips to India and Ghana.

Elder Sylvia R. Pritchard

Vice President since 2007

Sylvia is the Vice President of BLWM and has served in that capacity since its inception in 2007. She is also Co-Chairperson of the Caregiver Committee. Sylvia has coordinated BLWM's annual Prayer and Caregiver Retreats โ€” working with Committee Members, Speakers, and Guests โ€” from 2008 to the present. She graduated from Edison Vocational Technical School of Elizabeth, NJ, and was later employed by AT&T for over 37 years until retirement. Sylvia is currently an Elder at EPIC Church International, where she serves in several departments, including the Prayer Ministry and the Nursing Home Outreach.

Mozell Williams

Board Member since 2012 ยท Prayer Committee Chair

Mozell has served on BLWM's Board of Directors since 2012 and is Chairperson of the Prayer Committee. An active Committee Member for all of BLWM's retreats, she participated as a Panelist at the 2018 Prayer Retreat. Mozell retired after 37 years of service from the State of New Jersey's Greystone Park psychiatric facility. She received on-the-job training as well as Certificates from Boston University's Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Mozell also served as a Deacon and in the Prayer and Worship Ministries at EPIC Church International. She loves to disciple and mentor young believers, and is an avid reader who loves to travel.

Director Darlene Ellis

Board Member since 2014

Darlene has served on BLWM's Board of Directors since 2014. A Psalmist, she leads and coordinates worship during the Prayer and Caregiver Retreats, and is a member of BLWM's Social Media and Fundraising Committees. Darlene was employed at the US Postal Service for over 33 years, retiring in 2019. She served as primary caregiver for both elderly parents for eight years until they passed. She leads "Chosen Vessels," a nursing home outreach ministry where she sings and conducts Bible studies for residents. Darlene also loves community theatre โ€” in 2025 she received the NJACT Perry Award for Best Supporting Actress in "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner."

Rev. Matilda Adams

Director since 2019 ยท Caregiver Committee Co-Chair

Matilda has served as a BLWM Director since 2019 and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Caregiver Committee. She was keynote speaker for the 2018 Caregiver Retreat and served as event moderator in 2026. She is Founder and President of Prevailing Praise & Prayer Ministry and Founder of My Wellness Advocates, Inc., a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing health literacy and wellness education. Professionally, Dr. Adams serves as Director of the Cancer Center at Virtua Health in South Jersey. She holds a BS from Seton Hall University, an MPH from Capella University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Wilmington University.

Rev. Robin B. Wilson

Board Member since 2021

Robin has been a member of BLWM's Board of Directors since 2021. She previously served as a Committee Member for the prayer retreats and was Guest Speaker at the 2017 Family Caregiver Retreat. Robin is a minister and teacher with The Master's Call, an international prayer ministry. She recently retired from the NJ Department of Agriculture as Assistant Coordinator of the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and holds a degree in Social Work from Kean University. Passionate about her family, she served as caregiver to her father until he passed. Her mission is to inspire, empower, mentor, and equip others to live a victorious life in Christ Jesus.

Prayer Retreats & Caregiver Programs

Our Core Ministries

Prayer Retreats (2016 โ€“ Present)

October 28โ€“30, 2016

Boldly Approaching the Throne of Grace Thru Intercession

Focus on the Men ยท Liebenzell USA Retreat Center, Schooleys Mountain, NJ

October 12โ€“14, 2018

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Intercession

Eddy's Farm Retreat & Conference Center, Sparrow Bush, NY

January 23, 2020

Moving Forward in Intercession / Holy Spirit Advance

One-day Virtual Retreat during the COVID-19 pandemic

September 9โ€“11, 2022

Seeking Spiritual Sight: Key to Intercession

Star Lake Camp & Conference Center, Bloomingdale, NJ

November 9, 2024

All Our Help Comes from the Lord

Focus on the Youth ยท Crowne Plaza Hotel Corporate Building, Edison, NJ

Next Prayer Retreat ยท April 23โ€“25, 2027

Coming Soon

Star Lake Camp & Conference Center, Bloomingdale, NJ

We Understand

The Weight of Caregiving

Emotional Exhaustion

The constant weight of worry, grief, and putting others first can drain even the most devoted caregiver. You are not alone.

Spiritual Depletion

When you give so much, your spiritual well can run dry. BLWM exists to pour God's living waters back into you.

Isolation & Loneliness

Many caregivers feel invisible. Our community of prayer ensures you are seen, heard, and valued.

Physical Toll

The physical demands are real. Our health education resources help caregivers tend to their own bodies too.

Caregiver Resource Services

Supporting Those Who Give So Much

BLWM's programs for family and professional caregivers offer education, peer support, spiritual renewal, and practical resources.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." โ€” Matthew 11:28

A Sampling of Caregiver Programs (2017 โ€“ Present)

November 25, 2017

A Family Caregiver Retreat โ€” "Taking a Break"

Guest Speaker: Rev. Robin B. Wilson ยท VFW, Sayreville, NJ

April 30, 2022

Professional Caregiver Virtual Program

"Take a Pause to Refresh, Recover and Reset"

April 22, 2023

A Virtual Caregivers' Program โ€” Basic Eye Care

Presented by Dr. Jessica Marshall, Marshall's Eye Care, Aberdeen, NJ

April 27, 2024

CPR / First Aid Training

American Red Cross certification, conducted by Saving Lives Matters, LLC

April 18, 2026 ยท Most Recent

Caregivers' Retreat โ€” "Caring with Strength"

Focus on Professionals ยท Main Street Club House, Sayreville, NJ

Sample Topics Addressed

A sample of topics addressed as part of BLWM's caregiver programs โ€” during retreats or online educational sessions:

Physical Therapy for Caregivers (with demonstrations)
Advanced Directives
Alternative Medical Care & Hospice Care
Basic Medical Insurance
Understanding the Hospital / Patient Relationship
Retreat Highlights

Moments from Our Retreats

2021 Caregivers' Retreat

A gathering of prayer, education, and encouragement for family and professional caregivers.

Guest Speaker Minister Yvonne Eason with former Board Member Joan Duszczak
Guest Speaker Minister Yvonne Eason with former Board Member, Joan Duszczak
Guest Speaker Dr. Jacqueline Candia
Guest Speaker, Dr. Jacqueline Candia
BLWM Faithful Caregiver Retreat Volunteers
BLWM Faithful Caregiver Retreat Volunteers

2022 Prayer Retreat โ€” "Seeking Spiritual Sight: Key to Intercession"

Star Lake Camp & Conference Center, Bloomingdale, NJ ยท September 9โ€“11, 2022

A time of personal prayer
A time of personal prayer
Former Board Member Maria Coenraad blowing the shofar
Prophetic Intercession โ€” Former Board Member Maria Coenraad blowing the shofar
Peaceful morning by the lake
Peaceful Morning by the Lake
Board Members and Guest Worship Team, Reconciliation Ministries
Board Members (including former Treasurer Clodec Johnson) and Guest Worship Team, Reconciliation Ministries
Sisters in faith and fellowship
Sisters in faith and fellowship

2024 Prayer Retreat โ€” "All Our Help Comes from the Lord"

Focus on the Youth ยท November 9, 2024 ยท Crowne Plaza Hotel, Corporate Building, Edison, NJ

Director Andrea Ward with Pastors Michael and Ramani Silva
Director Andrea Ward with Pastors Michael and Ramani Silva
Retreat attendees with Director Mozell Williams
Retreat Attendees with Director Mozell Williams (seated)
Focused on the youth
Focused on the Youth

2026 Caregivers' Retreat โ€” "Caring with Strength"

Focus on Professionals ยท Main Street Club House, Sayreville, NJ

Guest speakers from Seaview Orthopedics
Guest speakers from Seaview Orthopaedics, Central NJ
Darlene Ellis leading worship
BLWM Director Darlene Ellis leading worship
Matilda Adams serving as moderator
BLWM Director Rev. Matilda Adams served as Retreat Moderator
Elder Aurthur Courtien
Elder Aurthur Courtien โ€” men are caregivers too
A smile is worth it
A smile is worth it
Fun and games with prizes
Fun & games with prizes
Listening attentively
Listening attentively
Lunch time
Lunch time

"For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring." โ€” Isaiah 44:3

Resources & Events

Tools for Your Journey

Prayers & Scriptures

Curated prayers and scriptures for intercessors and caregivers.

Articles for Caregivers

Inspirational articles on challenges facing caregivers.

Health Education

Audio health education โ€” accessible, practical, spiritually grounded.

NJ Caregiver Programs

Resource programs and events from NJ organizations.

BLWM Events Calendar

Upcoming retreats, workshops, and gatherings.

Waterfall cascading into a turquoise pool

Caregiver Self-Care Checklist

Physical Rest โ€” Adequate sleep and breaks
Spiritual Nourishment โ€” Prayer, Scripture, worship daily
Community Connection โ€” At least one honest confidant
Emotional Processing โ€” Feel, don't suppress
Asking for Help โ€” Accept support
Medical Self-Care โ€” Keep your own appointments

Upcoming Events

AI 101 โ€” An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence flyer
Educational Program ยท All Are Welcome

AI 101 โ€” An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

An engaging session on the basics of AI and how it is shaping our world โ€” no experience needed, just come curious.

📅 Monday, September 21, 2026

🕐 7:30โ€“9:00 PM EST (including discussion)

🎤 Presenter: Brother Stanley Robinson

💻 On Zoom ยท ID: 397 148 5816 ยท Password: BAYSHORE

You'll learn: what AI is, how it's used today, the basics of data centers, everyday examples of AI, plus Q&A and open discussion. Inquiries: elmaward@msn.com

"Let's learn together and grow together!"

International Showcase Fundraiser flyer
Fundraiser to Honor Family Caregivers

International Showcase

A journey of Culture ยท Music ยท Food ยท Community ยท Purpose

📅 Sunday, November 1, 2026

🕐 3:00โ€“5:00 PM (Doors open 2:00 PM)

📍 Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown, NJ 07748

🎟 Admission $45

Enjoy Caribbean, South & Central American music and dance, a silent auction of works from artists worldwide, and awards honoring caregivers and standouts โ€” celebrating unity in cultural diversity.

Get Tickets โ€” Bayshorelivingwaters@gmail.com

"Together, we honor those who faithfully care for others."

Sep
21

AI 101 โ€” Intro to Artificial Intelligence

Presenter: Brother Stanley Robinson ยท Zoom ยท 7:30โ€“9 PM EST.

Nov
1

International Showcase Fundraiser

Honoring family caregivers ยท Middletown Arts Center, NJ ยท 3โ€“5 PM.

Apr
'27

Next Prayer Retreat

April 23โ€“25, 2027 ยท Star Lake Camp & Conference Center, Bloomingdale, NJ.

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We'd Love to Hear from You

Community Prayer Wall

"Please pray for my mother who has Alzheimer's. I am her sole caregiver and some days the weight feels unbearable. I need God's strength."

โ€” A family caregiver

"Lifting up all professional caregivers โ€” nurses, aides, and social workers โ€” who show up every day with compassion even when running on empty."

โ€” Anonymous

Contact Information

Email

Bayshorelivingwaters@gmail.com

📞

Cell Phone

(732) 864-4312

📍

Mailing Address

BLWM, P.O. Box 696, Keyport, NJ 07735

🌐

Website

www.bayshorelivingwatersministries.org

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Make a Donation

Your contributions support retreats, caregiver programs, and outreach. Give easily through Zelle:

Zelle: Bayshorelivingwaters@gmail.com

Please include your name and email address in the comment section so we can thank you.

Bayshore Living Waters Ministries is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

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A Place of Belonging

Whether you are seeking spiritual renewal, support as a caregiver, or connection with a community of faith โ€” you belong here.

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