About CEFL or Dr. Liz in General

I have known Pastor Liz for quite some time. When you need someone to lead in women's spirituality & issues, leadership development and scholarship,, when you want confirmation that you're under committed and called servant leadership, then choose CEFL. You get a great package with a great warrior for our Lord. (Dr. Suzan Johnson Cooke, Author, Former CEFL Advisory Board Member| Currently Ambassador of Religious Freedom, White House, www.drsujay.com)

Some organizations deal with Christian leadership. Some focus on women's spirituality. Some are characterized by intelligence and attention to scholarship, some by a concern for social justice, and others by sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Under the energetic and wise leadership of Dr. Liz Rios, CEFL brings all of these strengths together. I thank God for this vital network!  (Brian McLaren, author, speaker, activist, public theologian, listed in 2005 as one of Time Magazine's 25 Most Influential Evangelicals|www.brianmclaren.net)

I have been to many CEFL events: past & present, in various states, large & small settings. No matter the external factors that may change, the core of the events are consistent. Regardless of size, there is always an intimate, family vibe. Regardless of notoriety, the speakers are accessible, prepared and on fire! The events are organized and encourage bonds between the sisters. I always leave a CEFL event ready for the next thing God has in store for me. Rachel Maldonado 8/10

It has been said that the most important word in any language is “relationship.” I’ve had the opportunity to attend twice CEFL women’s group in Florida in which we not only read great and edifying books, but it was a great way to connect with women who thirst for the Lord. These groups are an opportunity to cultivate relationships and grow spiritually. I also learned that every woman has something to offer or share that can enhance the life of someone else. Katherine Tossas 8/10

I will never forget my first CEFL event, if I recall correctly it was in 1997 or 1998. I was going through a very difficult journey, separated, and in the the process of losing my home. I was depressed and felt isolated. I felt God had a...bandoned me but at this service I experienced the presence of God in a very special way. The worship was powerful, and the speakers were anointed. It had been a very long time that I had experienced God this way. I was broken, devastated, and tears came down unexpectedly. It was clear to me that God was restoring my soul and it was a new begining for me:) Since that time CEFL has been an organization which I pray for and will continue to support in any way I can. In my wisdom years what I have learned is the importance of knowing the leadership of any organization, and it without doubt I say that the founder of CEFL is a woman of God who loves the journey of woman and her main focus is to empower women to be and lead. Aleluya :) Edna Quiros 8/10

""I attended several CEFL events, especially many of the new beginnings. Part of my journey included fear, doubt, depression and moments of isolation. In every single event, I walked out feeling encouraged, loved and strengthen to walk through the process of pain and separation. It allowed me moments of renewal and reflection and a determination to believe that I was and am an overcomer in any and every circumstance. These are the experiences that help with your growth and your Christian journey and you become fountains where other hurting women can draw from. " Nereida Rosario

The success of CEFL is driven by powerful women leaders who live and teach others how to be transparent and relational. They drove this home for all who attended their last NY conference(11/08), as the Board of Directors unveiled their hearts and shared through word and action their own experiences. It was cherried by the persuasive and passionate message given by Pastor Liz on the ability to rebound in life no matter the circumstance. Thank you CEFL for being and keeping it "real"! (Writer and Elder Roz Humphreys Perez, Faith Church Ministries, CT)

I have had the privilege to attend several CEFL conferences and what has been imprinted in my soul is the importance of becoming a life long learner moving toward excellence. I have been encouraged, motivated and most of all empowered to dream on and become what I have been destined to be. Dr. Rios and leadership have been dynamic and sensitive to the Holy Spirit and I have been able to experience God's intervention in these powerful services. The women that I know have attended these conferences have been transformed and empowered by God to continue their journey focused on Jesus. (Rev. Edna Quiros, CEFL Board Member & Hospice Chaplain)

The first CEFL conference I attended was last year and what a blessing it was! I must say that I appreciated Pastor Liz being REAL with the women and letting us know that no matter what life brings our way we can get up and rise again- We can certainly make lemonade out of the lemons that come our way. Even after the conference was over- I got an overwhelming response of how God truly ministered to so many women that day. It has truly been an eye-opener for me to see how many women out there truly want to be empowered and mentored and are in need of other sister in their lives to walk this journey. CEFL has truly been a blessing in my life. (Eunice Ayala-Morales, CEFL Former Board Member & Pastor's Wife, Primitive Christian Church)

About Our Events

8/27-8/28, 2010 - Warring Women Weekend -NYC

"...I experienced a good time, my faith was built up." Leomor Gutierrez

 "...There are no words to explain what it is like when God is in our presence. God was all over this weekend. We are at war, this is true but I was reminded with GOD we win!" Chastity Osback- Primitive Christian Church, Manhattan

"Pastor Liz lead an awesome workshop, relaxed atmosphere, open and honest. I loved everything about this weekend!" Selena Lai-Caraballo

"I left feeling rejuvenated, peaceful and replenished." Melissa C. -Calvary Baptist Church, Jamaica NY

"The opening session was phenomenal. The warshop was funny AND helpful. Melanie A. -Avenue of Hope Fellowship, Manhattan

"If leaders prepared their men for warfare the way us women were prepared today, there would be less defeat." Breida B. - Primitive Christian Church, Manhattan

"I came in here feeling down BUT I am leave here wonderfully blessed. Thank you so much for this event." Tina W. - Primitive Christian Church, Manhattan

"Arrived a woman of God, by lunch a sistah soldier, left a Warring Woman of God. Hallelujah! Praise God!" - Sheila S. - Emmanuel Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY

"Being a warring woman means fighting for tomorrow's tomorrow. Dr. Liz thank you for the sensational blessing!" Rebecca J. - Primitive Christian Church, Manhattan

"Don't be in bondage to a counterfeit self! Be an authentic warring woman. That is a powerful thought proclaimed at this awesome CEFL Warring Women Weekend!" - Gessie Thompson - Mt. Vernon Alliance Church

"It was SUPERIFIC! The anointing during all the messages was phenomenal. I loved the visuals during the Word." Georgina B. -Christ Tabernacle, Glendale, NY

"Inspiring, uplifting and a wake up call! I enjoyed the very words/stories being told, and the words spoken about the Word. These women were full of the power of God." -Elizabeth Diane P.

"I didn't want it to end! I came today a regular civilian and left a trained warrior princess. Now I can look at the dragon in the eye with no fear because I am ready for battle." - Cynthia F. - Primitive Christian Church, Manhattan

"I was so blessed today at this event and in all the other CEFL events I've been to. I urge women to attend these events. Believe me you will be blessed." Nancy F. - Primitive Christian Church, Manhattan

"Worship was off the chain! The price was well worth it and everything was truly blessed and highly anointed" - Brenda C. Gifted Life Ministries

3/20-3/22,2009 Sisterhood Weekend, Davie, FL 

"... sisterhood weekend was a divine appointment for me. I was seeking the Lord for direction where He wants me and that weekend with Dr. Shirley Arnolds confirmed it.... Thank you for all your efforts for making it to happen for all of us. My friends were all truly blessed with the sisterhood weekend. We are all never the same after that." Cynthia Valmonte

"The Sisterhood Weekend was awesome! Thanks so much for all of the time you spent planning the event. I was truly blessed!" Jan Lawson

11/1/08 Scarred but Still Standing Seminar, NYC 

"you were excellent and thank you for being so honest and transparent." Mili

"Dr. Liz was powerful, real and this was life-changing for me. I thank God for her ability to be open and always keeping it real." – Theresa Dottin-McAhee

"This event was excellent. You truly were an inspiration to me!" – Jamie Hidalgo

"Dr. Liz is very down to earth and I felt like I was talking to a friend." Lizette Velez

"...loved every part of this...it was an excellent seminar and I was touched and moved." Judith Morel-Pointer

"She is awesome, the seminar was awesome and it was so honest and practical." Albania Sarita

"...from the minute I walked in to the minute I walked out I was blessed beyond measure." Nilsa Lopez

"This lady is great! So down to earth my God!...Thank you for touching my soul today. I think you're awesome. I asked God for a long time for encouraging words to guide me, and then he bought me here to you." Yolanda Martinez

"I think she has it down packed as she might say. I was so blessed, she is so funny...she rocks! I can't wait to buy her book." Nancy Flores