Encounter Intensive: Experience Transformative Freedom
ENCOUNTER grew out of our work walking alongside people who have experienced significant trauma and emotional pain. We’ve seen that knowing about God and actually encountering His presence, love, and freedom are very different things.
Dates: November 13 - 14, 2026
Location: Somerset, WI area
Why the ENCOUNTER Intensive? This conference is for those who carry deep wounds, struggle to know their identity, are experiencing fear, shame, regret, grief, hopelessness for the future, or an overall sense of being stuck.
Through powerful teaching, reflection, and the invitation of God to reveal His heart to you personally, you will realize how God meets you in your pain, reveals truth, breaks chains that keep you stuck, and restores your identity as His beloved son or daughter.
Encounter Intensive Fee: $450.00
Registration ends November 1, 2026
Meals Included: Saturday lunch and light supper
Accommodations: Participants are responsible for their own lodging
“I’m so grateful I found Julie and that God used her to lead me into learning to recognize His voice. She knows God’s voice so intimately and has such a beautiful gift for guiding others to hear Him for themselves. Learning to communicate with God has completely changed the way I navigate life—from constantly wondering what voice I’m hearing in my head to confidently discerning His voice and trusting His will for me. It has truly been a game changer in my walk with Him.”
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
Friday, November 13
6:00 - 6:30 PM - Registration & Welcome
6:30 - 7:00 PM - Worship
7:00 - 9:00 PM - Session 1: Who Told You Who You Are?
Saturday, November 14
8:30 - 9:00 AM - Worship
9:00 - 11:00 AM - Session 2: The Truth About the Lies We Believe
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM - Lunch
12:30 - 2:30 PM - Session 3: Living Free
2:30 - 3:00 PM - Break
3:00 - 5:00 PM - Session 4: Moving Forward: Full of Purpose
5:00 PM - Light Supper
6:00 PM - Stories of Transformation, Worship & Prayer
More details to come soon!
Meet the Encounter Authors and Conference Facilitators
Julie Gaede, MSW
Julie Gaede, MSW, is the co-founder of Tutapona, a Christian nonprofit that has served people affected by war and conflict since 2008. Through her work with Tutapona, Julie has spent years walking alongside people who have experienced trauma, loss, and profound pain, helping address both their emotional and spiritual needs.
In her private practice, Julie supports people who feel stuck in places of deep hurt - helping them move toward healing, freedom, and renewed hope through an integration of counseling and prayer. She has been married for 34 adventurous years and is the mother of four amazing children.
Kathleen Helgeson, MA, CFLE
Kathleen Helgeson, MA, CFLE, has served families as a Funeral Celebrant, Grief Counselor, and has led grief support groups for more than fifteen years. Her private practice includes helping hurting and traumatized individuals experience emotional and spiritual healing and find peace with God. Kathleen is a licensed pastor with The Village Church of Baldwin, Wisconsin, retired as Pastor of Spiritual Care, and remains active in her local church in prayer ministry. She has been a Tutapona Board Member since 2022 and currently serves as Chair of the Board.
Kathleen and her husband, Brian, have been married 52 years. They are amazed that the years passed so quickly - their three children are grown, and their four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren are the delight of their hearts.
“Feeling lost, I began to question the foundation of my faith. During that dark season, the Lord led me to Kathy for counseling to help me sort through everything and seek Him again. Through much prayer, tears, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, Jesus has truly healed my heart. He brought clarity to the confusion, gave me a clear direction for my personal and professional purpose, and has blessed me with peace.”
Learn more about tutapona
Tutapona means ‘We Will Be Healed.’ Whether you’re looking to learn more about trauma recovery, explore our impact, or discover how healing is changing lives around the world, we’d love to welcome you into the ‘we’.