General Conference Women's Ministries Newsletter :  October 1999

Editorial. . .by Dr. Linda Koh Director of Women's Ministries Southern Asia-Pacific Division
Spread Wide thy Wings

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave us the great commission: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19, 29). Does it really mean that we are to go to all corners of the earth to share Christ with others? To remote jungles? To the slums of the cities? To war zones?

Working in difficult areas such as a war zone calls for courage, dedication, and willingness to step out of one's comfort zone to reach out to the unfortunate and needy. Gecta and three other women worked under such difficult situations in the northern part of Sri Lanka where a civil war has crippled the island nation for the last decade.  Land mines scattered everywhere could blow off one's legs and hands, thus sending great fear among the civilians. But these women were undaunted! They traveled 30 km. each week to a nearby village in the northern war zone of Vavuniya to minister to the thousands of people affected by the war.

These women started a Branch Sabbath School for hundreds of children who have lost their parents in the war. They taught the people how to live a healthy lifestyle. They collected used clothing for the villagers. People are coming to their meetings and Bible study groups have been started. Where there was no hope, the people in Vavuniya find hope and peace in Jesus.

Is this where Christ really wants you and me to serve? Yes, the Lord is calling women like us to bring the good news today to the uttermost part of the earth. Women are called to minister in busy places, in easy places, and even in difficult places.

Jesus Himself has promised to give us the power of the Holy Spirit in our ministry. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

Isaiah 40:31 reminds us again of the wonderful promise that "Those who wait upon the name of the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not faint," Wings of eagles! What strength! When God calls us to serve Him in difficult areas and under trying conditions, He never leaves us alone. He promises wing power power to soar above difficulties and trials as we bring the gospel to the many who have not heard of Jesus.

Yes, let's step out of our comfort zone and go where the need is. Be ready to go and teach and preach. Service for Christ does not guarantee a smooth journey, but it does bring boundless joy and satisfaction. In fact, many of the great blessings in life come out of wounding and trials.  Wheat is crushed before it becomes bread. Incense must be cast upon the fire before its odor is set free. The ground must be broken with the sharp plow before it is ready to receive the seed. And the seed must be thrown into the ground and die before it can grow as a plant. But remember, even with crushing weights the Christian can "soar with wings as eagles."

As an old saint has said: "Jesus Christ is no security against storms, but He is perfect security in storms. He has never promised you an easy passage, only a safe landing."

So my friends, be prepared to step out of your comfort zone when Christ calls you to serve Him. Reach out to others and spread wide your wings to minister in all types of places. And when difficulties come upon you, remember to soar like an eagle!

End

North American Division: The women in Arizona have celebrated their 10th anniversary Hispanic Women's Retreat. Over 265 ladies from six states and Mexico attended. It was the first retreat for 75 ladies; 35 women were non-church member guests. The retreat theme was "Women in God's Image." One lady attended for the first time three years ago and has since been baptized. She says, "As long as I live I don't want to miss any of these retreats. Since I came that first time, my life has been greatly changed." A lady from another denomination who came this year for the first time says, "I never thought that Adventist ladies had so much love for each other and for their Savior. I'm starting to believe in what they believe!"

South Asia-Pacific Division: Patty Hyland, WM director the Guam Micronesia Mission reports that exciting things are happening all over Micronesia. She sends details on all night prayer services, women's Day of Prayer programs and an excellent response to plans for seminars. The ladies are becoming active in witnessing and discipling.

Trans-European Division: During the British Union session, Heather Haworth presented a report on Women's Ministries; there was also an interview with the Norbury church pastor who reported on how the WM activities are involved in the church's outreach.

South Pacific Division: Carole Ferch-Johnson reports that she has just returned from nine days in the island nation of Vanuatu with the WM director of that mission, Dorolyn Laloyer. She says, "We had a retreat 'by the river;' 400+ camping women. We slept in tents, cooked our food on open fires and swam (wrapped in a sarong) in the river in the absence of any showers or bathrooms. I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed the three days. The faith of those women is amazing." The retreat was followed with a three day leadership training program for all local church WM leaders.

Inter-American Division: The WM and Health Ministries of the South Caribbean Conference conducted two seminars on AIDS Awareness and Education. Two major retreats were also held this year.

In Surinam WM held its first seminar on domestic violence in conjunction with the "Stop Violence Against Women" Institute. The director commended the Adventist church in Suriname for being one of the first to talk out against domestic violence.

Euro-Africa Division: WM directors Ardis Stenbakken, General Conference, and Noëlle Vitry,  EUD, joined Pavla Sustkova, Czech-Slovakian Union, for a one day WM Congress in T inec, Czech Republic, last month. Over 500 women came from the Czech Republic and Slovakia to learn what is happening in Women's Ministries, how to become involved, and how to witness to non-Adventist husbands.