GC Women's Ministries Newsletter                                                                December 2000

Editorial. . . Louise Driver Administrative Assistant General Conference Women's Ministries

I was recently involved in a "We're Listening" Women's Ministries Sabbath training session. This was a conference-wide program held in the Beltsville SDA Church (NAD). There were 35 ladies who attended; some had driven for eight hours. All were excited and eager to learn. The ladies also had opportunity to share what is happening in their local churches.

Our morning session was filled with drama, praise singing and the word presented by Carol Barron. Weeach one gained a blessing. "Getting Started" was the title of the training session I taught. There were three breakout sessions in the afternoon: Ardis Stenbakken on "Abuse"; Jean Sequeira on the "Nuts 'N Bolts of Planning Ministries"; and Nancy Wollack on "Outreach Ministries."

Some ladies think Women's Ministries pertains to retreats and not much more. However, we want to reach and work with the whole woman; to empower her in every way.

I spoke with one Women's Ministries director who told me because of her position she was asked to handle all the showers in the church; organize the potlucks; visit the shut-ins; handle the children's Sabbath School divisions. . . you get the idea. Ladies, this is not what comes under the umbrella of Women's Ministries.

Another director shared with me her interest in providing more spiritual type ministries for the ladies in her congregation. They have successfully held retreats, prayer breakfasts, Women's Emphasis Day programs and the International Day of Prayer activities. Her passion is for more ministries to single moms, divorcees, widows, seniors in the congregation and community. This is what Women's Ministries is about—meeting women's needs.

Conducting training seminars on abuse, literacy, health issues, and spiritual growth is what this ministry is about. Not for the sake of holding seminars, but to give women information that can make a difference in their lives and individual ministries. Encouraging women to conduct Bible studies with their neighbors, hold evangelistic meetings, train women to do a trade, reclaiming former church members, mentoring, and yes, holding successful retreats—this is what Women's Ministries is about.

"We may do a noble work for God if we will. Woman does not know her power for God...there is a higher purpose for woman, a grander destiny. She should develop and cultivate her powers, for God can employ them in the great work of saving souls from eternal ruin." 4T 642

So I challenge you to become involved with a part of this ministry for which you have a passion.

News from the world of . . .

News Flash!

Three world divisions have just held their year-end meetings during which they elected Women's Ministries directors for the next quinquennium.

Two were re-elected: Mary Maxson by the North American Divison and Mary Wong by the North Asia-PacificDivision. We are delighted to have these women continue on our team.

The South Pacific Division has chosen Joy Butler as director, replacing Carole Ferch-Johnson, who had earlier announced her plans to retire. Joy has been involved in Women's Ministries for several years and brings a wealth of experience. Welcome, Joy!

We are still waiting for word from the South American and Southern Asia Divisions.

North American Division: Women's Ministries of the Fort Smith, Arkansas, church held a tea and benefit program called "Refuse to Be a Victim." The program was on personal safety, encouraging the women to be aware of what is around them, to not take chances, and to be alert.

The Northeastern Conference has inaugurated a WM Prayer Hotline 1-888-565-9373. The hotline is currently a pilot project and their WM is recruiting volunteers to answer calls. The program now operates 7 ½ hours a day but the director, Mireille St. Pierre, hopes that they will be able to expand it to 24 hours every day of the year.

Southern Asia Division: One hundred women and six men attended meetings in Tura, Garo Hills, Northeast Union, India last month. One of them was a 74 year-old-man who came in the place of his wife and other women of the village who could not attend; he collected all handouts and observed all cooking demonstrations. The women pledged that not only would they prepare these dishes for their families but they would also sell them to earn a living. There were also training sessions on the 6 critical issues impacting women, how to lead Women's Ministries, and small group ministries.

Southern Asia Pacific Division: Thailand Mission conducted its first mission-wide women's retreat, "Empowering Women for Action," at the new Mission College in Muak Lek, October 19-22. A total of 180 women attended this historic gathering; they enjoyed the fellowship as well as learning how to do evangelism and using their talents for various types of ministries. The seminars were given by Linda Koh, SSD WM director. Plans were made for further outreach. They are ready for ACTION!

Central Philippine Union Conference conducted a WM Leadership Training Seminar Oct. 22-25 in Cebu. Seventy-five WM leaders from the missions, districts and local churches were selected to attend. The training, conducted by Linda Koh, covered topics like budgeting for success, strategic planning, chairing committees and conducting meetings, effective public speaking, the craft of writing and reporting, and how to deal with difficult people. The chair of the Department of Women's Affairs of the city was invited to give the opening address. Glenda Catane is the WM director of CPUC.