Headlines for Feb 2000

Evangelistic meetings, baptisms, special days, and congresses have been the focus of the women in AID this past year.

During August of 1999, women in the Africa Indian Ocean Division met in Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Madagascar for spiritual renewal and to make a difference in the communities in which they met.

HIV/AIDS prevention was an important part of the message in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. Marches through the towns took messages directly to the local population. In Ghana the 500 women also had banners, T-shirts, and caskets to bring home their point. When they finished their other activities, they unveiled a billboard in both cities; in Ghana it was with the help of the deputy minister of health of the national government. In Madagascar the congress theme was "The Power of His Presence." Over 2000 women from the Seychelles, Mauritus, Reunion, Mayote and all parts of Madagascar, all in uniform, marched in a big procession. There was an exhibition and visits to several government ministers and the wife of the head of state to acquaint them with the work of Women's Ministries. On Sabbath the churches in Tananarivo joined together; Pastor P. Leitao, president of the Indian Ocean Union, preached a sermon of dedication to the 6000 attendees. Women in the West Congo Union also had a congress in Kinshasa. There were many prayers of thanks that the capital was peaceful during that time. Some of the women from Equator spent one week on a boat to reach the congress. On Sabbath, about 2000 were in attendance.		Women from Seychelles march in the opening procession of the WM Congress held in Madagascar.
		Priscille Metonou giving a presentation on HIV/AIDS in Ghana.
		Women marchin in Ghana with warnings regarding HIV/AIDS.
		The three directors from the South and North Indian Ocean Union Missions singing the theme song at the congress in Madagascar.

During the past year the women in AID have participated in the International Day of Prayer and held a day of reconciliation between ethnic groups. One man said that the gift the women gave him that day was the best he had received since the death of his parents in the war.

Women marching with HIV/AIDS message in Cote d'Ivoire.

Women all over the division have also participated in income generating activities, literacy and skill development programs, and community service projects.

In a partial report, Priscille Metonou, AID's Women's Ministries director, stated that the women have organized 3,540 evangelistic campaigns that have resulted in the baptism of 11,169 persons.

Information on the General Conference Session Ministry Meetings sponsored by Women's Ministries is available on the General Conference Session web site at: http://www.adventist.org/gc2000.

As more information is available, it will be released in this newsletter, on the web site, and in the Session 2000 News distributed by the Communication Department. You can obtain this by e-mail at gcsession@gc.adventist.org or by requesting a hard copy from the GC Communication Department.

If you don't know what to say after someone shares an idea with you, try saying, "Tell me more." This gives you time to ponder the idea and shows you care enough to listen.

Source: COMMUNICATION BRIEFINGS, Vol. XVII, No. IV - Rousing Creativity, 1004 E. Jefferson, St., Charlottesville, VA 22902

Here are some ways that you can stay tuned in when you're the listener to a visitor in your office:

Source: COMMUNICATION BRIEFINGS, Vol. XVII, No. IV - The Complete Idiot's Guide to Managing People, by Dr. Arthur R. Pell, Macmillan/Alpha Books, 1633 Broadway, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10019.

When you want to give someone a choice of refusing a suggestion, let your voice rise at the end of the sentence. Example: "May I suggest that I go with you?"

For an assertive statement that's almost a command, say the same thing without implying a question by lowering your voice at the end.

Source: COMMUNICATION BRIEFINGS, Vol. XVII, No. IV - Virginia Pucel, writing in Scanner, 701 Park Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55415

I have several of the Women's devotional books from years gone by. I underline, turn over the corners of the pages....and reread. I would encourage anyone who hasn't gotten one to do so. I recently was impressed to share one with my sister-in-law who is "searching" to be a Christian. I know the books are written in a way that can reach her heart.

You and the others who have put these books together have done an excellent job of making them apply to all women who are desiring a Christian walk and looking for growth and encouragement.

If you have not sent your GC Women's Ministries Database Infosheet in to the General Conference office yet, please do so soon. It will soon be General Conference Session time, and there will be many vacancies to fill in departments and executive committees. Your information may be just what someone is looking for!

If you have not received an Infosheet, please let us know phone, mail, fax or e-mail. We will be glad to send one.

Women's Ministries Special Days

International Women's Day of Prayer - March 4

Women's Emphasis Day - June 10

If you would like the resource packet for either of these special days, contact your union or conference director.

The packets are also available from GCWM for $2.00, plus shipping and handling.