A Celebration of Women Around the World
A Special General Conference Event
for Women's Ministries Leaders and Directors
March 31, 2001

A Celebration of Women Around the World, held at the General Conference on March 31, brought more than 525 women together for a powerful day of praise, testimony, and prayer. Sponsored by the Department of Women's Ministries, A Celebration culminated the week-long WM World Advisory which occurs only every five years. This event gave the world division WM directors a unique opportunity to share their stories with local WM directors and leaders who were eager to know what was happening. Some women traveled from long distances to be a part of the event and to meet and greet the directors.

The day began with a mini-concert by the New England Youth Special Ensemble with Dr. Virginia-Gene Rittenhouse, Director. A specially assembled Praise Team (Carol Barron, Lois Covarrubias, Louise Driver, Mary Maxson, Jemima Orillosa, Gladys Rios, and Sharon Wright) led everyone in singing. Ardis Stenbakken, GC Women's Ministries Director gave greetings, followed by an "Around the World in Ten Minutes" video presentation created by Lynnetta Hamstra, Associate Director.


Women participating in the prayer activities.

Special prayer times throughout the day with NAD Prayer Ministries Director Ruthie Jacobsen, along with Erica Monsalve, enabled the women to feel the wonderful presence of the Lord.

Each of the Women's Ministries Directors presented "Her Story," which gave the audience exciting and inspiring information of specifics within the world field.

There were several times during the day that the Praise Team came to uplift the name of the Lord and there was numerous special music during the day's activities.

A theme song Lord, Our Redeemer (sung to Showers of Blessing) was written for the day by Dawn L. Reynolds. The guest artists were: Lori Bryan, Soprano; Alanna Kim, Violin; Gabriella, Maria and Daniella Robinson, Alina and Marisa George with Alana Scott, Flute; Judy Vandeman, Harp; and the group Loyalty with members Nicole Anderson, Lindsey Brown, Lorna Simmons, and Simone Washington.


Lori Bryan, Soprano

Gabriella, Maria and Daniella Robinson, Alina and Marisa George

Other highlights of the day included book give-aways by Ginger Church (Review and Herald Publishing Association) and Nancy Kyte (Pacific Press Publishing Association), a "Heart Call" presentation, and an ADRA video.

Special offering projects were introduced for eight of the divisions, and women were given the opportunity to designate their money to assist in these projects.

Each participant received a bag filled with I Am a Woman God Can Use pin, pen, and loads of information brochures from GCWM.

The day ended with the challenge, final blessings and benediction at 6 pm. Many of the women stayed to meet and fellowship with the WM directors. The Adventist Book Center, the largest one in the world, opened especially so the women could drop by, browse and buy. It is just a few blocks from the GC and women were looking for some of the books featured during the book give-aways.

A Celebration of Women Around the World provided women a wonderful day in the Lord and time to see how women throughout the world are ministering to each other and serving the Lord in a mighty way. God truly blessed us all.

- Iris Stovall