by Norma Gunter
Virginia Holmstrom, Executive Director of the American Baptist Women’s Ministries, wrote in her letter, December 2017, “I Believe…I believe in the deep passion for mission that motivates American Baptist women to be the hands and feet of Christ in their churches, communities, and world.”
“I believe in Christ-centered mission of ABWM to encourage and empower women and girls to serve God. Further, I believe that God created every person with unique giftedness and purpose, and you and I are called to encourage and empower them to live their lives for God’s good.”
“I believe that when AB women welcome the uniqueness of one another—marveling at the differences we each bring to these ministries—our beloved community will reverberate with the love and grace of Jesus Christ, and the whole world will move a bit closer to peace.”
American Baptist Women’s Ministries new brochure is broken down in three categories, CHRIST-CENTERED- ENCOURAGING & EMPOWERING WOMEN & GIRLS-SERVING GOD. Under Christ-Centered is EVENTS-ABWM offers many opportunities for women to get together in conferences, retreats and online events. The other subject under Christ-Centered is RESOURCES-ABWM provides resources for ministry with women and girls. The resources include print, downloads, podcasts, blogs and other networking tools.
Under Encouraging & Empowering Women and Girls is LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT and AB GIRLS. Leadership Development-ABWM is committed to helping women find and develop their leadership potential. (This year the West Virginia ABWM had several programs on leadership and our own Joyce Mills taught one session which can be seen on UTube.) AB GIRLS-Girls are leaders too, they are our future leaders. This program offers girls an opportunity for growth and development into women of God. (At one time FBC had a Guild Girls program. All we need is a lady or two to step up and organize one for our young ladies.)
Under Serving God is MISSION EXPERIENCES,-ADVOCACY-WOMEN & GIRLS MISSION FUND. MISSION EXPERIENCES. In person and online, ABWM offers a wealth of opportunities to experience and learn about mission. Hands-on mission projects, mission trips around the world & the USA help women expand their knowledge, learning how to serve God. ADVOCACY-ABWM empowers women to become involved in advocating on issues that impact women and girls. WOMEN & GIRLS MISSION FUND-This fund is used to provide life changing opportunities for women and girls in the US and around the world. (The ABWM is asking for women to partner with them with a monthly gift of $10 or more. (They can be reached at www.abwministries.org)
HAPPY NEW YEAR from FBC ABWM. Don’t forget our missionaries and their families in your prayers.