by Norma Gunter
American Baptist Women’s Ministries has a new program for 2015-2017. See… Psalm 34:18 “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good.” God who saw us in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139) still sees us today. We are familiar with the parable about the good Samaritan where the priest and the Levite see the wounded man but move to the other side of the road and keep on going. They see, but chose not to see. The Samaritan truly sees the man and his needs and chooses to care for his neighbor. For two years the American Baptist Women’s Ministries will focus on See… “How we see God and how we are called to see the world through God”s eyes.” Women will be encouraged “to grow their relationship with God through Bible study, prayer and fellowship.” You will hear more about this program in the future. (Seasons Magazine)
White Cross has changed at the International level which changes the state and local levels. This year, 2015-2016, there are no SET quotas. The West Virginia State ABW has set a goal for $10,000.00 for White Cross Focus Area Education. This money will provide needed school supplies and educational material to support educational programs around the world. We, ABW, are encouraged to give as you feel God’s leading. The Overseas Purchase Plan provides assistance to the following countries: Africa, Central and South America, Caribbean, East Asia, Europe and the Middle East. This year we can pick the area we want to help. We need to give at least what we gave last year or even more.
There is no quota for handiwork either. The needs are great and again we are encouraged to “just do what you feel lead to do.” White Cross handiwork is a vital mission ministry and God will continue to bless all our efforts.
Ten hospitals in the Congo depend on items we make with our hands for White Cross. Items needed from across the USA for ABW are:
105,000 Roller bandages (different sizes)
10,000 4” x4” (50 per pkg.) cotton squares
5,000 36” x 36 ”Baby blankets
5,000 Infant gowns
5,000 Surgical caps 5,000 Surgical masks
2,000 12” x 12” Wrappers 2,000 18” x 18” Wrappers
2,000 Triangular bandages
Before each state was assigned their share of items, and each state chairman assigned so many to each association and the association chairman divided the items between the churches in our association. This year no quotas were given but we are asked to do what we did last year or even more. Beckley FBC women made and mailed over 50 roller bandages in April. These items will be due next April. Anyone who would like to make any of the above items-I have the patterns. JUST ASK!