by Norma Gunter
The American Baptist Women’s Ministry Focus for March, 2017 is See…Spiritual Growth. The scripture is Psalm 34. “As we enter the season of Lent, what spiritual disciplines might enable us to see with new eyes, to grow in our knowledge and understanding of God’s love, and to discover God’s will for us? Spiritual growth occurs when we deepen our relationship with God and allow the Holy Spirit to open our eyes so that we see God everywhere we turn and in every person we encounter.”
One way, we as women, can grow and deepen our relationship with God is to watch the videos of the American Baptist Women’s Ministry of WV LEADERSHIP ACADEMY SESSIONS on YouTube.
We are so proud of our own Joyce Mills who was the speaker February 4, 2017 at the fourth session at Parchment Valley. It’s too late to attend but we can all watch all four sessions. They are available by going to the American Baptist Women’s Ministries of WV web site. Click on Leadership Academy, on the left side of the site, which will direct you to YouTube.
In the past three months I’ve listed the three mission families we support here at First Baptist Church; the Aragon Family, the Myers Family and the Reed family. We also support Debbie Mulneix, Lauren Bethel and Deborah House (where I visited several years ago). Information on all of the missionaries we support can be found on www.internationalministries.org
The new year, 2017, brings with it a new M.O.P. (Mission Outreach Project). The goal for 2017 is $6,000. The ABW is, “helping the Aragon’s hit the road in southern Mexico with a 4-WD vehicle.” In December. 2016 I shared with you in the BEAM about our new mission family from WV. They will be going to the mission field when they raise their support. The new vehicle along with the other “Start Up” costs is $65,000. West Virginia’s share is $6,000. Our ABW will give to this offering. Anyone else who would like to help, make the check to FBC and designate it to the Aragon’s. Juan and Denise will be working with another of our supported missionaries, Keith and Debbie Myers. Their work is in the mountains which will requires a 4-WD vehicle.
Our 2017 SPECIAL PROJECT is the Sunny Day Leadership and Activities Center furnishings of the meeting spaces. The goal for this project is $12.000.
Another opportunity for spiritual growth and deepen our relationship with God is the second Women’s Camp March 31 to April 1, 2017 at Camp Cowen. The first camp last year was a huge success. The goal, “To unite generations of women to experience a weekend focused on living life as a Christian woman.” The camp is for all ages 18 and older and costs $45.00.