Connection Newsletter 2016 - Christian Women Connection

Connection
Spring 2016
A Newsletter of Women of the Church of God
The Time
ion
is Now!Reconciliat
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18
J
ust recently I watched a video by
comedian Michael Jr. He introduced a
segment called “Break Time.” It is an
opportunity to take a break from WHAT
you are doing and ask yourself WHY you
are doing this activity. This video has had
a profound impact on my life. Michael
ended the segment by saying, “When you
know WHY you are doing WHAT you do,
then your WHAT will have purpose and
passion.” So how does all of this translate to a call for reconciliation? This state
ment so adequately describes my journey
as a reconciler to Christian Women
Connection.
My journey to be reconciler was not
an easy road. I had become heartbroken
and disillusioned with things I had witnessed in the church. I was happy to continue to serve in my local congregation
where I was appreciated and could work
among people that I knew and those who
look like me. However, God had other
plans. He would allow my ideas and notions to be shattered so that he could heal
my heart.
On one particular occasion I had journeyed home on Interstate 69 from a board
meeting in Anderson. I was incensed at
By Arnetta
McNeese Bailey,
Executive Director
what I had witnessed. I began to
lament to the Lord at great length on the
drive of my displeasure. In the midst of
my struggle the Lord dropped a thought
in my spirit. In all my sorrow and complaining not once did I use language of
unity; not one time did I speak as though
I was in relationship with those who had
offended me. I spoke of them and they
rather than us and we. Today it is easy for
me to recount this story, but it was very
hard to live in that moment. For what
happened to me on Interstate 69 transformed my life; I saw myself...I saw my
prejudices!!! Through my tears of sorrow
and repentance the very next words from
my mouth were, “Lord use me in the
healing.” That day my life changed and I
sought to be a reconciler. Six months later
I was serving on staff in the one place I
thought I would never be.
Ephesians 2:14 has become my
guide, “For he himself is our peace, who
has made the two groups one and has
destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall
of hostility.” Dr. James Earl Massey says
in his book Concerning Christian Unity,
“The first step of unity is going beyond
Continued on page 2
Serving Christ through serving wome n & equipping them for ministry.
The Time is Now! Reconciliate continued.
once hard-set boundaries; when this happens believers discover each other in other
settings and begin to share their experiences. They will then discover their common faith, the contagion of each other’s
witness and the embracing love that they
could not defuse.” I learned I had to focus
on those things we had in common rather
than those things that separate us.
In 2002 I joined the staff of Women
of the Church of God; I witnessed barriers being broken. I became very passionate and committed to my assignment and
the ministry of reconciliation even as I
faced periods of adjustments and challenges. God being who He is showed
me that there are no coincidences in our
life, but days that are numbered. My first
speaking engagement in my new position as Ministry Coordinator was from
the theme:Together We Reconcile! I took
this as confirmation that I was where God
would have me be.
I am blessed to have shifted from Ministry Coordinator to Executive Director!
Along the way, while doing good work my
passion to be a “reconciler” became overshadowed by pressing matters. I remained
quiet at times when I knew I should have
InThis Issue
spoken and along the way I allowed old
feelings to surface at times. Yet, always
in the back of my mind I could hear this
voice, “I have called you to the ministry of
reconciliation.”
Fast forward to today; events in our
nation have caused a revival to stir within me. I have found myself being thrust
into situations that have fanned the flame
of my calling; then I heard Break Time.
What I came to realize was that over the
last thirteen years I amassed a long list of
what I had accomplished, but I was losing the fire of why I was doing it. I took
a much needed break and asked myself, “
Why do you do what you do?” The answer
led me back to Interstate 69 when I said
to the Lord, “Use me in the healing.” The
fire has returned…I have been challenged
over and over by events inside and outside
the church to live out the challenge Mordecai gave to Esther, “Who knows that
you have come to the kingdom for such
a time as this.” The time is now for reconciliation!
Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:
16 – 20 that reconciliation is not a choice;
it is a mandate from God for those who
proclaim Jesus as Lord.
Continued on page 4.
Thr Time is Now! Reconciliation. . . . . . . 1
2015 NAWCG Celebration. . . . . . . . . . 13
Where is Your Faith? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Women in Ministry Corner. . . . . . . . . . . 5
Six Must-have Elements
for a Successful Retreat . . . . . . . . . . 16
Christ’s Birthday Observance . . . . . . . . . 8
Memories of Zambia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
CWC Councl Meeting Recap . . . . . . . . 10
Staff Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
View from the Pew. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2
866-778-0804
Where is your faith?
An Introduction to Peace
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.”
Colossians 3:15a nlt
T
oday I am supposed to write about
peace. It’s a difficult task because I
am hyper aware of terrorism that
has taken lives in Paris, France, and Beirut, Lebanon. My heart is broken for Syrian and Iraqi refugees, fleeing war and
destruction and looking for a safe place
to call home. I see the faces of women
and children caught in cycles of abuse
and poverty. I hear the names of men and
women, facing prejudice and racism because of the color of their skin. I feel unsettled and discouraged, but not peaceful.
I am reminded of the disciples, fearing for their lives on a boat rocked by tempestuous winds and mammoth waves.
They were anything but peaceful. They
were scared and anxious. They begged
Jesus to wake up because he was sleeping through what they thought was their
final moments on earth. I felt disturbed
and worried at this latest new cycle and I
prayed, “O God wake up! Please calm the
storms of rage, hatred, and violence.”
After
Jesus
By Mary Stephens
Ministry Coordinator
calmed the storm,
he asked his followers, “Where is your faith?” Fear took
hold of the disciples and pushed their faith
aside. It’s difficult to ignore the fear gaining a foothold in my spirit. And then the
voice of God asks, “Mary, where is your
faith?” It’s a gentle reminder that God has
not fallen asleep on the world. God still
cares for and loves us all dearly. The question is also a forceful rebuke. Have I been
a peace maker? Am I praying for my enemies? Is my heart open to offer forgiveness, reconciliation, and hospitality? Have
I lived in such a way that people would
know my faith is in the Prince of Peace?
The 2016-2017 Christian Women
Connection theme is “Peace.” As we study
this theme of peace, may we understand
it to be a call to action! If ever the world
needed a group of faithful women to
make peace in turbulent times, it is today.
Agents of peace feed the hungry. Agents
Continued on page 4.
To Become a Partner:
If you would like to receive the print version
of the Connection Newsletter or would like to
sponsor someone else in membership, contact
All active partners of Christian Women
your local Christian Women Connection group. If
Connection (formerly Women of the Church
you do not have a Christian Women Connection
of God) who are current on their dues receive
group in your church or would like to start a
the Connection Newsletter.
group, contact the national office at 1-866-778Partnership prices:
0804 or e-mail [email protected].
$10.00 annual basic partner
Mission:
$20.00 annual challenge partner
The mission of Christian Women Connection
$100.00 lifetime partner
is to serve Christ through serving women and
equipping them for ministry.
Connection Newsletter
Winter 2016
Volume 83, Issue 1
www.wchog.org
Change of Address:
Please allow six weeks for new memberships
and/or changes of address to become effective.
Postmaster:
Connection Newsletter is published bi-annually
by Christian Women Connection, with business
offices at 1201 E 5th Street, Anderson, Indiana
46012. Partnership price: $10.00 a year. Postage
paid at Anderson, Indiana, and additional entries.
Postmaster: Send address changes to Christian
Women Connection, PO Box 2328, Anderson, IN
46018-2328.
3
The Time is Now! Reconciliate continued.
What I have learned along the way:
• I belong to God!
• God loved me so much that He sent His Son – Reconciled me back to him
• When I accept God’s unconditional love – loving others is made easier.
• I can no longer respond as the world does; Christian unity is a divine gift
from God.
• My life must be a reflection of who God created me to be.
• I cannot achieve reconciliation on my own; it is a gift of God through
Christ Jesus.
• To be reconciled with others I must first look at my heart.
• I must forgive others before they ask for it – Do not count people’s sins
against them.
• I am Christ’s Ambassador--The world will know that we are Christians by
our love.
• We must learn to listen to one another-- If one part suffers, every part
suffers with it.
Each one of us has an opportunity to affect change in the environment in which
we serve. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to your position for such a time as this.
As we dreamed during this past board meeting for the future of Christian Women
Connection we were challenged to rethink our mission statement. We, the women
of the Church of God have always been leaders at crucial times in the history of the
church. There is no time like the present for us to lead the way. It is time that we live
as reconcilers, bridge builders, as peacemakers. The new mission statement for Christian Women Connections says: To build relationships with women everywhere, and to
provide ministry resources to the Church of God and to other groups for connecting
women through relationships, spiritual formation, and service, and to train and empower women for leadership in peace-building and reconciliation.
Ladies, in this is a new season of ministry we must be bolder and more intentional.
We can no longer accept hate and injustices to rule the day. Let us to take a break from
the routine and live out the WHY rather than the WHAT! Let us raise our voices and
declare the Time for Reconciliation Is NOW! It is time for us to show up, speak up, and
stand up! The ministry of reconciliation begins with us!
Where is Your Faith continued.
of peace stand in solidarity with the persecuted. Agents of peace listen to the broken
hearted. Agents of peace welcome the stranger. Agents of peace create safe places for
the wounded and pray for the restoration of those who wound others.
The day in which we live is not calm, still, or quiet. Storms abound. We need to
know where our faith is and we need to make our faith active. This is not an easy task,
but we are not alone. God sent the Holy Spirit to guide and direct our steps and we
have each other, women in the Church of God, to forge this path of peace. The storms
of life are continuous; it’s the reality of living in a fallen world. In those times we must
remember where our faith is. We are citizens of God’s peaceful kingdom, called to let
the Peace of Christ rule in our hearts and in our actions.
4
866-778-0804
Minist
ry Corner
Women in
Where do you currently serve?
Ohio Ministries of the Church of God as
State Pastor and Director of Ministries
Who has been an influential mentor or
spiritual guide on your journey?
I have been blessed to have several mentors and spiritual guides on my journey.
Some of those persons are: the late Dr.
Leonard (Bucky) Snyder; Rev. Vernon
Maddox; Dr. Randall Spence; Dr. Juanita
Leonard.
What advice do you have for women
feeling a call to ministry?
If your call to ministry is from God, then
lean into that call fully. Prepare yourself
educationally and experientially. Learn all
you can and accept as many ministry opportunities as are opened to you, even if
they seem minimal at the time. I do believe that the message of the Parable of
Talents is to be faithful to use the opportunities God sends our way. These have a
way of preparing us for events and experiences that we cannot now even imagine.
Remember that the call to ministry may or
may not take on a traditional path. Sometimes the Lord opens doors into traditional ministries. But, sometimes our Lord
opens new opportunities that require the
heart of an entrepreneur. This might include opportunities such as church planting or starting ministries in your local
church. And, sometimes the Lord calls for
women to serve in compassionate miniswww.wchog.org
Featuring
Rev. Dr. Esther Cotrell
State Pastor and Director of Ministry
Ohio Ministries of the
Church of God
tries such as pastoring a church nearing
the end of her life cycle. In my experience
women excel in giving birth to new ministries and offering compassionate care to
ministries that are struggling or live on
the edge of the stable ministries, as well as
the more traditional ministries.
How can we pray for you?
Please pray that I might have the strength
to carry my load; the courage to live out
fully the call of God upon my life; the
wisdom to choose and lead well; and the
grace to serve my co-laborers.
5
6
866-778-0804
www.wchog.org
7
T
hank you for joining Christian Women Connection in the 2015 Christ’s Birthday Observance. This past year we not only celebrated the birth of Jesus, the
light in the darkness, but we were challenged to be light in our world. Through
project prayer, we uplifted the Church of God around the world. We used the Meditation Journal to ponder scripture. We generously contributed to the Christ’s Birthday
Observance Offering so that ministries around the world can continue to be bright
lights in the shadows. Thank you for your prayers, devotion and gifts. Christian Women
Connection is forever grateful for the wonderful ways you and your congregation have
supported the Christ’s Birthday Observance Offering and the ministry of the women
in the Church of God.
In 2014, the offering totaled $869,580.70 (over $14,000 more than the 2013 CBO
offering)! Those offerings were put to work in 2015, making the world a brighter place
with the light of Christ.
Each year the Christ’s Birthday Observance Offering is distributed in three ways.
Four percent of the offering is used for expenses of the Christ’s Birthday Observance
(design and printing resources, mailing packets, and other expenses needed to get CBO
materials in the hands of pastors and leaders).
Fifty percent of the offering is given to the World Ministries Budget (administered
by Church of God Ministries). From this fifty percent, a variety of ministries receive
support, such as Global Strategy, Leadership Development, Credentialing Services,
CBH radio, major event ministries, higher education, and Servant Solutions. These are
vital ministries in the Church of God movement.
Fifty percent of the offering is given back to Christian Women Connection to be
8
866-778-0804
used for mission and ministry projects and personnel. Because of your kindness, Christian Women Connection was able to give 171 percent more to missionaries and mission projects. We were able to provide for the needs of our global service workers in
the form of clothing allowances, college housing, care and renewal, and appliances.
We were also able to contribute to specific funds that helped get missionaries on the
mission field.
For over twenty years, Christian Women Connection has administered a hunger
and relief fund to help rebuild after natural disasters, provide food and farming systems
to the hungry, and to assist in community development. With the increased percentage
of the Christ’s Birthday Observance Offering, Christian Women Connection was able
to give 282 percent more to hunger and relief projects.
As a ministry, Christian Women Connection not only seeks ways to provide for
international needs, but also looks for ways to help the communities in our back yard.
Because of additional Christ’s Birthday Observance dollars, Christian Women Connection has been able to increase domestic mission giving by 40 percent. Projects
benefiting from this increase include Native American ministries, feeding programs,
and educational assistance to ministry students.
Thank you for giving to the Christ’s Birthday Observance Offering. Your continued
kindness and generosity is making a tangible difference to essential ministries. The 2015
Christ’s Birthday Observance Offering continues to come in. We are excited for the
multitude of ministries that will shine the light of Christ because of the generous gifts
of the people of God.
Don’t forget to send in your offerings to your state Christian Women Connection treasurer. Funds must be received by April 30, 2015 to be included in the grand
total. Thank you for your participation and service to the Church of God
www.wchog.org
9
Recap
CWC Council
Meeting
W
omen from across the United States gathered together
By Faye Goode,
in Anderson, Indiana, on October 15-18, 2015, for the
National Vice
President
Christian Women Connection annual Board of Directors and Connection Council meetings. Sounds of laughter, the
greeting of friends, and the joy of seeing acquaintances filled the air as state and national leaders assembled for the business of Christian Women Connection. From the
opening prayer to the closing benediction we were thankful to God for bringing us
through another year.
As we listened to the reports of our national leaders it was evident that our ministry is strong and reaches beyond the borders of these United States. Our missionary
support is at an all-time high and new ministries are springing up within CWC to serve
the under-privileged. Our 2014 Waves of Grace national convention was successful on
all fronts and plans are already underway for the 2017 national convention. Although
we did not meet the 2014 Christ Birthday Offering goal we experienced an increase
over the prior year offering which allowed CWC to fund new ministry projects. We
heard from representatives of the Native American Council, the National Association
Women of the Church of God and Clergy Women who serve on the CWC Board of
Directors.
New to our Connection Council meeting was Leadership Training! Bishop Milton
Grannum led an exciting Leadership conference and he challenged us as CWC leaders
to share the stories of our ministry so that others can see how we are blessing lives.
Our ministry is not without its challenges as operating funds continue to be the
subject of much discussion with regard to funding operations during difficult economic
times. The Board of Directors, along with the Finance Committee, continues to seek
resources to fund our national operations.
And finally we all had the wonderful opportunity to meet our national staff! These
are the people who are there to greet us when we phone in, answer our emails, pack
and ship our product orders, and keep the ministry functioning on a daily basis. We
thank God for them and keep them in your prayers as they serve CWC.
At the end of the meeting, the council voted unanimously to alter the vision and
mission statement of Christian Women Connection. Our new vision is “to serve Christ
through equipping and empowering women for Christian ministry.” Our new mission
is “to build positive relationships with women everywhere and to provide ministry resources to the Church of God and other groups for connecting women through relationships, spiritual formation, and service, and to train and empower women for leadership in peace building and reconciliation.”
Our ministry is strong and to God be the glory for the great things he has done and
continues to do through Christian Women Connection!!
10
866-778-0804
www.wchog.org
11
View from the pew—
CWC events at 2015 CHOG Convention
There now is a man named Jim Lyon
New things, he always is tryin’
CHOG Convention went on the road
Got out of the Anderson mode
Was amazing—if just short of Zion!
By Naomi Bryant,
National President
CWC staff headed west at a pace
With a load that used all of its space
For use for our stuff
Did they bring enough?
For all who have met in this place
Staff made arrangements long distance
For lodging and booth space for instance
Thanks to all that they do
For more than a few
Enjoyment is not just a chance
We heard preaching, teaching, and story
About saving from sin and God’s glory
It’s busy, no doubt
But it’s great to get out
And nothing even hinted at boring!
CWC got its time to shine
The luncheon we hosted was fine
The room was sold out
A tight fit, no doubt
But we all got our food in the line
With a highlight of missionary friends
Gathering there from the globe at all ends
The time was ordained
The blessings remained
All who were there were Godsends
Continued on page 14.
12
866-778-0804
2015
T
NAWCG Celebration
he 2015 National Association Church of God We Are
By Amanda Rees
Better Together Conference was held in October in St.
Administrative Assistant
Charles, Missouri. Women and men entering the conven- to the Executive Director
tion center were warmly welcomed by brothers and sisters in
Christ, all clad in red. These greeters could be found around every corner and were sure to guide you to your destination, leaving you happier than when you first met. During the opening
service on Thursday night, worship leader Quincy Fielding not
only filled our hearts with music, but he filled our imaginations
with a beautiful picture of unity. He described a place where a
person’s race will never be a subject; instead it will be a place of
unity. This place is heaven. The evening was filled with inspiration from Rev. Dr. Kevin Earley on how we can bring that sense
of unity to earth as Jesus intended.
As the women gathered into the conference ballroom Friday
morning, we were awakened by Rev. Cynthia Thomas’s “That’s
a Wrap” rap. The room was quickly filled with so much joy. Our
attention was on Rev. Thomas and we were eager to hear what
The Lord had for us. She reminded us to unlock ourselves so He
may work through us and prepare us for the blessing He will
give us; with the reminder that not all blessings are microwave
blessings. She walked us through the steps of being about our
Father’s business, and urged us to pray for lives to be saved, instead of being critical of
others. Friday evening ended with Rev. Marilyn Lambe encouraging us to be ourselves
and allowing Him to shine through us. She presented the question that Alice in Wonderland asks the Cheshire Cat at the fork in the road, “Where should I go from here?”
Rev. Lambe went on to explain the Cheshire Cat’s answer, “It doesn’t matter,” meaning
if you allow the Holy Spirit to fully guide your life, than you are able to walk down either path to fulfill your work for Jesus. She later praised our Executive Director Arnetta
McNeese Bailey as an example of someone fulfilling God’s purpose.
Continued on page 14.
www.wchog.org
13
View from the Pew continued.
Anita Renfroe was a blast
With church jokes from present and past
She joked and smiled with a wiggle
And sure made us giggle
And left us with thoughts that would last
She spoke of racism and bias
That God has no use for the pious
She called us to unite
To stand for the right
To get rid of the bonds that would tie us
The lunch came and went in a hurry
Che-Che led in worship with a flurry
Our souls were fed
As Che-Che led
And reminded in Christ there’s no worry
She quoted Esther the queen
Whose wisdom she did glean
She called for His purpose
And into His service
For NOW—the time that is keen
The main speaker was worth all the wait
Arnetta McNeece Bailey kept that date
She spoke from her heart
Honest right from the start
Reminding us there’s no room for hate
I’m glad for her honest God-given word
And pray that all those who heard
Will stand for the right
And love all in God’s sight
And pray for ALL hearts to be stirred.
2015 NAWCG Celebration continued.
Saturday morning, Rev. Cynthia Thomas once again “unleashed” upon us her
magnificent ability to express God’s power.
Relating her personal experiences, she challenged us all to share our testimony with
others. She reminded us that past circumstances we think might destroy us, will be
used by God to light our fire so we will
emerge looking like gold.
There were also five conferences held on Friday and Saturday mornings, allowing
us to delve deeper into certain topics and connect with one another. Ending the day,
the women and men gathered together in the ballroom for a banquet celebration. The
group was a gathering of brothers and sisters praising God. It exemplified unity and
displayed the importance of allowing our individual God-given purposes to shine.
Sunday marked the end of the conference. Rev. Marilyn Lambe sent us off with
a powerful message: we each hold a light that allows God’s glory to unite us as His
church.
As I reflect on the weekend, I see hope in the future. In a world that seems to be distancing itself from God, I was shown that by uniting and hearing each and every one of
our stories, we are capable of building His kingdom. By educating our youth and showing them God’s grace, we can be the light to guide their path. This is not the time to be
weak, but the time to unite as one body and show the world that We Are Better Together.
14
866-778-0804
www.wchog.org
15
Successful Ret
reat
Six Must-have Elements for a
I
n the midst of busy ministry tasks, Jesus called the disciples
to time away with Him. Why would the CEO of a budding
company take His associates away at their most crucial season? It all had to do with what’s called the bottom line.
Look at Mark 6:30-46 to find six essentials for a getaway.
By Sally Ferguson
The Invitation. Mark 6:31
The apostles were frazzled. They came back from their assignments to report in to the Boss. They traveled, taught, and tended to
the needy. Jesus invited them to step away from the tyranny of the
urgent and regroup.
How about the women in your sphere of influence? Are they
carpooling moms, trying to make ends meet, or a part of the sandwich generation caring for aging parents and young children? How would they respond to a
weekend of R and R? It would give them a chance to recharge their own batteries! Invite them on Facebook. Ask them in person. Print flyers and posters. Get the word out
that you are planning something special with each one in mind. Advertizing your event
in multiple venues, repeatedly, spreads the message.
The Challenge. Mark 6:37
Jesus issued a challenge to His followers to be the vessels through which God could
display His glory.
Could you cast a vision for a getaway that would rally women? Andy Stanley says,
“A clear, focused vision actually allows us to experience ahead of time the emotions associated with our anticipated future.” (Visioneering, p 9)
Casting a vision helps a leadership team to plan and implement your retreat. It also refers to the challenge you set
before attendees. Will you call them to discipleship or dedication to unity? Will you challenge them to a deeper prayer life
or a broader scope of servanthood? The vision of the retreat
provides a foundation on which all else can be built.
Organization. Mark 6:38-40
I love how this passage illustrates that God is a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40)!
First, Jesus sent the disciples on a fact-finding mission (vv 38). Planning women’s
retreats is no different…
• How many rooms will we need?• How many can the location handle?
• What amenities are available? • What will it cost?
• How much time do we want to schedule away?
16
866-778-0804
Secondly, Jesus organized the massive group (vv 39-40). What will you need to
organize? Food for thought, food for the body, and food for festivities are all important
elements to a retreat. Break down each task into smaller chunks.
• Who will be in charge of meal planning? • Who will plan activities?
• Who will arrange transportation?
• Who will handle registration?
• Who will bring the chocolate?!
Take it a step further. How will you foster a sense of belonging? Groups of seven to
nine people add intimacy to a retreat; a place where everyone learns your name. At our
women’s retreats in western New York, the groups discuss the theme and talk about
living the Christian life. It’s a place to listen to what others think about faith and to be
heard in the questioning places of our hearts. Small groups meet several times during
the retreat to cultivate relationships and to pray for one another.
Gratitude. Mark 6:41
Jesus gave thanks for what had been given. What happens when we show gratitude? Not only does an attitude
adjustment happen, but it shifts the focus to the One who
wants us to “come away” with Him. Include opportunities for
worship in your retreat. Schedule outings to experience the
wonderful world He created. Affirm each woman for the con tributions she makes to
your small group. And recognize ways others have made the experience better for all.
The Meat. Mark 6:41-44
After Jesus had given thanks, He broke the loaves and fed the crowd abundantly. How will you break the Bread of Life for your women? Will it be through video,
speakers, or study material? When women tell their stories, camaraderie is developed
through shared struggles.
Did you notice that Jesus didn’t distribute the loaves and fish to the people? He let
His disciples experience the joy of the miracle. When you spread out responsibilities
to your leadership team, more people take ownership of the event, and more people
receive the blessing!
Prayer. Mark 6:46
And so, we come full circle and end at prayer. From the invitation to the benediction, Jesus modeled a lifestyle of prayer.
He knew it all came back to the bottom line... relying on the
One who would supply all their needs.
Bathe your retreat in prayer. From conception to birth,
let it be the Lord’s baby. He will show you how to nurture and raise it up to be an event
that takes on a life of its own and brings praise to Him!
Sally Ferguson has been planning women’s retreats for eleven years. Her coloring book,
What Will I Be When I Grow Up? (Warner Press) and ebook, How to Plan a Women’s
Retreat are both available on Amazon. Sally and her husband, Roy, live in Jamestown,
New York. Visit her website at: www.sallyferguson.net.
www.wchog.org
17
18
866-778-0804
Zambia
Memories of
by Annie Jackson and Bettie Drummond
I
t is difficult for me to put in writing just
what this trip meant to me. There are
times when mere words are just inadequate to express what my heart felt. On
August 16, 2015, ten women from various
cities and states arrived at Dulles International Airport in Washington DC to begin
our journey to Zambia. We arrived in Zambia in the evening on Monday, August 17,
thanked God for our safe arrival and retired
for the night.
At 4:30 am on Tuesday August 18, we
began a long, adventurous ride to a village
(seven hours with one bathroom stop).
Along the way we saw various homes
(huts of different sizes), people walking
from place to place, merchants selling their
goods, banana crops, and markets. Our
guide, Sister Masamba, expertly answered
our questions about people, the government, and the land.
Upon arriving at the village, we met a
group of adults and children. We were their
guests and we were warmly welcomed. At
the gathering, we were seated on a platform and treated to a worship service. The
children and young teens were very energetic in worshiping and praising God. After service we enjoyed a healthy lunch of
chicken and vegetables (I had seconds). It
brought joy to my heart just to be in the
presence of the families of the village. In
the village there was an older woman who
appeared to be sick. Our translator asked
her if she would like prayer. We gathered
around her and prayed. Her spirit appeared
to have been lifted.
Continued on page 14.
www.wchog.org
19
Memories of Zambia continued.
Following our visit to the village, we attended the Women of the Church of God
International Conference at the Avondale National Church Headquarters in Zambia. The
theme was “Redigging the Wells of Destiny.”
The conference was attended by over five hundred women. The praise and worship services
were inspirational and uplifting. The young
people led and they sang many songs. The National President of the Women in Zambia, Sister Annette Mwanza translated the songs into
English for us and we realized the songs were
similar to our own hymns.
There were several teaching sessions led
by women in our group. Dr. Safiya McNeese
shared about women’s issues. The women in
the audience were attentive and participated
by asking questions. Throughout the entire
conference, the translator was awesome,
making sure women from Malawi, Zambia,
and Zimbabwe understood what was being
presented.
I was blessed by the opportunity to participate in the clothing
project sponsored by Christian Women Connection. Each woman
at the conference received a set of clothing (skirt and blouse). The
women were appreciative.
It was a pleasure for me to receive a beautiful wrap from one
of the young mothers at the convention. Our missionary, Josie
Vickey, was kind enough to photograph me and the young woman
to show my deep gratitude. I was not expecting such a gift.
Annie Jackson
W
hat a mighty God we serve! He promised, “If we delight ourselves in him,
he would give us the desires of our heart” (Psalm 37:4 paraphrase). I thank
God for our sister, Rev. Arnetta McNeese Bailey, Executive Director of
Christian Women Connection, who has a passion for our sisters in Africa, for inviting
us to share in the 2015 International Church of God Women’s Conference in Zambia.
On Sunday, August 16, 2015, the mission began when ten women left their families
and homes for Washington DC for an everlasting, memorable experience. After prayer,
we were ready to board Africa Air to begin the seventeen hours to Lusaka, Zambia. We
arrived in Zambia on a beautiful chilly night. Waiting anxiously for us, was the Zambian Church of God leader, Rev. Mailesi Ndao and her husband, Brother Oscar.
20
866-778-0804
The next day they took us on a long journey to Chenzombo Village. While riding, we had
many questions. We learned that it was charcoal
season. We saw the smoke of trees being burned
to make charcoal, which was put in sacks to sell
by the road. We saw many villagers with goats
and cows. We learned that in Zambia, if you
have a special guest, you serve them goat. We
had goat!
The visit to Chenzombo Village was a
humbling, eye-opening experience. Mailesi told
us, “You will get a chance to meet ten children
who were chosen out of seventy applications
for Children of Promise sponsorship.” Mailesi
had shared with Dr. Paul Maxfield, Director of
Children of Promise, the condition and needs of
children in this village. We expressed our appreciation to Mailesi concerning how she allowed
God to use her to make a difference in the lives
of others.
On Thursday, August 20, 2015, the women’s
conference began. The morning worship opened
with the Zambian choir giving praise. The team marched in with Sister Mailesi. I could
feel the presence of the Lord. There were three preaching and teaching sessions each
day. The speakers were Rev. Arnetta McNeese Bailey, Rev. Saundra McNeese, Minister
Angie Coffman, Rev. Keisha Patrick, and me (Bettie Drummond). Dr. Safiya McNeese,
held an open clinic daily. In each afternoon session, she shared information on women’s
issues and answered questions. The women were eager and blessed to have her share.
Rev. Arnetta opened and laid the foundation for the conference with the theme,
“Redigging the Wells of Destiny.” She stressed how important it is for women of God
to go back and dig the well of values and truth that was given to us by our parents. The
destiny of our future generations depends on us, God fearing women, who believe and
trust in Jesus Christ. She said, “God has called us for such a time as this.”
Speaking in the last session, I asked, “What was the purpose of a well?” The natural well is a clean fresh water supply that is needed for survival. I concluded with the
woman who met Jesus at the well in John 4. During their conversation, he offered her
living water. She accepted it, ran back, and shared her joy with others. We all know
someone who is thirsty and needs a drink. We as women must share Christ with others.
On the last night of the conference, the worship service was moving. We felt a
ray of hope. We sang and danced joyfully with our sisters. We had shared much with
them, but they have given us a lifetime of memories. It was a memory that will last me
forever. What a mighty God we serve!
Bettie Drummond
www.wchog.org
21
22
866-778-0804
St
aff Update:
Gretchen Smith
Ministry Assistant
Gretchen has been with Christian Women Connection since June
2105, serving as our receptionist and data specialist. In February 2016
she was promoted to ministry assistant. In her time here, she has
helped foster a warm and welcoming office environment through her
gift of hospitality and servant spirit. She is the proud mom of three
active kids, Christian (16), Lauren (14), and Cameron (10). Gretchen
has a heart for speaking to women’s groups and for being present, so
that she can best follow the Lord’s leading in her life.
Jennie McMullin
Fall/Spring Intern
Jennie has been serving as our 2015 Fall Intern and will continue
in the Spring of 2016. Currently a student at the Anderson University
School of Theology, she is pursuing her Master of Divinity. Jennie
also serves as a senior high youth volunteer and small group leader
at Madison Park Church of God in Anderson, Indiana, and is newly
engaged.
Congratulations!
Arnetta McNeese Bailey received the prestigious Raymond
James Leadership Award from the National Association of the Church
of God in West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, in August 2015.
Scott Rees graduated from the Anderson University School of
Theology in May 2015 with a Master of Divinity.
Pictured:
Saturday, November 21, 2015, our staff took the opportunity to volunteer with the Christian Center, a homeless men’s shelter in downtown Anderson, Indiana. Here
we see two of our amazing staff members, Karen Sayre
and Mandy Rees, helping prepare lunch for the men.
www.wchog.org
23
800-848-2464 (toll-free)
765-642-0256 (local)
Web site address:
www.christianwomenconnection.org
Christian Women Connection Offices:
1201 E 5th Street
Anderson, IN 46012
866-778-0804 (toll-free)
765-648-2102 (local)
Fax: 765-608-3094
E-mail: [email protected]
Christian Women Connection
PO Box 2328
Anderson, IN 46018-2328
“Serving Christ through serving women
and equipping them for ministry.”
Spring 2016
A newsletter of
Women Connection
Connection
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 1328
Anderson, IN