Save the Date: 2010 Texas Women's Retreat

Making a Difference

by Kisha Noriss
Todd Parish, a noted philanthropist, once said, “Giving is the lifeblood of happy living.” And, he was right! Many of our ladies who attended and participated in the outreach projects organized by our Texas Conference Women’s Ministry directors, found this statement to be true during the “Free Indeed” Women’s Convention held on September 25-27, 2009. The convention, organized by the North American Division Women’s Ministry Department, was much more than a nurturing event. The convention provided unique opportunities for more than 400 women to touch the lives of others in the community. One of these events was the “God in Shoes” community outreach on Friday morning. This event took women to the streets of Dallas and Arlington to interact with residents of homeless shelters, shelters for abused women, children’s hospitals, and day care centers, as well as lend a helping hand in food pantries and clothing distribution centers.

Joyce Yeager, of the Texas Conference Women’s Ministry committee, was asked by Carla Baker, NAD Women’s Ministries director, to make the initial contact to the DFW area shelters, to see if they would be interested in having the women help at their venue. “The people I talked with were so gracious. They were eager to have us come in and serve, and they know how to serve. They taught us so much,” said Joyce.

Women from all over the conference committed to provide bags of supplies and toys for the children at the sites that would be visited. The goal for 115 bags proved to be too low. The women donated 127 bags for this exciting event.

“Our goal was to have ladies experience disinterested benevolent community ministry and take it back to their communities as an outreach initiative,” said Lynn Ripley, Texas Conference Women’s Ministry Leader. “I believe our goal was met.”

Many of the churches have discussed taking on this project as something that can spiritually enrich the women of their church. Joyce Yeager and the women of the Fairview Mosaic Christian Fellowship Church are planning to adopt a shelter. Mary Ayonga and the Dallas New Life Church have made a commitment as well to bless themselves and the lives of others by giving back.

“I received an email asking for volunteers to adopt one of the facilities that the women’s convention had sponsored,” remembers Mary. “They wanted to make sure that there was some sort of follow-up to what had taken place at the convention. This place [The Bridge] is right in our backyard. I felt we should make a commitment to make a difference in our community on behalf of our church.” So Mary approached the women of her church with the idea of sponsoring the facility on a regular basis, and they agreed. As she started to get acquainted with the facility she saw “The Bridge,” a homeless shelter located in south Dallas, was filled with women and men. Mary thought to herself that the men of her church should get a chance to have life changing and blessing experience, just like the women had.

“I talked to the pastor and he agreed that the entire church should have an opportunity to get involved,” said Mary. The Dallas New Life Church plans to visit “The Bridge” for the first time in February 2010. They plan to spend at least four hours at the shelter and provide manicures, pedicures and back massages for the women and hair cuts for the men. They will also make packages with personal toiletries for those who are staying at the shelter.

“My entire church is excited and willing to get involved,” says Mary. “We are ready to make a difference.”

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35

Gift Idea: Women of Spirit Magazine

Ladies,

I believe most of you are familiar with Women of Spirit magazine, our only Adventist magazine for women. It is an excellent magazine for sharing with non-members as well as for Adventists. Unfortunately, though most of our women like the magazine, not many subscribe, leaving the publisher (Review and Herald Publishing Assn.) with red ink. Despite its financial losses with the magazine, RHPA has kept publishing Women of Spirit for 16 years. Now they are reassessing whether to keep it or let it die.

Since the magazine was started at a request from Women’s Ministries to help fill a need of the women of the church, I hope women’s ministries leaders will support it. I am asking two things from you:

1. Please consider subscribing to Women of Spirit yourself and giving it as a gift to other women, whether Adventist or not. The subscription cost is $22 for TWO one-year subscriptions. You may order via their website. It makes a great Christmas gift.
2. I would appreciate knowing what you like or don’t like about the magazine, especially how it can be improved. If you don’t subscribe, I would also appreciate knowing why.

Is it:
a. The cost?
b. The content isn’t appealing to you? (If not, please share the reason it doesn’t appeal to you)
c. You don’t have time to read?
d. Other? (Please specify)

Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts with me. I know you’re busy, and I am grateful for your input. Feel free to share this email with your local church women’s ministries leaders.

Blessings,
Carla Baker
Women's Ministries
North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists

Report: Free Indeed 2009 Convention & God in Shoes Outreach

Dear Friends,
The NAD Women’s Ministries Convention “Free Indeed” was such a blessing. The speakers blessed our hearts with words from God’s throne. The breakaway sessions were practical and so often outreach-focused. We had the joy of seeing friends from other parts of our division. We spent time catching up with news about life journeys and families. We shared news and ideas from our ministries initiatives. It was a foretaste of heaven when we will worship in God’s presence and thanking Him for our salvation and praising Him before His throne.

One of the most touching parts of the event was the Friday, “God In Shoes” outreach. All the ‘Bags of Love’ you made were beautiful. It was amazing to see all 127 of them stacked together, ready to go out to the children. God knows each child that received these tangible reminders of His love and care. He will bring fruit from our willing service. Thank you so much for making and delivering these lovely gifts.

Please remember that one of our primary ways to share ideas, prayer requests and information is through our email network. If you haven’t given Cheryl your email address, please send her an email at the address above, indicating a desire to be added to the mailing list. You will be glad you did.

Please let me update you on our 2010 Texas Women’s Ministries Events:

Spring Leadership Summits – all ladies welcomed! (Church Women’s Ministries Leader, no charge.)

Sunday, March 28, 2010 at San Marcos Embassy Suites (rooms for overnight stay are available)

Sunday, April 11, 2010 at Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Fall English Women’s Ministries Retreat “Beauty Is A Light In The Heart” – Speaker, Dr Jo Ann Davidson

October 29-31, 2010, Embassy Suites, San Marcos, Texas

For information: See our website or e-mail callgood@txsda.org or lripley@txsda.org


A huge thank you to each of you for your courage and leadership in ministry. We know God is making a difference in each community and church where you serve; touching lives for Jesus Christ.

Blessings and hope,
Lynn Ripley
Women's' Ministries
Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

September 2009: GC Women's Ministries newsletter

Mosaic is published monthly by the General Conference Department of Women’s Ministries for the purpose of communicating news and information about Women’s Ministries.

Click here to view the September 2009 newsletter.

HISDA Women's Ministries Emphasis Day

Church family and Friends,

Houston International SDA Church recently held a Women's Ministries Emphasis Day, where women had an opportunity to lead out in a worship service.

It was a full day of activities from Sabbath School, the Worship service, the Sundown Worship service and concluded the day with Fellowship supper.

Among other things the WM Dept. used the time to honor 12 women in our congregation who have serve our church faithfully for many years in different capacities.

Sister Eunice Kitavi prayerfully lead the Sabbath School Program, assured us of God's Amazing Grace.

Sister Miranda Adams brought a powerful message for the day. She reminded us that we are in the battlefield, the word of God is our Warfare Manual, and we need to keep the full armor, strong weapons and training in battle skills.

Sister Maria Lindo graciously lead out The Sundown Worship service - where 8 women presented the amazing stories of biblical women and how God had a plan for them -and every one of them was valuable in His eyes.

Enjoy some of the pics attached and be blessed.

May we continue to be faithful as we occupy till He comes.

Regards
Patricia Mbola

Women Participate in Relay for Life

From: Sharon Leukert
Sent: Sunday, July 12, 2009 9:21 PM
Subject: Reports

We participated in our local relay for life. Our ladies formed a team and had a booth and won prizes in the competitions for best purpose of booth and best team spirit call. I also won an award for turning into my alter ego of Super Pink to defeat breast cancer. One of the kids in our church taped himself up and let me lasso him with my pink rope (my husband was so wonderful and went shopping and found us pink everything, even duct tape!). Our church pulled up the trailer and our men served breakfast the next morning. We rocked Relay for Life! I stayed awake the whole night, then showered and dressed to go to church with Karl in Atlanta the next day and come back for a memorial service that afternoon. I collapsed on Sunday, but it was worth it. My husband put his birthday celebration on hold to participate/watch the kids for me. The ladies and the whole church loved it and we will be doing it again next year! As far as the numbers go, I know there were at least 400 people there, but I don't have the exact totals.

Sharon Leukert

HISDA Makes 10 Bags of Love for "God in Shoes" Outreach

A special thank you goes to all the ladies from the Houston International Seventh-day Adventist Church for all the donations for Bags of Love Ministry Project to benefit the Children's Shelter in Dallas during the Upcoming NAD WM Convention Sept 25 - 27, 2009.

Special thanks to sister Bernitta Mullings and Margaret Lowe who took time sewing the 10 beautiful bags for the children. All the bags were shipped to the Conference office recently.

I ask that we each remember to pray that the items inside the bags will bring comfort to each child and make them feel the wonderful love of Jesus and His presence always.

May the Lord continue to bless each and everyone of you as we continue to plant the seed and Touch the Heart and Tell about the love of Jesus.

May we never get weary in doing good.

Regards
Patricia Mbola
HISDA Women's Ministries Dept.

2009 Convention ~ Free Indeed ~ Outreach Projects ~ How You Can Help!

We want to let the greater Dallas area know that Jesus sets every woman Free Indeed. We are planning a God in Shoes outreach ministry to let the community know that Seventh-day Adventist women care about hurting and disadvantaged women and their children. Part of this outreach effort will include passing out "Bags of Love" which will contain various items for women and children specifically. One hand-made blanket will be included in the "Bags of Love". We need the help of Texas Women's Ministries groups to make the bags and the blankets for this exciting outreach!

Included in the next two blog posts are the directions for making the "Bags" and "Blankets". Someone in your church may also choose to purchase a cute bag to contain the items instead of making the bag.

We would encourage the church to put a small tag on the bag saying, “For you with Jesus’ love from the ‘your church name’ Seventh-day Adventist Church.” You can participate in this caring project even if you are unable to attend the NAD Women’s Convention by sending your bags to the conference office.

Ship to following address to arrive by September 15, 2009:
NAD Women’s Convention
c/o Tim Arkusinski
Southwestern Union Conference of SDA
777 S. Burleson Blvd.
Burleson, TX 76028

We will make sure your donations are delivered. You and your ladies can also be part of delivering the bags, by signing up for the “God In Shoes” outreach when you register for the convention through http://www.nadwm.org/.

Please call or email us with the age group (women or children) and number of bags your Women’s Ministries Committee/Church will make: Lynn Ripley 512 670-6377, lripley@txsda.org or Cheryl Allgood 817-783-2223 x210, callgood@txsda.org The bags should be completed and delivered to the conference office by September 15 or taken to the Hilton Anatole Hotel by Thursday morning, September 24, 2009.

Thank you for your caring hearts that willingly serve others!

How to Make Blankets for "Bags of Love"

From A Mother’s Heart Fleece Blankets ~ Materials

1 yard each of a solid and a print fleece for an infant or wobbler (12 months-24 months)
2 yards each of a solid and a print fleece for an older child
2 ½ -3 yards each a solid and a print fleece for an adult/young adult
Masking tape
Scissors
6-inch square template for an infant/wobbler blanket
7-inch square template

Directions

♥ Trim the salvage from both pieces of fabric
♥ Place wrong sides of fabric together
♥ Smooth fabric and trim excess fabric
♥ Cut square template from each corner
♥ Place masking tape from corner to corner on all four sides
(This will be your cutting guide)
♥ Cut 1 ½ strips from corner to corner on all four sides
(These will form the blanket fringe)
♥ Tie double knots on each fringe strip
(The finished tied fringes should be the same at the top on all four sides)
♥ If necessary even up fringe ends
Attach a laser-preprinted scripture to a corner of the blanket

An infant/wobbler blanket cost approximately $12.00
Larger blankets average about $18.00


Say a little prayer that your blanket will cover
the child with warmth and God’s love through
the scripture verse attached to it!

How to Make "Bags of Love"

The bags for our Bags of Love need to be sturdy; they will be used a lot. Very often CPS tries to reunite families, so the children get home visitations, when they do, they use this bag as an “overnighter”. We try to use fabric that is like a lightweight slacks material such as sailcloth, gabardine, corduroy, etc. You get the idea. Denim is too heavy; it does not allow the bag to close enough when drawn closed.

We do not make all the bags alike (the same size but not of the same material). We use prints, interesting patterns, children’s prints, etc. We also make the pocket a contrasting print or color. We want to brighten their lives as much as possible. You can make the pocket of the same fabric if you can’t find something that coordinates with the bag material.

Quite often you can find these fabrics at Wal-mart in their bargain bin for a $1.00 per yard.

(Many are very interesting, and quite often you will find expensive fabrics that are very nice.)

I always keep a check on it. It’s much easier if you use the 42”-45” fabric because the bag is designed to use that width. You can use 60” wide fabric, but you need to change your layout. Bags: You will need a piece 45” x 30”. You will get six bags out of five yards. If purchasing 60” wide fabric you will get eight bags out of five yards.

You can use knits, but you must use a different layout, and you will have some waste. You never know what you will receive as a donation, so be prepared for anything. Pocket and Flap: You will need one flap, cut one piece, and one pocket piece. Select fabric that will co-ordinate with the bag fabric. You can cut ten pockets and ten flaps out of 1 1/8 yd of 45” wide fabric.

Rope: Use 5/16” white cotton rope. The rope can be found in the fabric department. It works very well. You will need 45” for each bag. We usually buy 30 yards; that is enough for 24 bags.

Buttons: You need good sturdy 1” buttons. We find that the ones with the metal shank in the back are the best. They give enough room to accommodate the layers of fabric and open and close easier. You may find a good assortment by asking people when they throw away a garment to cut off the buttons and save them for you. You may also use Velcro but it must be the sew on type. If using Velcro you will eliminate the steps for making the button holes and, of course, the button on the pockets and the flaps.

Starting The Bag
You will need:
Cut 1 piece for the bag: 45’x 30”
Cut 1 pocket: 9”x 13 ½”
Cut 1 pocket flap: 9”x 6 ½”
5/16” white cotton rope: 45”
Button: 1”

Preparing the bag
1. Set your sewing machine stitch on zigzag, the closest stitch and widest zigzag (Figure 1). Stitch across one 45” edge of bag. This will be the top of the bag. It will bind off the edge, it will not unravel, this makes less bulk for the top.

2. For the openings for the drawstring, measure over from the 30” edge 11 ½” and make a mark (Figure 2). Now measure down from the top 1 ½” to where the other mark is, make a mark. This is where you are going to place two-1” buttonholes ½” apart.

Cut a piece of interfacing about 2”x2” centered behind the buttonholes, this is to reinforce them so they won’t tear in use (Figure 3). Make the buttonholes.

Pocket
1. Take the pocket piece and zigzag along the top edge.
2. Fold over to the right side 2” from the top. Stitch down on the 2” side with a ¼” seam allowance on both sides (Figure 4). Turn right side out.

3. Press, folding a ¼” seam allowance on all remaining sides to match the top (Figure 5). It is now ready to sew onto the bag.

4. Center the pocket 6” below the buttonholes. Pin in place and top stitch onto the bag, reinforcing at the top on both sides (Figure 6).


Pocket Flap
1. Fold flap right sides together, making it 9 x 3 ¼”. Sew both ends with ¼” seam allowance. Turn right side out and press. Zigzag across the cut edge to bind (Figure 7). Make a buttonhole in the center.

2. Place the zigzagged edge ¼” above the pocket lining it up with the pocket. Sew across with ¼”seam allowance (Figure 8).


3. Fold flap down towards the pocket and top stitch across (Figure 9).


Sewing the bag
1. Fold the bag in half, pin. Sew across the bottom and up the side (Figure 10). Bag should measure 22”x 30” at this point.


2. At the top edge, fold over1” and sew around with ¼” seam allowance, forming the casing for the drawstring (Figure 11).

3. Insert rope (drawstring) and place a knot on both ends so it won’t slip out. Before inserting the rope wrap a piece of tape around the end so it won’t fray. Use a safety pin to help guide it through the casing just formed. Remove the tape and tie knots on the ends.

4. Sew the button on the pocket and you are done!

Attention Dallas Fort Worth Area Women’s Ministries!

If you are located in the area near the Dallas Hilton Anatole Hotel where the NAD Women’s Convention “Free Indeed” will take place Sept 25-27, 2009. There will be a Friday Outreach Ministry Trip to Women's Shelters and Children's Hospitals. Friday, September 25, 2009 (8:30 am-1:00 pm). This “God In Shoes” will take us out into the community to serve others.

Our prayer is that hearts will be served and touched with a new understanding of the love of Jesus. We are also praying that there will be an ongoing ministry that develops out of this first contact.

Would your Women’s Ministries Committee be willing to serve one of the outreach locations on a regular basis as one of your ministries initiatives?

Please reply to Lynn Ripley at lynnripley@gmail.com or 512-670-6377 if you would like more information!

2009 Convention ~ Free Indeed ~ Outreach Projects

We want to let the greater Dallas area know that Jesus sets every woman Free Indeed. We are planning a God in Shoes outreach ministry to let the community know that Seventh-day Adventist women care about hurting and disadvantaged women and their children.Women’s shelters: At area women’s shelters, we will do Spa Time, which involves healing touch. If you can do manicures, pedicures, or hand/shoulder/neck massage, please plan to participate. Please bring your own supplies and equipment.We are also working on outreach possibilities to area children’s hospitals. More later.
Outreach Training*:
Thursday evening, September 24, 7:00 p.m. Hilton Anatole Hotel
*Required for all outreach ministry participants

Outreach Schedule:
Friday, September 25, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sign up for God in Shoes when you register for the convention.

SITES FOR GOD IN SHOES OUTREACH MINISTRY

• 3 shelters for abused women and their children
• 3 shelters for homeless families
• A children’s hospital
• A daycare center for children of homeless parents
• An interim housing project for homeless women and children
• 2 thrift stores operated by Christian missions

Sign-up for your choice of outreach sites will be at registration at the Hilton Anatole Hotel beginning at 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 24. Sites available on a first come, first served basis.Training for God in Shoes outreach is required of all who participate and will be conducted Thursday night, September 24, at 7 p.m. at the Anatole. If you are unable to be there on Thursday evening, please contact NAD Women’s Ministries office at 301-680-6427.For more information about the 2009 Women's Convention click here!

2009 Convention ~ Free Indeed!

2009 Convention ~ Free Indeed!

This year instead of the annual women's retreat typically scheduled in November, the North American Division (NAD) is hosting a Women's Convention for all the women of north America!

When: Thursday-Sunday, September 25-27, 2009Where: Dallas, Texas

Speakers: Carla Gober; Monica Reed, MD; Elizabeth Viera Talbot; Hyveth Williams

Theme: Together we explore how Jesus sets us Free Indeed!

• Free from sin and guilt
• Free from illness and disease, stress, toxic emotions, and unhealthy relationships
• Free to allow god to use us to glorify Him in our lives

"If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!" ~ John 8:36
Registration: Early Bird prices have been extended until Tuesday, June 30 ~ $189 for the whole weekend (Sabbath only rates are available)

Hotels: Hilton Anatole Hotel ~ $114 per night (1-800-445-8667)

For more information: http://www.nadwm.org/

2009 Women's Convention ~ Free Indeed!

Early Bird Registration Deadline Extended!
Free Indeed ~ Women’s Convention in Dallas, Sept. 25-27, 2009

Because of the large number of late May and June camp meetings where the division-wide women’s convention can be promoted, we have decided to extend the early-bird registration deadline until June 30. This will give ladies an extra month to register at the $139 rate. After that we will go up to the regular rate of $189.

Share Your Favorite Recipes

How do you cook in a way that keeps your family healthy and happy? What are the short cuts, simple ideas, and fast meals you survive by? Share your best recipes for healthy, delicious meals here. To share your recipe, just click the little underlined item below that says "Comments". If you choose, you can leave your comment "Anonymously" or with your name. Thanks for sharing!

God is Crazy about You

A little boy is telling his Grandma how "everything" is going wrong. School, family problems, severe health problems, etc. Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks her grandson if he would like a snack, which of course, he does. "Here, have some cooking oil." "Yuck!" says the boy. "How about some raw eggs?" "Gross Grandma!" "Would you like some flour then? Or maybe some baking soda?" "Grandma, those are all yucky!" To which Grandma replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things together all in His order, the always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually they will all make something wonderful! God is Crazy about You. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart!

Online Connections to Texas Conference Women's Ministries

Communication and Sharing “Helps” for you: Take advantage of these updated/new websites to communicate with other women involved with ministry. You can share ideas, submit prayer requests, tell your testimony, leave a recipe for others to try, and send in pictures of your Women's Ministries events ... and the list goes on.

Save these two links under your “Favorites” for quick access. Enjoy!

The updated Texas Conference WM website -- http://txscwomen.netadventist.org/

The new Texas Conference Facebook page--

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventist-Women-of-Texas/39255402518

Texas Women Serve Families in Kenya

Submitted by Patricia Mbola

The Houston International Seventh-day Adventist Church Women's Ministries group launched our Global Mission Project the first Sabbath in January, 2009. We collected money to buy uniforms for young girls in Kenya. Each uniform cost $12.00, and our target was 30 uniforms for needy girls in a district with ten churches. We collaborated with the Women's Ministries District leader for the project. God blessed the Uniform Mission Project, we quickly had money for not 30 but 35 uniforms and the women continued to give.


Our church is really a site of heaven, where you have over 30 nations represented, and for the first time God has given us a ministry that not only unites us but prepares us for the Kingdom. I am ever so grateful for what God is doing and about to do in our area, I sincerly ask for your prayers for our women, that the Lord will keep us focus and ever realize that it is all for His Kingdom.

Here is the recent response from a Sister in Kenya:


Dear Friends.
I would like to report we had a blessed District Women Day at Nthangathini Seventh-day Adventist church. We were able to distribute the uniforms. I should be frank, women were extremely happy. They all appreciated your church’s gift! You may think this was a small thing, but this went a mile in touching the hearts of many.

I hope this will go down in touching many hearts to drive them towards free giving.
I am sorry I was not able to get a good photographer because the one who has been taking the photographs was away.

We were able to buy 30 girls uniforms and because we bargained we had a balance which we bought sanitary towels for the mature girls and pants for all the girls.


Below, please find how we spent the money:
30 uniforms – Kshs.25,860.00
3 cartons of sanitary towels – Kshs.3,340.00
Pants 10 dozens – Kshs. 3,900.00
Transport – Kshs.900.00

Share the photos with your church members and pass our regards to all of them.

Aunt
Jeradine

Bags of Love Ministry Report

Submitted by Norma-Jean Rose
This story is about “It’s My Very Own-Bags of Love”, but it can not be told without first telling you about a special gift we received from friends in September 2007.

Our pastor wanted to know who would be willing to be a host home for meetings via satellite. If you didn’t have a dish, you could let him know, and he could tell you how to get one. There were some members that would be willing to install a dish. We talked to the pastor. The next thing we knew a young couple said that they had a dish we could have. They not only gave us the dish, but installed it!!

In February 2008, I saw an interview on 3ABN (Three Angels Broadcasting Network) that changed my life. Shelly Quinn was interviewing Barbara Nahar. She, her daughter and husband started “It’s My Very Own-Bags of Love”.

This ministry’s objective is to lessen the stress on the children who have been taken during a drug raid. The transition process from being involved in a drug raid, and being picked up by a CPS worker to waiting for placement into a foster care home is very traumatic, and can require that the child or children wait many hours.

When a drug raid is made, it is the children that are left with no mom, dad, family or personal belongings, like a favorite teddy bear, blanket, photos, books, personal care items, etc. All these items are held for evidence. Also, if their home was being used for a meth. lab, they are taken to a clinic or hospital and bathed and given clean clothes. They can’t even keep their own clothes.

It is the intend of “Bags of Love” to bring some comfort to these precious children by giving them something that is “My Very Own.”
We make duffle bags with a big pocket on the outside, and a big drawstring around the top to close it. In the pocket goes age and gender appropriate personal care items, ie, combs, brushes, ponytail holders, shampoo, lotions, baby bottles, sippy cups, etc. Inside goes a big soft cuddly stuffed animal. Age and gender appropriate toys, pens, pencils, journals, coloring books, etc. At the very bottom is a homemade quilt 48”x 60”. All ages receive the same size quilt. The ages range from infants to 18 years old. The following is a story of one child’s comment after he received his “Bag of Love”.
After a 9 year-old boy had received his “Bag of Love,” he was told that he had to wait to look inside. Apparently the wait was very long and he could not resist seeing what was in the big pocket. When he pulled out a new toothbrush he said, “Wow, my very own toothbrush, now I don’t have to share!!” What a heart reaching statement!! (We do indeed take so much for granted).

On May 1, 2008, we delivered our first “Bags of Love”. By the end of the year we had delivered 45 “Bags of Love”.
We praise God for His blessings upon this ministry. We could not have done it without the Lord putting His love into the hearts of our community and our Conroe Seventh-day Adventist church family.
Some of the volunteers in the community are the Presbyterian Church Ladies Sewing Circle, and an 84 year-old lady that square dances every Thursday night!! Also, another lady in Conroe is making quilts for us. Some of the ladies in our church have made quilts as well as a 15 year-old girl that has committed to making 2 infant blankets a month, and a 15 year-old boy that not only picked out the material, but designed and made a quilt that looked like a checker board. Our first duffle bags were made by the seventh and eighth graders from our church school. Some of the donations that go into the bags are given to us by the receptionist at our DDS office who gives us a large trash bag full of new stuffed animals every other month, toothpaste and toothbrushes from DDS offices, handmade stuffed animals by a Methodist lady, material, coloring books, crayons and money have come from everywhere. It truly is a blessing to see everybody coming together to help these precious children.

Houston Women's Day of Prayer Photos

The Houston International Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted a wonderful Women's Day of Prayer event on Sabbath, March 8. There were more than 65 ladies in attendance! Praise the Lord!

Enjoy the event photos below!

Fundamental Tips for Women's Ministries Leadership

Hi All!

I have been working on the details for the leadership summits in March & April. The thought that keeps rolling around in my mind is how thankful I am to be working with a team; all the parts of the plans are easier as we plan and pray together. That is what brings me to sharing this note.

I'd like to share my fundamental tips for joyful Women's Ministries leadership:

1. Always build a team to plan and prayer together. Remember and claim the promise of Matthew 18:19,20, "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

2. Keep your schedule simple; don't try to do it all. God will bring others to join you and grow the ministry a step at a time.

3. Always reach out! The primary goal of Women's Ministries is to share Jesus.

Blessings, hope and possibility for your day!

Lynn