Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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
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
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
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
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