"When courageous women work together, it reflects the best we have to offer the world." Leymah Gbowee



Saturday, July 31, 2010

Women In Step With The Spirit

Dear Sisters,

I finally have computer access while I am still vacationing in Hawaii. Attending the
BWA Women's Leadership Conference has been truly a blessing and a gift from God. To have
the opportunity to be with over 750 Christian women from all over the world has been
amazing. Sitting next to a woman from Latvia and across from a women from Spain one day at lunch. As we sit and talk and ask each other what is a major issue their women are dealing with and all of us say "Human Trafficking" shows what a huge and global issue this is but also shows what a small world it is at the same time. The issues women deal with in the
U.S.A are similar to women all over the world. Oppression of women and girls is worldwide.

The creativity and dedication of women worldwide is also amazing. Hearing stories of the ministries that women are involved with in their own communities. In Papae New Guinia women raise money to build birthing huts in the villages so women will have a safe place to go and give birth. Women from the Fiji Islands have a prison ministry that extends not only to inmates but to families and the staff of the prisons. To hear the stories of women who are destined for God's Purpose is amazing.

To experience singing and praying with women speaking many languages is truly being in step with the spirit. This opportunity has been an enriching and growing opportunity for me.
I look forward to sharing more of my thoughts and observations from the conference but for
now I will sign off as a Woman Destined for God's Purpose reflecting in Hawaii.

Aloha and Blessings,

Barbara

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

In Step With the Spirit

Dear Sisters,

Tomorrow I am about to step out on a new adventure in Christ. I leave for Hawaii to attend the Baptist World Alliance Women's Leadership Conference, "In Step with the Spirit." Over 800 women from around the world will be in attendance. I can hardly wait to see what God has planned for me over the next several days as I make connections
with Baptist Women Leaders from near and far.

I am eager to learn and hear first hand issues facing women and girls and what I can do to make a difference in a woman's or girl's life. I look forward to new friendships, fellowship with women, and praying together to lift up women's ministries around the world. Representing American Baptist Women, I look forward to sharing how we have been involved in the issue of human trafficking, support an awesome ministry for girls and utilize the technology available to us today for ministry with women and girls.

I am ready to be "In Step With the Spirit" and be open to all that God has waiting for me in Hawaii and beyond. Please pray for me, my American Baptist Sisters attending with me and all the other Baptist Women from around the Globe as we travel to be, "In Step With the Spirit".

I hope to blog several times while I am in Hawaii to share what I am experiencing at the conference. Please visit my blog regulary over the next week to learn more about my Christian Sisters as we come together in step with the spirit to be Women, Destined for God's Purpose.

Blessings,

Barbara

Monday, July 12, 2010

Being a Woman Destined for God's Purpose and Loving It!

Greetings Sisters,

As I write this post, I am with over 300 women and girls at the AB Women's Ministries Natonal Conference and AB Girls National Gathering. There is nothing better than being with a wonderful group of Christian women and girls studying the word, getting excited about mission, and just having fun and fellowship together.

I am so blessed to be the National President of this organization and to have a wonderful support system of so many great women. As I sit and chat with women from Washington State to Rhode Island, I am amazed of the stories that they share of their faith journey, what they have been called to do and their willingness to do more when they see a need.

I blessed the bus this morning as our girls left for a day mission experience to the Judson Retirement Village in Ohio. The excitement and eagerness of the girls as they were ready to leave and go out and serve. Praise God!

I have had several opportunities over the past week to share about the issues facing
women and girls who are oppressed around the world challenging women to think of how as individuals, groups and a national organization, we can reach out and bring encouragement, economic empowerment and education to women and girls. If you haven't read the book, "Half the Sky" by Nicholas Kristoff, I encourage you to do so to learn more about these issues and how you can join in the growing movement to make a difference - one woman at a time.

Thank you to all my sisters who have been so encouraging to me this week as I continue to serve as your President. As I said in my report, it is an honor and a privledge not only to serve you as President, but to be an American Baptist Woman Destined for God's Purpose.

Blessings,

Barbara