For the past two weeks, the chaos of Christmas had arrived in my home. In addition to our everyday schedules of work, school and Carrie's extracurricular activities, I have been working hard to meet deadlines for AB Women and preparing information to send out for our church's human trafficking events in early January. In addition, there has been cookie baking, holiday parties, presents to buy, Christmas cards to address and decorations to put up. We finally purchased a tree the other night and we decorated it yesterday. Where was the reason for season in all of these activities these past 2 weeks?
Christmas means different things to people. At 3:00 am this morning, the feeling of Christmas had finally arrived within me. I was sitting up in bed, listening to the wind and snow hit the windows. It was dark and quiet and I felt an inner peace inside of me. Although the weather was wild outside, I felt safe and secure in my bedroom. I imagine that is how Mary and Joseph felt the night Jesus was born. After traveling a great distance and Mary giving birth, they were safe and secure in the stable with baby Jesus knowing that God was watching over them. It is that inner peace that God gives me that is my Christmas present. The time I spent at 3:00 am this morning with God was special. I prayed and I listened. Wonderful memories of the past filled my head. The chaos of Christmas was finally gone and the true season has begun for me.
Jesus is truly the reason for the season.
As Christmas day draws near, I pray for each of you that you will find the true meaning of Christmas inside your heart and you will feel an inner peace amongst all the chaos around us in the world. As Women Destined for God's Purpose, let us take this time to reflect and be thankful for the gift of Jesus, born in a manger, Savior to the world.
Christmas blessings and Peace on Earth,
Barbara
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
A Cry for Freedom: Let Freedom Ring for Victims of Human Trafficking
The title of my blog today is the theme my pastor and I have selected for our services for Human Trafficking Awareness Day in January. You are probably wondering why in the middle of the Christmas season I have decided to write about Human Trafficking. Human Trafficking Awareness Day is January 11th. It comes so quickly after the holidays that I want to alert everyone now so they can think about what they can do to bring awareness on that day.
I am so lucky to have a supportive pastor and a church who supports my passion for this ministry and has become involved in my desire to bring this issue to our community. On Sunday, January 10th our morning worship will be devoted to this issue and that evening, we will have a prayer service and candlelight vigil on our front lawn. We will be decorating our church on New Year's day with purple lights, purple ribbons and a banner for our community to see. We will follow-up with flyers, and articles in our town newspaper so that the community will learn about the issue and understand as Christians, we have taken a stand to become involved.
What can you do to bring awareness on this issue to your church and community? I don't expect everyone to go to my extreme with purple lights, but can you imagine how cool it would be if we could get all the churches across the country to place purple ribbons on their doors and pray for this issue? How powerful that would be! Go to the AB Women's Ministries, Break the Chains website, www.abwmbreakthechains.org and you will find a variety of ideas that you can do with your church to make a difference and bring awareness on a variety of different levels.
During this season of giving, let us remember the victims of human trafficking who are still enslaved waiting to be rescued? Let us continue to work towards bringing freedom to all of them so that they too may enjoy the season of giving. God gave us his son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Let us, as Christian Women, bring the love of Christ into our community and the world, and break the chains of human trafficking, one link at a time.
May you continue to shine your light for Christ this Christmas season as we continue to be Women... Destined for God's Purpose.
Blessings,
Barbara
I am so lucky to have a supportive pastor and a church who supports my passion for this ministry and has become involved in my desire to bring this issue to our community. On Sunday, January 10th our morning worship will be devoted to this issue and that evening, we will have a prayer service and candlelight vigil on our front lawn. We will be decorating our church on New Year's day with purple lights, purple ribbons and a banner for our community to see. We will follow-up with flyers, and articles in our town newspaper so that the community will learn about the issue and understand as Christians, we have taken a stand to become involved.
What can you do to bring awareness on this issue to your church and community? I don't expect everyone to go to my extreme with purple lights, but can you imagine how cool it would be if we could get all the churches across the country to place purple ribbons on their doors and pray for this issue? How powerful that would be! Go to the AB Women's Ministries, Break the Chains website, www.abwmbreakthechains.org and you will find a variety of ideas that you can do with your church to make a difference and bring awareness on a variety of different levels.
During this season of giving, let us remember the victims of human trafficking who are still enslaved waiting to be rescued? Let us continue to work towards bringing freedom to all of them so that they too may enjoy the season of giving. God gave us his son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Let us, as Christian Women, bring the love of Christ into our community and the world, and break the chains of human trafficking, one link at a time.
May you continue to shine your light for Christ this Christmas season as we continue to be Women... Destined for God's Purpose.
Blessings,
Barbara
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Telling the Story this Christmas Season!
Well, I have started bit by bit putting the Christmas decorations up around the house. It is beginning to look alot like Christmas at the Anderson house. Looking through the decorations can bring back many memories. As a child, one of the most favorite parts for me was to set-up our creche. As I look through my decorations, I come across my first nativity, all the figurines were ceramic and done in mother of pearl. I made it in ceramics when I was first married. This creche has been with me now for almost 28 years.
After we brought Carrie home from China, I knew that our family needed a new creche so she would be able to touch it and set it up like I did when I was a child so we purchased a new family creche with figurines made of sturdy wood. A good creche for little hands.
Through the years, I have continued to add to our family creche collection. I have a small handmade one from Mexico and a small hanging nativity ornament from South America both purchased at Green Lake. A special friend gave me a beautiful Mary and Joseph made by Jim Shore as a gift when I graduated with my Masters. That same friend gave me a beautiful nativity scene music box when I became President. I am still looking for an Asian creche in honor of Carrie's heritage and culture that she brings to our family.
Each creche is unique and holds special memories for our family but yet they all tell the same story of the most important event - the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ and that is the reason for the season.
It use to be that you would see the creche in each community, usually somewhere in the center part of the town. It's a shame that most communities have stopped displaying their creches, afraid of offending those who are not believers.
As Christians, we need to tell the story now more than ever. We need to compete with all the TV ads, Christmas specials (that don't tell the story) and more that this time of year has become to remind those around the world the true meaning of Christmas - to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
So as we set-up the creche in our homes and churches this season, let us remember the creche is the center of it all - it tells the story of that night, how Mary and Joseph traveled by donkey to Bethlehem and because there was no room at the Inn, Mary gave birth in a stable and on that night, our Lord and Savior was born. As Women, Destined for God's Purpose, let us continue to tell the story not just at Christmas but throughout the year.
Blessings until we connect again.
Your Sister in Christ,
Barbara
After we brought Carrie home from China, I knew that our family needed a new creche so she would be able to touch it and set it up like I did when I was a child so we purchased a new family creche with figurines made of sturdy wood. A good creche for little hands.
Through the years, I have continued to add to our family creche collection. I have a small handmade one from Mexico and a small hanging nativity ornament from South America both purchased at Green Lake. A special friend gave me a beautiful Mary and Joseph made by Jim Shore as a gift when I graduated with my Masters. That same friend gave me a beautiful nativity scene music box when I became President. I am still looking for an Asian creche in honor of Carrie's heritage and culture that she brings to our family.
Each creche is unique and holds special memories for our family but yet they all tell the same story of the most important event - the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ and that is the reason for the season.
It use to be that you would see the creche in each community, usually somewhere in the center part of the town. It's a shame that most communities have stopped displaying their creches, afraid of offending those who are not believers.
As Christians, we need to tell the story now more than ever. We need to compete with all the TV ads, Christmas specials (that don't tell the story) and more that this time of year has become to remind those around the world the true meaning of Christmas - to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
So as we set-up the creche in our homes and churches this season, let us remember the creche is the center of it all - it tells the story of that night, how Mary and Joseph traveled by donkey to Bethlehem and because there was no room at the Inn, Mary gave birth in a stable and on that night, our Lord and Savior was born. As Women, Destined for God's Purpose, let us continue to tell the story not just at Christmas but throughout the year.
Blessings until we connect again.
Your Sister in Christ,
Barbara
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Humbleness
Dear Sisters,
Sorry I have missed a few weeks of writing and sharing. Two weeks ago, I was in Valley Forge at the ABC General Board Meetings and then the Thanksgiving holiday was here. I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday with family and friends that also provided a time of relaxation and restoration.
Over the holiday weekend, I was relaxing at home and watching TV. On Friday, I tuned into the CBS Morning Show and stopped to listen to Susan Boyle sing her signature song, "I Dreamed A Dream". Less than a year ago, Susan Boyle was a nobody, singing in her church choir, and today everyone knows her story of stardom. When being interviewed, Susan was asked, "How do you feel now that you have achieved your dream?" She quietly looked up and said,
"I feel humbled". It was the last thing that I expected her to say. This woman of faith was certainly was not a "nobody" in Christ's eyes and is living out Ephesians 4:2, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
God has given Susan an incredible gift which she has used for his glory for many years in church and at the age of 48, God decided to use Susan in a new and big way and she is humbled by this.
She has been patient and waited upon the Lord and look how this quiet, unasuming faithful woman has reached a new destination for God's purpose. What an example she is for myself and others.
I am also truly amazed at the opportunities that God has given me and am humbled by the way he has utilized me for his ministry. It was no accident that God placed the issue of human trafficking in my heart and as I stepped out in faith, he has used me in ways I would have never dreamed. I am also humbled to be National President of AB Women's Ministries and I am grateful for all the challenges and blessings that come with it. As we humble ourselves before Christ, we will receive the dreams that he has planned for us which continue to mature us as Christian leaders who are, Women... Destined for God's Purpose.
Blessings to you and your ministry until we connect again,
Barbara
Sorry I have missed a few weeks of writing and sharing. Two weeks ago, I was in Valley Forge at the ABC General Board Meetings and then the Thanksgiving holiday was here. I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday with family and friends that also provided a time of relaxation and restoration.
Over the holiday weekend, I was relaxing at home and watching TV. On Friday, I tuned into the CBS Morning Show and stopped to listen to Susan Boyle sing her signature song, "I Dreamed A Dream". Less than a year ago, Susan Boyle was a nobody, singing in her church choir, and today everyone knows her story of stardom. When being interviewed, Susan was asked, "How do you feel now that you have achieved your dream?" She quietly looked up and said,
"I feel humbled". It was the last thing that I expected her to say. This woman of faith was certainly was not a "nobody" in Christ's eyes and is living out Ephesians 4:2, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
God has given Susan an incredible gift which she has used for his glory for many years in church and at the age of 48, God decided to use Susan in a new and big way and she is humbled by this.
She has been patient and waited upon the Lord and look how this quiet, unasuming faithful woman has reached a new destination for God's purpose. What an example she is for myself and others.
I am also truly amazed at the opportunities that God has given me and am humbled by the way he has utilized me for his ministry. It was no accident that God placed the issue of human trafficking in my heart and as I stepped out in faith, he has used me in ways I would have never dreamed. I am also humbled to be National President of AB Women's Ministries and I am grateful for all the challenges and blessings that come with it. As we humble ourselves before Christ, we will receive the dreams that he has planned for us which continue to mature us as Christian leaders who are, Women... Destined for God's Purpose.
Blessings to you and your ministry until we connect again,
Barbara
Monday, November 9, 2009
What Kind of Leader Are You?
Dear Sisters,
Fall is flying by and the holiday season is soon upon us. On Saturday I attended my local AB Women's Association meeting being hosted at my home church. It was nice to fellowship
and chat with friends and not have to lead a meeting. At the end of the meeting, I instinctively headed to the kitchen and started drying dishes and cleaning the kitchen. Something I am sure that is familar to all of us. As I was chatting with a friend who was washing dishes, someone came in and commented that the National President was drying dishes. I just smiled and laughed but the comment stuck with me throughout the day and made me think about what a leader is and what kind of a leader I want to be.
Fall is flying by and the holiday season is soon upon us. On Saturday I attended my local AB Women's Association meeting being hosted at my home church. It was nice to fellowship
and chat with friends and not have to lead a meeting. At the end of the meeting, I instinctively headed to the kitchen and started drying dishes and cleaning the kitchen. Something I am sure that is familar to all of us. As I was chatting with a friend who was washing dishes, someone came in and commented that the National President was drying dishes. I just smiled and laughed but the comment stuck with me throughout the day and made me think about what a leader is and what kind of a leader I want to be.
When I think of Christ, his life and leadership style modeled being a servant. He washed the disciples feet at the last Passover meal. This is the type of leader that I strive to be. It is natural for me to want to serve others and when you need a hand in the kitchen, then that's where you will find me. As Christian leaders, we serve wherever God calls us to serve - no matter what the task may be. Granted, some tasks are better than others but all are equally important. We lead by example and I hope that as I lead AB Women's Ministries I will be a good example for others, especially to my daughter and other AB GIRLS who are on the pathway to becoming leaders themselves.
As National President , I have many opportunities to grow and serve others using the gifts that God has given me. In addition, I will also experience many challenges along the way. When my term as President is completed, I will hopefully be a more skilled and confident leader but I also know that being a servant leader will always be at my core and at the end of the day, when I have finished drying dishes at church, I will still continue to be a Women, Destined for God's Purpose.
I pray that God will be with you as you lead this week and continue down your pathway of being a Women, Destined for God's Purpose.
Blessings,
Barbara
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Power of Prayer across the Waters
Dear Sisters,
Yesterday was Baptist Women's World Day of Prayer. I have never participated in this event before so I decided to have a prayer service this past Sunday evening on the eve of this event. What a special and powerful evening. I hosted the event at my church and about 18 women attended, mostly from other churches. The youngest attending was thirteen and the oldest was in her nineties.
I had women pray for specific prayer requests from our Baptist Sisters around the world. An Asian Sister and friend prayed in chinese for our Asian Sisters. I set-up a prayer walk in my church sanctuary, one station for each of the 7 Baptist Women's Unions, and as music played in the background, we walked around the sanctuary praying for our sisters. We created a paper prayer chain with our prayer requests that we held at the end of the service when we closed in a prayer circle. I was so moved praying with my sisters but also to know as we were praying for Baptist women around the world, they were also praying for us. I realized that prayer not only connects me to Christ but it also connects me with women around the world that I do not even know but we are bonded through the love of Christ.
As I prayed for our Sister Unions, many of them had the issue of human trafficking on their prayer list - a horrible and violent issue that bonds us in sisterhood as we work together to break the chains of human trafficking one link at a time. Another issue that was similar to our concerns was women and children in poverty. It's clear that no matter where we live in this world there is always a need and Christian women unite to answer God's call to assist those in need wherever they call home.
I want to continue to feel the connection of women praying for women so I have decided that every Sunday evening at 9:00 pm - wherever I may be - I will be praying for my American Baptist Sisters around the country, for our Region Presidents and Officers and for our National Board and Staff. I invite you to pray with me during that time also and feel God's presence but also know that I am praying for you - Women.... Destined for God's Purpose.
Your Sister in Christ,
Barbara
Yesterday was Baptist Women's World Day of Prayer. I have never participated in this event before so I decided to have a prayer service this past Sunday evening on the eve of this event. What a special and powerful evening. I hosted the event at my church and about 18 women attended, mostly from other churches. The youngest attending was thirteen and the oldest was in her nineties.
I had women pray for specific prayer requests from our Baptist Sisters around the world. An Asian Sister and friend prayed in chinese for our Asian Sisters. I set-up a prayer walk in my church sanctuary, one station for each of the 7 Baptist Women's Unions, and as music played in the background, we walked around the sanctuary praying for our sisters. We created a paper prayer chain with our prayer requests that we held at the end of the service when we closed in a prayer circle. I was so moved praying with my sisters but also to know as we were praying for Baptist women around the world, they were also praying for us. I realized that prayer not only connects me to Christ but it also connects me with women around the world that I do not even know but we are bonded through the love of Christ.
As I prayed for our Sister Unions, many of them had the issue of human trafficking on their prayer list - a horrible and violent issue that bonds us in sisterhood as we work together to break the chains of human trafficking one link at a time. Another issue that was similar to our concerns was women and children in poverty. It's clear that no matter where we live in this world there is always a need and Christian women unite to answer God's call to assist those in need wherever they call home.
I want to continue to feel the connection of women praying for women so I have decided that every Sunday evening at 9:00 pm - wherever I may be - I will be praying for my American Baptist Sisters around the country, for our Region Presidents and Officers and for our National Board and Staff. I invite you to pray with me during that time also and feel God's presence but also know that I am praying for you - Women.... Destined for God's Purpose.
Your Sister in Christ,
Barbara
Monday, October 26, 2009
Communication in the 21st Century
This weekend I moved further into the technological age as my family updated our cell phones and data plan. It used to be just called a telephone bill.... I now have the capability to text, check emails and update my status on Facbook mobile. Notice that I said, I have the capability of these communication options but I am not actually using them yet. I am at the mercy of my 13 year old daughter to teach me how to use these new communication tools. Do these tools actually keep the lines of communication "open" or is it just another way to avoid connecting "one on one" with people in person? With almost everyone having an email account, does anyone write personal notes anymore? Have we lost the personal touch?
I must admit that I am a Facebook groupie and I enjoy connecting with all my ABW Sisters across the country. In the 21st century having may forms of communication is important to reach women and girls in a variety of ways but we need to make sure that we do not lose those who are not connected electronically and we do not forget the importance of the personal touch in building and maintaining relationships in ministry.
Fortunatley, some things in life remain constant and communicating with God remains the same - PRAYER. We do not need any fancy phones, computers or other gadgets to talk with our Lord and Savior. We can pray any time of day wherever we are. He is always there to listen and hear our prayers. The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing or we can sing our prayers as in the Psalms. However, we need to remember that God is waiting for our call and wants to be in daily conversation with us.
As Women...Destined for God's Purpose let us remember the personal touch in building relationships with women and girls and in our busy lives, God is just a prayer away - no electronic gadgets required.
Blessings until we connect again.
Your Sister in Christ,
Barbara
I must admit that I am a Facebook groupie and I enjoy connecting with all my ABW Sisters across the country. In the 21st century having may forms of communication is important to reach women and girls in a variety of ways but we need to make sure that we do not lose those who are not connected electronically and we do not forget the importance of the personal touch in building and maintaining relationships in ministry.
Fortunatley, some things in life remain constant and communicating with God remains the same - PRAYER. We do not need any fancy phones, computers or other gadgets to talk with our Lord and Savior. We can pray any time of day wherever we are. He is always there to listen and hear our prayers. The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing or we can sing our prayers as in the Psalms. However, we need to remember that God is waiting for our call and wants to be in daily conversation with us.
As Women...Destined for God's Purpose let us remember the personal touch in building relationships with women and girls and in our busy lives, God is just a prayer away - no electronic gadgets required.
Blessings until we connect again.
Your Sister in Christ,
Barbara
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Seeds of Friendship
Sorry it has taken me so long to return to the wonderful world of blogging. The mid-Fall crunch got the best of me and hopefully, I am back on track. My first AB Women’s Executive Board meeting was a wonderful experience. I could feel the presence of God with us throughout the weekend. I felt exhilarated, tired, energized, drained, and happy during the time we shared together. The best part - the relationships. It was wonderful being with my sisters in Christ who are so gifted and have so much to share. I feel that I have become so much closer with them and we have begun to build lifelong friendships. We had team building opportunities throughout our time together and at one point during the weekend, I was the bacon in a submarine sandwich and the next day I was Queen of Abolition – how awesome is that!
Relationships are a vital part of any ministry, organization, or whatever we do in life. Whether it is the people you are reaching or those you are serving with, you need to connect with one another and build relationships. Christ was relational in his ministry and shows us that we need to reach out to one another because of the love he has for us.
I passed on “Seeds of Friendship” to my AB Sisters at our board meeting and I left knowing that many seeds were planted that weekend and some were taken home to continue to plant and grow more relationships within AB Women’s Ministries. So, in closing I challenge you to continue planting seeds of friendship and we will continue to build, grow and harvest relationships with women and girls and together we will be Women/Girls…. Destined for God’s Purpose.
Your Sister in Christ,
Barbara
Relationships are a vital part of any ministry, organization, or whatever we do in life. Whether it is the people you are reaching or those you are serving with, you need to connect with one another and build relationships. Christ was relational in his ministry and shows us that we need to reach out to one another because of the love he has for us.
I passed on “Seeds of Friendship” to my AB Sisters at our board meeting and I left knowing that many seeds were planted that weekend and some were taken home to continue to plant and grow more relationships within AB Women’s Ministries. So, in closing I challenge you to continue planting seeds of friendship and we will continue to build, grow and harvest relationships with women and girls and together we will be Women/Girls…. Destined for God’s Purpose.
Your Sister in Christ,
Barbara
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Fall is Here!
Dear Sisters,
You can tell when Fall has arrived. Everything that stopped over the summer has started up again and you are now in full swing with a full calendar of meetings and events and there is no rest for the weary.... That is how I am feeling right about now. I leave tomorrow for my first
National Executive Board meeting. I am very excited to be with my AB Sisters and know we have much to do. I ask prayers for me as I lead this meeting and prayers for my sisters as they travel to Valley Forge. I ask for God's guidance as we discern, plan, and strategize for the future of AB Women's Ministries.
Blessings to all of you and the ministries that you are a part of this Fall season as we continue
Women...Destined for God's Purpose.
Until we connect again (and I will have more time to write....),
Your Sister In Christ,
Barbara
You can tell when Fall has arrived. Everything that stopped over the summer has started up again and you are now in full swing with a full calendar of meetings and events and there is no rest for the weary.... That is how I am feeling right about now. I leave tomorrow for my first
National Executive Board meeting. I am very excited to be with my AB Sisters and know we have much to do. I ask prayers for me as I lead this meeting and prayers for my sisters as they travel to Valley Forge. I ask for God's guidance as we discern, plan, and strategize for the future of AB Women's Ministries.
Blessings to all of you and the ministries that you are a part of this Fall season as we continue
Women...Destined for God's Purpose.
Until we connect again (and I will have more time to write....),
Your Sister In Christ,
Barbara
Monday, September 28, 2009
SOS - Saving our Sisters
Dear Sisters,
How I love being an American Baptist Woman and enjoyed the fellowship with my sisters in Massachusetts this past Saturday. Our theme for the day was "Mission Exploration" and it was awesome to see and hear about the many ways women are involved in and support missions.
As I read about the history of our Sisters who have come before us, I realize that our strong commitment to missions stems from them. According to the September 2001 edition of the American Baptist Quarterly, as far back as 1861 women from various denominations formed the Women's Union Missionary Society of America for Heathen Lands. During that time period, "Women in other cultures could not receive medical treatment from a male missionary, and U.S. mission agencies wouldn't send single women as missionaries. Women were dying unnecessarily, both physically and spiritually."
For years women have answered God's call to reach out and help women. As I would call it, S.O.S. - Saving our Sisters. Through women raising funds to send women out into the fields as missionaries and also through collecting supplies, we have connected with our sisters locally and around the world.
Whenever there has been a need, American Baptist Women have stepped up to answer the call. White Cross and Love Gift are two great examples that still continue today through the involvement and support of American Baptist Women.
We continue to have the vision and compassion as our earlier sisters did for women in need and this has certainly been demonstrated through our Break the Chains Project - raising funds and awareness about the issue of Human Trafficking. To date, over $402,000. has been raised surpassing our goal of $250,000. Many women have heard God's call to speak out for women and children who are victims of trafficking and do not have a voice. Currently it is estimated that there are 27 million enslaved worldwide, 75% are women. Human Trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world, second only to drugs.
Women need to continue to become involved in this issue and get our churches and communities involved too. It is up to all of us to respond to the cry of women and girls (SOS - Saving our Sisters).
I ask that you remember to pray for women and girls who are victims of human trafficking and for the opportunities that God may be leading me and you, and like our sisters before us, to respond to the needs of women and girls across the street and around the world.
Remember, I am praying for you as you continue on your journey as Women... Destined for God's Purpose.
Blessings,
Barbara
How I love being an American Baptist Woman and enjoyed the fellowship with my sisters in Massachusetts this past Saturday. Our theme for the day was "Mission Exploration" and it was awesome to see and hear about the many ways women are involved in and support missions.
As I read about the history of our Sisters who have come before us, I realize that our strong commitment to missions stems from them. According to the September 2001 edition of the American Baptist Quarterly, as far back as 1861 women from various denominations formed the Women's Union Missionary Society of America for Heathen Lands. During that time period, "Women in other cultures could not receive medical treatment from a male missionary, and U.S. mission agencies wouldn't send single women as missionaries. Women were dying unnecessarily, both physically and spiritually."
For years women have answered God's call to reach out and help women. As I would call it, S.O.S. - Saving our Sisters. Through women raising funds to send women out into the fields as missionaries and also through collecting supplies, we have connected with our sisters locally and around the world.
Whenever there has been a need, American Baptist Women have stepped up to answer the call. White Cross and Love Gift are two great examples that still continue today through the involvement and support of American Baptist Women.
We continue to have the vision and compassion as our earlier sisters did for women in need and this has certainly been demonstrated through our Break the Chains Project - raising funds and awareness about the issue of Human Trafficking. To date, over $402,000. has been raised surpassing our goal of $250,000. Many women have heard God's call to speak out for women and children who are victims of trafficking and do not have a voice. Currently it is estimated that there are 27 million enslaved worldwide, 75% are women. Human Trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world, second only to drugs.
Women need to continue to become involved in this issue and get our churches and communities involved too. It is up to all of us to respond to the cry of women and girls (SOS - Saving our Sisters).
I ask that you remember to pray for women and girls who are victims of human trafficking and for the opportunities that God may be leading me and you, and like our sisters before us, to respond to the needs of women and girls across the street and around the world.
Remember, I am praying for you as you continue on your journey as Women... Destined for God's Purpose.
Blessings,
Barbara
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Standing on the Shoulders of Those That Came Before
September 20, 2009
Dear Sisters,
Through the years I have been fortunate to have many mentors in my life. My mom has been a mentor to me and has been there for me in all stages of my life. My friend Judy was the one who invited me to participate in AB Women and she has also been another important mentor to me. However, one mentor that I fondly remember is my second grade Sunday School teacher, (from the FBC of Peekskill, NY) Mrs. Pidgeon. Mrs. Pidgeon always took a special interest and caring in me and it is with her that I accepted Christ as my Savior. She has always continued to have a special place in my heart although I haven't seen her in almost 40 years. I wonder if she had any idea the important role she played in my christian journey?
I wonder if Helen Barrett Montgomery or Alma Noble ever realized their vital role in our denomination, especially their influence on women and girls? They have been an inspiration to so many and have paved the way for many of us to live out God's Call. As Rev. Betty Wright-Riggins puts it, we are "Standing on the Shoulders of Those that Came Before" and I am thankful for each one of them and the role women have had in our American Baptist denomination. Because of many faithful Christian women through the years, we have a strong and empowering AB Women's Ministries today.
At my church this morning, Trinity Baptist in Arlington, MA, we celebrated American Baptist Women's Sunday. We celebrated and lifted up Trinity women leaders who have been an inspiration to us; we empowered Trinity women of the present to continue their journeys as they are Women....Destined for God's purpose; and lastly, we encouraged our young women and girls, promising to mentor them as we have been mentored so as they step out and begin their faith journey, they will be able to stand on our shoulders.
As women, we need to remember to tell the stories of Christian Women leaders that have come before us so that their memory and legacy will continue for future generations. We also need to say thank you to the women around us who have been an inspiration and faithful Christian servants. Lastly, we need to look around us and reach out to our young women and girls who are our future. They are looking to us for guidance, wisdom and strength as they prepare to step out into the world answering God's call.
There is a lyric from a song by Ray Boltz that says, "Thank you for giving to the Lord, I was a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am so glad you gave" and as I end this post, I want to say "thank you" to all the women that have touched my life. Because of you, my life was changed.
Until we connect again, let us to continue to "Stand on the Shoulders of those we came before" as we continue to strive to be Women, Destined for God's Purpose.
Blessings,
Barbara
Dear Sisters,
Through the years I have been fortunate to have many mentors in my life. My mom has been a mentor to me and has been there for me in all stages of my life. My friend Judy was the one who invited me to participate in AB Women and she has also been another important mentor to me. However, one mentor that I fondly remember is my second grade Sunday School teacher, (from the FBC of Peekskill, NY) Mrs. Pidgeon. Mrs. Pidgeon always took a special interest and caring in me and it is with her that I accepted Christ as my Savior. She has always continued to have a special place in my heart although I haven't seen her in almost 40 years. I wonder if she had any idea the important role she played in my christian journey?
I wonder if Helen Barrett Montgomery or Alma Noble ever realized their vital role in our denomination, especially their influence on women and girls? They have been an inspiration to so many and have paved the way for many of us to live out God's Call. As Rev. Betty Wright-Riggins puts it, we are "Standing on the Shoulders of Those that Came Before" and I am thankful for each one of them and the role women have had in our American Baptist denomination. Because of many faithful Christian women through the years, we have a strong and empowering AB Women's Ministries today.
At my church this morning, Trinity Baptist in Arlington, MA, we celebrated American Baptist Women's Sunday. We celebrated and lifted up Trinity women leaders who have been an inspiration to us; we empowered Trinity women of the present to continue their journeys as they are Women....Destined for God's purpose; and lastly, we encouraged our young women and girls, promising to mentor them as we have been mentored so as they step out and begin their faith journey, they will be able to stand on our shoulders.
As women, we need to remember to tell the stories of Christian Women leaders that have come before us so that their memory and legacy will continue for future generations. We also need to say thank you to the women around us who have been an inspiration and faithful Christian servants. Lastly, we need to look around us and reach out to our young women and girls who are our future. They are looking to us for guidance, wisdom and strength as they prepare to step out into the world answering God's call.
There is a lyric from a song by Ray Boltz that says, "Thank you for giving to the Lord, I was a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am so glad you gave" and as I end this post, I want to say "thank you" to all the women that have touched my life. Because of you, my life was changed.
Until we connect again, let us to continue to "Stand on the Shoulders of those we came before" as we continue to strive to be Women, Destined for God's Purpose.
Blessings,
Barbara
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Start of the Journey
Monday, September 14, 2009
Dear Friends,
On July 30th, I was installed as National President of AB Women's Ministries. I am so proud to represent a ministry that is dedicated to providing vision, training and resources to women and girls in American Baptist Churches across the country. I have been active in AB Women's ministries for 15 years, first serving on the AB Women's region board in Massachusetts and then becoming the President of Massachusetts in 2001. Through the years, I have been mentored by AB women and made so many friendships along the way.
As I embark on this new pathway as National President, I thought I would share my journey with all of you as I meet women from across the country and around the world. I hope to have great stories to share, information that I have learned along the way, and also a place to ask for your prayers as I become challenged and stretched striving to fullfill the purpose God has for me.
In addition, I also hope to use this blog to continue to bring awareness to the issue of human trafficking. This has become a ministry priority for AB Women across the country who have raised over $402,000 to fund grants for ministries that are working in the area of human trafficking.
So, let us begin together the start of the journey as we all strive to become
Women... Destined for God's Purpose.
Blessings until we connect again.
Barbara
Dear Friends,
On July 30th, I was installed as National President of AB Women's Ministries. I am so proud to represent a ministry that is dedicated to providing vision, training and resources to women and girls in American Baptist Churches across the country. I have been active in AB Women's ministries for 15 years, first serving on the AB Women's region board in Massachusetts and then becoming the President of Massachusetts in 2001. Through the years, I have been mentored by AB women and made so many friendships along the way.
As I embark on this new pathway as National President, I thought I would share my journey with all of you as I meet women from across the country and around the world. I hope to have great stories to share, information that I have learned along the way, and also a place to ask for your prayers as I become challenged and stretched striving to fullfill the purpose God has for me.
In addition, I also hope to use this blog to continue to bring awareness to the issue of human trafficking. This has become a ministry priority for AB Women across the country who have raised over $402,000 to fund grants for ministries that are working in the area of human trafficking.
So, let us begin together the start of the journey as we all strive to become
Women... Destined for God's Purpose.
Blessings until we connect again.
Barbara
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)