Love Can Build a Bridge

Dear Sisters,

Today is the anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11.  It's hard to believe 11 years have past.  Many of us continue to recall where we were and what we were doing on that day.  I was at work and it was my daughter's 2nd day of kindergarten.  I knew in my mind she was safe but I needed to just wrap my arms around her.  Today is important for us to remember not just the event, but those effected loved and lost.
But just as today is important, tomorrow and each day after continues to be just as important because what we do tomorrow to build bridges of love and understanding is critical so that we can all work together to stop events like 9/11 from every happening.  Is that possible?  I don't know but I do know that I have HOPE in Christ and I know through him all things are possible.  So as we remember today, I challenge you to think about what you will do tomorrow to help build that bridge.

                                                              Love Can Build a Bridge
                                                              Between Your Heart and Mine
                                                              Love Can Build a Bridge
                                                              Don't you think it's Time
                                                              Don't you think it's Time

                                                         (Lyrics from the song, "Love Can Build a Bridge" by The Judds)

                                                                            
Blessings and Peace,

Barbara
A Woman Destined for God's Purpose

Labor Day

Greetings My Sisters, It is good to be back and writing once again. Today in the United States, it is Labor Day. A day in celebration of all those who work in our country to give us all a day of rest. However, through the years, things have changed in our country and today all stores and restaurants are open so this holiday for workers really isn't a holiday anymore for many. It is just another opportunity for marketing to reel consumers in for Labor Day Sales and to make money. I also think of those involved in labor trafficking and today and everyday are working factories and sweatshops 12-14 hours days with little pay, poor conditions, no benefits but much abuse. As Christian Women, we need to be mindful of the slavery footprint the goods we purchase carry. Continue to look for fair trade items, buy locally home-grown products whn possible or even try growing your own. This summer I grew tomatoes, cucumbers and green peppers. We need to put pressure on the big corporations to hve a conscience and make sure that th workers making their products receive fair wages in good conditions. Women working together to bring awareness to the issues of labor trafficking and purchasing fair trade will make a difference in this world. Let's continue to be women... destined for God's purpose and make a difference in our neighborhoods and around the world. Blessings, Barbara

Coming Soon....

Stay tuned for A Woman Destined for God's Purpose. Our page will be getting a facelift and this woman will be back in action blogging away. So much to share, unfortunately over the past 2 years so little time to blog. Looking forward to reconnecting with my sisters and continuing my journey with you as I am a woman destined for God's purpose. Check back for the relaunch September 3rd. Blessings my Sisters, Barbara

Sheroes - My Liberian Sisters

Greetings Sisters,

I have just finished reading the book, "Mighty Be Our Powers, How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Change a Nation at War" and the documentary, "Pray the Devil Back to Hell" the story of Leymah Gbowee and her Liberian Sisters. These women have become my sheroes. Their faith, actions and courage are amazing and they have become role models for women around the world. They endured through hardships I can't even imagine, saw and experienced death all around them, they were victims of violence that no woman or girl should have to experience, yet they never lost their faith. When they came together to demand peace, they knew they couldn't do it alone and enlisted their Muslim sisters. They put their differences in faith aside and worked together to save their families and their country.

I believe that when women come together, they can become peace builders and build bridges of peace around the world. Our Liberian sisters have proved that when they used their voices for peace in their country. This is why I encourage all women and girls to find their voice and use it to make a difference in their community and our world.

I use my voice to bring awareness and educate others about the issue of Human Trafficking. How do you use your voice? Leymah Gbowee says in her story that, "Sometimes, the biggest changes in your life begin in moments you barely notice while they're taking place." I believe that is true and that God has plans for women who answer his call and do all things through him who gives us strength.

I challenge you at this moment as you read my thoughts that this may be the moment where a big change will begin in your life and you will stand up for the oppression of women and girls in the United States and around the world. Use your voice for women's health issues, education for girls, economic empowerment, ending violence against women - whatever the issue might be.

As women find their voice in this world and as we come and stand together, we will be the peace builders around the world and one day all of us may experience peace and use our voices for the nicer things in life, like singing and laughter.

I encourage you to read Leymah's story and see the documentary.

Until we connect again, let us remember that we are woman, destined for God's purpose.

Blessings,

Barbara

Changes

Quote for the Week: "Be the Change you want to see in the World." Mahatma Gandhi

Dear Sisters,

It has been too long since I have blogged. Well, I am back and have missed sharing my thoughts and adventures with you. I am hoping this year that my daughter (now in high school) will be a guest blogger from time to time also. I pray that you have had a wonderful summer and you are ready for a new season. I love Labor Day. I take this time to organize myself and prepare for the new year. Instead of just organizing my calendar and my to-do lists and my closets, I have put special time in organizing myself. That's right..... myself. I am one of those that tends to have a "Martha" personality and I do, do, do and because of this, I don't pay much attention to myself. Now that I am over 50, I need to take time for myself. If I am to Be the Change in this world that God wants me to be - I need to be healthy and in good physical condition. So that I what I am trying to do... I am eating healthy and exercising every day. It is hard to be disciplined but I am working on it one day a a time. By making personal changes, it will help me to be the change.

I am so excited about the opportunities that God has given me to be in leadership and ministry. I have learned so much about the issues of women around the world and in the U.S. I urge all women to learn about issues affecting women in their part of the world and to be the "change" in their neighborhood and community. I believe that women working together can make a difference and be the change. Let's reach out and extend a hand to women everywhere.

Looking forward to reconnecting again through this blog. Until we connect again, let us continue to be Women, Destined for God's Purpose.

Barbara

Count Your Blessings - February 8, 2011

Dear Sisters,

How many of you grew up as a child hearing that song, "Count Your Blessings" and probably still here it today being sung at church. Count your blessings name them one by one; count your blessings see what God has done!

Life passes us by so quickly each day that I quite often don't stop and take the time to count my blessings. I am so fortunate and God takes such good care of me and my family and I am so thankful for the daily blessings he gives me each day.

This song reminds me of our sisters in Haiti. No matter what continues to happen to them, they continue to praise God and count their blessings. They are such an inspiration to me as they continue to shine their lights for Christ in Haiti. This weekend the women in my church held a Prayer Service for our Haiti Sisters and took an offering to give to the Haitian Baptist Women's Health Education Project. Women from some other churches attended and some of our Haitian Sisters in Massachusetts came out to prayer with us also. It was such a blessing to be together and to life our Haitian Sisters up in prayers. Here I was praying for them but yet I feel so blessed.

As women destined for God's purpose, let us not forget that our Haitian Sisters are destined for God's purpose too and let us lift them up so they can continue to be the beacons of light that shine brightly in Haiti.

I invite your local woman's group to have a small fundraiser and be a part of our Mission Possible Challenge to raise $30,000 for the Haitian Women's Health Education Project. Donations will be accepted by AB Women's Ministries, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA.

May you continue to count your blessings as each of you are a blessing to me.

Your Sister in Christ,

Barbara

How Do You Use Your Freedom?

January 24, 2011

Dear Sisters,

This month has given me alot of time for reflection on the freedoms that I enjoy in my life. On Human Trafficking Awareness Day I was reminded of the many women and girls that have been forced or tricked into sexual exploitation against their will and who are still in bondage as they have not been rescued. On Martin Luther King's Birthday I was reminded about those who struggled for freedoms that I take for granted. I continue to read about the oppression of women and girls and how many freedoms are denied them because they female.

Yesterday was Youth Sunday at my church. Our youth shared in many ways what freedom meant to them and they challenged us how do we use our freedom? They shared with us
Galations 5:13, "It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; thats how freedom grows. (The Message).

As women destined for God's purpose, I challenge each of you in this new year of 2011 to use the freedom God has given you to serve others. Take this opportunity to educate yourself and others about one of the many issues that face women and girls in the 21st century. Whether it is giving girls an opportunity for an education, economic empowerment for women, maternal health issues, violence against women - use your freedom to give freedom to women and girls around the world.

As Christian women, God empowers us to be leaders and lights in the community. Let's put our lights together to be one bright shining light and bring our sisters out of the darkness so that they too may be part of the light.

As Women, Destined for God's Purpose - Shine Your Light Today and use your freedom wisely.

Blessings,

Barbara

Giving Thanks for Girls Around the World

I am blessed to have a beautiful 14 year old daughter named Carrie. Carrie is a kind, gifted and smart young woman who gives of herself for others.Carrie received her report card today and received straight A's. Did you know that there are more than 600 million girls living in the developing world and at least 1/4 of these girls are not in school. I am thankful that my daughter is able to receive an education and has many choices for her life.

If a girl does not receive an education, she is married off at a young age, she is illiterate, isolated, pregnant and stuck in the cyle of poverty. One girl in 7 in developing countries marries before age 15. If a girl in a developing country receives an extra year of primary school it will boost her eventual wages by 10 to 20%. An extra year of secondary school 15-25%. If you give a girl an education she will have a better chance of being healthy and not having HIV. She will marry later when she chooses and raise a healthy family. When women and girls earn income they reinvest 90% of it into their families, as compared to only 30-40% for a man.

Women need to invest in giving women and girls an education. It will change their life - it will change the world. I encourage you to visit The Girl Effect website and become educated and become involved. Together, let's change the world - one girl at a time.

Visit other blogs about the girl effect at: http://wiselivingblog.com/the-girl-effect-blogging-campaign/

Blessings,

Barbara

Destination.....Home

Dear Sisters,

I can't believe it has been a couple of months since I last posted a blog. From the summer into the Fall has been a worldwind of activity and travel. I write this as I sit in a hotel in Pennsylvania waiting for the shuttle to take me to the airport. This is my last trip for the season and won't be traveling again until spring.

As this is the season for giving thanks, I want to say that I am truly blessed by all of you and having the opportunity to meet so many women in my travels. A special trip for me this Fall was traveling to Salt Lake City, Utah to be with the American Baptist Women in Utah for their conference. What a wonderful group of women who give so much of themselves to make a difference in their community and around the world. Thank you Utah women for your love and hospitality. I had an awesome time.

Many of my trips this Fall were to various board meetings for ABC and AB Women. Although by the end of the meetings I am usually tired, I am also uplifted by the spirit and fellowship of others.

I am also blessed for a family who supports me in my ministry endeavors and will keep the "Home Fires" burning while I am away. I am feeling blessed to be going home today and to begin to prepare for Thanksgiving this week. God has truly blessed me and my family this year and I am thankful for all that he gives to me and my family.

May we continue to pray for our sisters in Haiti as they still struggle to have a roof over their head, have food to eat and keep healthy as disease spreads.

I wish each of you a blessed Thanksgiving and thank God for all that you do to shine a light in your part of the world. May you continue to be Women, Destined for God's Purpose.

Blessings,


Barbara
A Woman Destined for God's Purpose and to be Home....... "Home Sweet Home"

In Step With the Spirit - Walking with my Sisters

Greetings Sisters,

Well, I am no longer on Hawaiian time, have lost that vacation glow and we have eaten the last bit of pineapple. Memories from a wonderful trip but God has blessed me with so much more from this experience.

As I sit and ponder about my adventure to the BWA Women's Leadership Conference in Honolulu, I have been reflecting on what did I learn and why did God give me this awesome opportunity. I was proud to represent American Baptist Women at this conference and honored to partcipate (along with our 4 lovely AB Women Scholarship recipients) in praying for our Asian Sisters. It's hard to put into words how I feel but hearing and meeting women from around the world make's feel like I am part of something bigger beyond my backyard.

I will always remember the women from Africa and their beautiful outfits and head dresses. Although we may live halfway across the world from one another, we are connected as sisters through our love of Christ and our call to empower and encourage women. I will continue to feel connected to my Asian Sisters as we lifted them and their ministries up in prayer. I celebrate with my South American Sisters as one of their own, Raquel Contreras has become our new Women's President. I will continue to lift up my Carribean Sisters and their ministries in prayer, especially my Haitian Sisters as they continue to rebuild their lives after the earthquake. As I continue to be involved in the ministry fighting human trafficking in the US, I will pray for my Eastern European Sisters as I know they are working hard in the fight also. Our new prayer partners are our sisters of the South Pacific and I will lift them up - particularly the prison ministry in the Fiji Islands and the birthing huts in Papa New Guinea.

Lastly, it was wonderful to meet and be a part of NABWU - North America Bapist Women's Union. These women were awesome and I enjoyed our day together in board meetings and learning about the work and ministries of NABWU. I look forward to my continued work with these dedicated Christian women.

So, here I am a woman destined for God's purpose walking with my sisters all over the world as we are in step with the spirit. I pray that the spirit continues to walk along side each one of you and your ministries over these next 5 years. Thank you for all that you shared with me at BWA Women's Conference and I look forward as we continue to walk together in the spirit to meet up again in South Africa in 2015.

Blessings my sisters,


Barbara

A Woman In Step With the Spirit - Kihomi Nwgwemi

Dear Sisters,

One of the best parts of the BWA Women's Conference was being able to meet women from all over the world, hear their stories and build relationships with them. I
had the opportunity to meet ABC missionary to Haiti, Kihomi Ngwemi and to hear her own personal story as well as the many stories she shared about the women of Haiti.

My heart went out to her as tears came to her eyes over her love for the women of Haiti. Kihomi has not been back to Haiti since before the earthquake, as she and her husband have been on home assignment this past year. She is getting ready to return in August and has asked for prayers for her and her husband, Nzunga; and for the people of Haiti, especailly the women.

She has been in touch with women in Haiti and knows the need is great. In something so huge, where do you begin? Prayer! I promised her that American Baptist Women would be praying for her return and for her strength, wisdom and guidance in the days ahead. When she is able to access the situation and the needs upon her return to Haiti, I have asked her to let us know and that we would find a way to assist our sisters in Haiti. As the Chinese proverb states, "Women Hold Up Half the Sky" and as Christian women we are called to lift up our sisters in Haiti.

I am so glad that God gave me the opportunity to meet Kihomi - a woman with a sweet spirit and love for the Lord that she puts into action as she serves as a missionary in Haiti. She is Woman, Destined for God's Purpose.

Let us as Women, Destined for God's Purpose continue to be in step with the spirit and lift up Kihomi and the women of Haiti in our prayers.

Blessings,

Barbara

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

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

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

Thank You Phil

Although it is the day after Father's Day - I want to dedicate this blog entry to all the Christian men out there who support the women in their lives who are doing some kind of ministry. I could not do all that I do without the encouragement and support of my husband, Phil. He is always right there beside me with encouraging words and supporting me every step of the way. I am thankful that God brought the two of us together and we have been married for 28 years.

So often I write about the importance of empowering women that we need to remember as wives, mothers, grandmothers, and friends to empower men to use their gifts in ministry too. They need to be role models for young boys and men as women do for girls.
We need to partner with men in ministry too in order for us to make a difference in our church, community and the world.

So, thank you Phil for all that you do for me to make it possible for me to be a woman, destined for God's Purpose and thank you to all the men out there who support and encourage the Christian women in their lives who are Women, Destined for God's Purpose.

Until we connect again, remember to thank the men in your life.

Your Partner in Ministry,

Barbara

Use Your Voice

Dear Sisters,

Life has caught up with me since I have turned 50 and I have been busier than ever.
Great times of fellowship and opportunities to serve have been around every corner and trying to keep ministry, work and family all in balance. Not always an easy task but I know that God will see me through and give me strength to accomplish what he has called me to do.

This past week, I had the opportunity to go to Washington, DC with other AB Women from across the country and use my voice for those who do not have a voice - victims of human trafficking. I also had the pleasure of bringing my daughter Carrie with me on the trip. We had time to visit a couple of art galleries and take a duck tour around DC. Our nation's capital is such a great place to be.

Carrie and I met our American Baptist Sisters on Monday afternoon for meetings that focused on the issue of human trafficking and preparations for our meetings Tuesday on Capital Hill. We heard from a representatve of the Polaris Project, met other denominational advocates and had the pleasure of meeting our own Home Mission Society DC Director who hosted us and was so helpful. Thank you Curtis. In addition we met with the counsel from the Baptist Joint Committe who also guided us in our preparations.

Tuesday morning AB Women met briefly and then off we went to Capital Hill to meet with our senators and representatives. My friend Judy, Carrie and I met with Senator Scott Brown and a member of his staff. What a great meeting and special opportunity to share with our Senator personally the issue of human trafficking. We also had a meeting with a staff member from Senator Kerry's office who was also very helpful and knowledgeable on the issue of human trafficking.

I learned that I had a voice and that our lawmakers our interested in what we have to say. As Christian women, destined for God's purpose, we need to remember that not only do we have a voice - we must use our voice to make a difference in this world.
I urge you not to stay silent but to use your voice for what call's us to be passionate about.

Thank you to my American Baptist Sisters who made this a fabulous opportunity for me and Carrie. Thank you to Peggy for organizing the event and mostly, thank you to God for giving me a voice and giving me the courage to use it.

Until we meet again, let us share our voice with those who do not have a voice........

Your Sister in Christ,

Barbara

Life begins at 50

Dear Sisters,

This week has been a wonderful and special week in my life. On St. Patrick's Day I turned 50. Many people wish to be younger and are unhappy when they hit the big
50. At 50, I feel that I have finally come in to my own, that I am fulfilling the purpose that God has been preparing me for all my life. I feel complete.

On the evening before my birthday I had a wonderful dinner celebration in Maine with my brother Billy and his wife Dawn which included two of his kids, Sara and Ben along with Devon, Ben's girlfriend. Of course my hubby Phil, Carrie and my mom were there also.

After dinner I had the priviledge of leading a Break the Chains celebration at the Court St. Baptist Church in Auburn, Maine. The women made and sold over $2500 worth of aprons to support the BTC project assisting victims of Human Trafficking. What a wonderful and inspiring group of women.

Today, my church, Trinity Baptist Church, voted to accept my proposal and today we launched a new ministry, "All Hands In" a ministry that will be working on human trafficking issues and it's first project will be to provide a safe house in Boston for trafficking victims. I am so blessed that God would use me and allow me to be a part of this ministry. I ask for your prayers during this time of start-up and preparation of "All Hands In"

So here I am at 50 feeling that God's windows of opportunities are endless and can hardly wait to see where he leads me next. I thank God for the past 50 years and all the events and experiences that have made up my life to date. That make me the person I am and I am proud to continue to be a Women of 50....Destined for God's Purpose.

Blessings,

Barbara

International Women's Day

This past Monday was International Women's Day and I could not pass this opportunity to say that I am thankful for all the women in my life. Women who have been mentors, friends, pastors and family members. You are all so special.

I am particularly thankful to my AB Women's Ministries and AB GIRLS families. These two ministries lift up and empower women and girls. Each has challenged and stretched me to be a woman who is destined for God's purpose. To every Christian woman and girl, I want to challenge you on how can we make a difference in a girl or woman's life who is oppressed. How can we partner with Christian sisters in other countries to support educaton for young girls, give women economic empowerment or provide better health options for women.

Read Nicholas Kristof's column http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/08/three-proven-steps-to-advance-the-worlds-women-on-international-womens-day/ or read the book, Half te Sky. Think and pray about it.

We are creative and innovative women and if we work together, I believe we can be a part of a larger movement in assisting women out of oppression while modeling the love of Christ.

Step out with me and let us continue to empower women and girls.... destined for God's purpose.

Your Sister in Christ,

Barbara

Stepping Out in Faith

Dear Sisters,

How often as Christians when we are at a crossroads or in a time of turmoil do we use the phrase that we need to "Step Out in Faith". Having a personal relationship with God, I know how important my faith is not only in times of crisis but in my daily Christian walk.

Over 2 years ago, through AB Women's Ministries, I was introduced to the horrible, violent crime of human trafficking. God has laid a burden on my heart that I need to be a voice for those who have no voice - the victims. I have become active in bringing awareness of this issue to women's groups, churches and to my community. Through my education and travels, I have learned the need for safe houses specifically for human trafficking victims and met women who want to make the vision of a safe house in Boston to become a reality. God is now telling me that it is time to take the next step and I need to "step out in faith" to begin a human trafficking ministry that will make this safe house a reality.

Tomorrow, I am meeting with my pastor and other church members to begin to write a proposal for a new ministry, "All Hands In" which for now will reside under the wings of my church (via passing board and church approval)until such time we will become our own organizaion . I envision "All Hands In" to be a ministry of ecumenical/interfaith hands coming together to bring awareness and assist victims of human trafficking through the formation of a safe house.

"Stepping Out in Faith" is easily said but my humaness brings out a fear of the enormity of this task. Can this be done? Can we raise the money? Will others commit themselves to the project? All human fears.... however, I know my God can move mountains, "For if have faith even as tiny as a grain of mustard seed, you can say unto the mountain 'move' and it will, nothing shall be impossible unto you."

As a Woman Destined for God's Purpose, I step out in faith to answer the call
God has placed on my heart to reach out to women in need, who do not have a voice, who are victimized every single day- those who are victims of human trafficking. I ask my sisters to keep me and the vision for this ministry and a safe house in your prayers.

Until we connect again - let us step out in faith together as Sisters....Who are Destined for God's Purpose.

Barbara

Enlarging our Circles......

As National President, I am fortunate to have opportunities to step out of my ABC circle and attend ecumenical events. Last week I attended the Massachusetts Council of Churches Annual Meeting and yesterdayI had the pleasure of attending the board meeting of the MA/RI Church Women United. At these events I had the opportunity to share the work of American Baptist Women's Ministries.

If you know me well, you know one of the first words out of my mouth was the issue of Human Trafficking. It was good to hear what other women's ministries were advocating and human trafficking has been an issue that many of them have been involved in also. It was exciting for our circles to connect and discussions of how we possibly might join our circles together to enlarge it so we could make a greater difference in the fight against human trafficking. Can you imagine the possibilities?

This week I also started reading the book, "Half the Sky" by Nicholas Kristoff . It is about the oppression of women and how women around the world are uneducated, abused, raped and trafficked. The stories shared are of oppressed women who have risen out of their situation and have assisted other women in their circles in providing education and economic opportunities so that they may become empowered. What if we enlarged our circles to connect across the waters to assist circles of oppressed women? Christ has given us so much. We need to use the gifts he has given us to support and empower women who are oppressed. We need to show the love of Christ to them by giving them the opportunity for an education and skills for economic independence. I ask that you pray for God to show us how to connect our cirlces and make a difference to women around the world.

As Christian women, could we be destined to touch the lives of women and girls half way around the world who we have yet to meet? With Christ, the possibilities are endless - just like a circle!

Until we connect again, let us continue to be Women.... Destined for God's Purpose.

Barbara