(A few days late, but good information!)
Dear National WMA,
Happy Easter weekend! It is Good Friday today, but it is hard for me to call it that, when I think of the suffering that our Savior did for you and me. I am so thankful that he loved me that much, aren’t you? Hallelujah! The tomb was empty! He’s alive and He lives in the hearts of those who believe in Him today! May our lives glorify Him as we serve in the WMA!
I want to thank those who took the time to send me their vote on the business items we needed to take care of. I received 87 votes and 87 voted unanimously in favor of all 3 items of business.
I want to thank Pat Duncan for her many years of service as our National Treasurer and Janet Widger for her travels and the two of them working together in making the transition from one Treasurer to another a smooth one. That is a big job!
I want to thank each lady that contributed to “Missionary Care”, our National Project this past 2 years. We need to keep this ministry in our hearts and in our prayers. May God bless Bro. Jerry Kidd and those who work with him to help meet the needs and care for our BMAA missionaries.
It is time to start promoting our new Project for the coming year, “The Darlene Carey Christian Academy” in the Philippines. You can find the promotional information attached. It can also be found on the website, www.nationalwma.org. Please print this off and share with your local, district and state groups. If you have questions, Beth Caldwell will be the new Project Promotion Chairman. Missionary Bro. Jimmy Walker and his wife are willing to speak at WMA events to help promote the project. Let’s all do what we can to promote and raise money for this very worthy project!
I am praying for Bro. Jeff Swart as he makes the decision in June whether we are to have the National meeting in August. I have had my COVID shots. I hope you have had your COVID shots. I hope we all get to see each other in Waxahachie, Texas, in August!
Love,
Jodi Rhea
Reaching Women for Christ
February is the month that the Women’s Missionary Auxiliary promotes growth and enlistment to our ministry groups. God’s Word is filled with stories of how He has worked in and through the lives of women of all ages. These are great stories of women who were faithful in service. Many of these stories portray women of different ages learning from each other and growing in their faith. Remember Miriam, the big sister who watched over her little brother Moses hidden in the reeds along the Nile, yet she dared speak to the princess to protect him (Ex. 2:1-10)? Then there are the stories of relationships like Naomi and Ruth (the book of Ruth) or Elizabeth and Mary (Lk. 1:39-56). When I read these stories in Scripture, I am reminded that God’s message is for every woman – no matter her age or season of life. But when you look inside, we are still women with similar needs, desires, hang-ups and worries. By focusing on God’s message and encouraging women from each generation to serve and learn together, we will all be blessed and much richer for the experience. Here are things to remember when building an intergenerational ministry for women: be intentional to reach and involve all ages, and minister to women of every generation; make sure women from every age group are part of the planning team and get their input and ideas; have women from each generation carry out the plan – serving in every area, side-by-side, using their gifts to the benefit of all, but especially the Kingdom; and produce, growth, friendship, and to be a blessing to each other.We have so much to learn from each other during every season of life. Focus on what each generation has to offer and allow these strengths and gifts to be used to the fullest. What a wonderful time we will have! Here are some questions to think about when looking at your women’s group:
- Is your women’s ministry intent on creating a welcoming atmosphere for the regular attenders as well as quests?
- Do you know what criterion first-time quests use to decide if they will return to your church next Sunday, or if they will return to a service after visiting your women’s ministry?
- What kinds of things draw them; what pushes them away?
- How do the women in your church relate to each other?
- What does a quest see when she walks in the door? Are there age-cliques?
- Does she overhear gossip? “. . . walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1-3).
- Are your women’s ministry programs intent on developing mature relationships with Christ even if it means stepping out of comfort zones?
- Is there involvement out of love for the Lord and others? “Now the God of peace . . . equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen” (Heb. 13:20-21).
Pastor/Staff Appreciation October is coming, and the question is, “Have you thought about your pastor, youth minister and deacons’ appreciation for the service they do for your church?” We shouldn’t just wait until one time of the year, but we should show appreciation often for the service they give to your church. “Often pastors feel like they’re in a NASCAR race, It’s hard to manage it all. You hit the gas and you just go, go, go.” I want you to know that I know being a pastor or church staff member is the most difficult job in the world. While it has unbelievable high, we know leading volunteer armies and facing an enemy (Satan and his demons) we may or may not encounter on a regular basis. Pastors have given their lives to serve people only a daily basis. Two of the most important words that we can ever say is “thank you.”
- Thank you for going to God on our behalf and praying for us daily.
- Thank you for studying God’s Word and communicating its truths to us in a compelling fashion.
- Thank you and your family for being willing to live in a fishbowl.
- Thank you for demonstrating grace, love and patience when people question your motives and competency. Sheep may be dumb, but they bite. And they have a taste for pastors and church staff.
- Thank you for putting in countless hours.
- Thank you for being men of impeccable character and integrity.
- Thank you to your spouses and children for their willingness to share you with us.
- Thank you for challenging and then helping us live a life of meaning and purpose.
- Thank you for presiding over the landmark moments of our lives—baptisms, weddings and funerals.
- Thank you for having the courage to tell us about the sin in our lives and our need for repentance and a Savior.
- Thank you for walking with us through tragedy, marital troubles, raising children and life’s great challenges.
- Thank you for the periodic phone calls, texts and emails just to see how we are doing.
- And most of all, thank you for not quitting each Monday.
In conclusion, we will thank you every day of eternity for serving us, the church and our Lord so well. “Thank you” is not nearly enough, but I hope these two words encourage you today.