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Women's Emphasis Day

Sudan-Trans-European Division

Members around Khartoum, Sudan, gathered for the Women's Ministries Emphasis Day on June 13. The women participated in leading the worship on Sabbath with a congregation of 300, including 13 visitors. The worship service was led by Jocelyne Milla, Sarah Napagi was the speaker, and Rose Yugu Yangi was the translator.

Reports by women coordinators from local churches in the South Sudan Field pertaining to their women's ministries' activities were part of the day's program.

Jebel Aulia Church was represented by Mama Claudia, who is blind; yet, through her many women have joined the church. She is able to share God with the community. She has memorized the Bible texts that she asks someone to read for her.

Kalakala Church was represented by Mama Savia Ogiza. She is the only lady in her church who can read English. She encourages women to read and write through literacy classes.

The Haji Youisif Church was represented by Mama Rose Luka Ayella. Women in Haji Yousif have been actively involved in home visitation. They provide a sewing class for non-members.

The afternoon seminar was conducted by Conchita Edpalina; it was entitled "How to Stay Young and Vibrant." The congregation enjoyed a "Women in the Bible" quiz and singing. At the end of the program the groups received gifts.

Sarah Napagi, Sudan Field WM Director

Evangelism, Philippines

Southern Asia-Pacific Division

The year 2009 is the "Year of Evangelism" for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Philippines. The North Philippine Union Conference Women's Ministries Department launched a Kick-Off program by conducting evangelism seminar/workshop during weekends which started February 20-22 and ended this May.

Helen B. Gulfan, SSD Women's Ministries Director, conducted the training with other Women's Ministries Union and Conference leaders. The topics included: The Gospel Commission, One-to-One Evangelism, The Role of the Holy Spirit in Evangelism, The Mission of Hope, and Discipling New Members.

SSD Women's Ministries are committed to dedicating their talents and skills to the Lord. Their goal is not only to win more souls, but that His name be glorified.

Esther T. Daquila, NPUC WM Director

Training Seminars, Austria

Euro-Africa Division

Fifty women attended a Women's Ministries training weekend in June in Austria with Dr. Ella Simmons, Vice-President of the world church. Below is a personal testimony from a young participant:

"Women came from all over Austria and Switzerland to attend the Women's Ministries training weekend. I invited my non-SDA neighbor to come along with me. Dr. Ella Simmons, vice-president at the General Conference, was the guest speaker for the training sessions on "Mentoring." The whole group was eager to learn and was listening attentively to her teachings which were very practical and biblically orientated. Christiane Vertallier, EUD WM director, also gave an interesting report about the several activities of women in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. We had a lot of joy by singing songs, talking to each other, or by going for walks around the lake. On Sunday morning my neighbor said to me: 'I see, we have many things together but your faith goes much deeper.' For me this remark of hers was the most wonderful experience of the whole weekend, and we both hope that such a weekend will be organized again."

Testimony by Eva Reuter, a young musician and book evangelist