Trans-European Division:

Women's Ministries in the Middle East Making a Difference

In Amman, Jordan, there are two churches: one for the Arabic speakers and one for the English speakers. The first Sabbath in November, 2007, was dedicated to Women’s Ministries (WM) and Children’s Ministries for both churches.

Principles of effective leadership and the “GraceLink" curriculum seminars were held by the Union WM and Children's Ministries director, Aranka Bajic, and organized by the local leaders Mona Haddad and Beatrice Diah. After enjoying the delicious potluck, an encouraging report was given concerning the activities and projects of the WM in these two churches.

Prayer breakfasts are well accepted by local women in the community.

Women friends of the church can win prizes—a Bible or other religious books—encouraging them to visit the church.

This is a long-term project requiring visits each month to ladies who need help, providing them with medication, food, baby formulas, clothing, books, etc. These ladies were included in the worship program and prayers, and a lot of singing. There are about 120-200 of these young ladies in need.

In Lebanon, WM has a tradition of helping poor families at Christmas/Easter time by preparing them food baskets with some basic items. WM partners with Children’s Ministries in collecting toys and sweets, giving them to the children in orphanages and as special gifts to ladies in prison.

The Middle East University church in Beirut is reaping the first fruits this year of the Bible studies project initiated and organized by WM for teenagers. The goal is not just to baptize them but to help the youth to find their place in the church and to use their talents to serve and to glorify God’s name.

These projects were carried out and accomplished with the help of many other women who were ready to sacrifice their time, money, and energy. Women in the Middle East churches take God’s calling seriously and want to give their best to God and to the others by showing Jesus’ character in practice by their actions.

Source: Aranka Bajic, Middle East Union WM director

 

 

Southern Asia Division (SUD)

Training the Trainers

The Women’s Ministries (WM) Department of SUD is presently running 210 Adult Literacy Centers in West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. This project focuses on the wholistic empowerment of the women and their families

The women who attend these literacy centers joyfully remark, “You have opened our eyes to see the World. We read the name board on the buses, travel on our own, sign our names in the bank vouchers, transact business, read headlines on the newspaper and on the TV screen. We cannot be cheated any more.”

Healthy living is one of the major concentrations of this literacy project. One dream of the SUD WM department has been to create a Flip Chart on HIV/AIDS “Truth and Consequences” to bring about an awareness among the women who attend the Adult Literacy program and those in the community. ADRA India came to the aid of this project, providing a major share of the expenses along.

In October 2007, nearly 80 women, including WM directors, facilitators and supervisors, were trained to use the HIV/AIDS flip charts in Andhra and Tamil Nadu. It was a wonderful learning experience for all the attendees. These leaders will use the flip charts in their respective villages to provide awareness and education on this vital topic.

Source: Hepzibah Kore, SUD WM director

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West-Central Africa Division (WAD)

Women's Ministries Congress

Eastern Nigeria Union Mission Women’s Ministries (WM) held a congress September 2-9, 2007. The theme was “Empowered by the Holy Spirit to Enjoy Everyday Life in Christ Jesus.” Each day there were special seminars. Pastors, professors, and lawyers presented topics such as: “The Confident Woman,” “Spiritual Development of Young Women,” “How to Overcome Widowhood,” and others. The women were blessed. They prayed, sang, and were happy.

Women in Eastern Nigeria Union Mission recently released two new books: Understanding the Art of Leadership written by Onyenma Adanma is a motivational book aimed to encourage people to become a leader for men and women by participating and building positive relationships. A devotional book was written by the WM director of the East Nigeria Union, Sal N. Okwubunka. This was a first for women in the West-Central African Division.

Source: WAD Women’s Ministries

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International Day of Prayer

March 1, 2008—"In the Morning"—WM International Day of Prayer: Did you know there's an annual Women's Day of Prayer? This resource helps you plan an entire day focused on prayer and outreach.

The Women's Day of Prayer material is designed to provide spiritual programs. The program will allow the Christian woman to draw closer to Jesus and to seek His Spirit.

The International Day of Prayer packet is available free on the Women's Ministries web site: click here.

 

GC Women's Ministries Newsletter Calendar & Prayer Request

FEBRUARY 2008

Women's Challenge Issues—Woman's Workload

Workload Stressing Out Working Women

More than 80 percent of working women are stressed out as a result of work related issues according to a new survey released by CareerWomen.com. Women that responded to the poll revealed that most of their stress was a result of ineffective co-workers, too many unproductive meetings, and difficult client or office situations.

“Stress has a debilitating effect on productivity,” said Jillian Donnelly, president of CareerWomen.com. “With reduced staffs, higher expectations and slim margins, we are finding increased burnout and a decrease in job satisfaction. As a result, stress-coping strategies are a requirement for every working woman who wants to make a meaningful contribution to her company.”

Women responded with their tips on dealing with workplace stress. The top five tips include:

1. De-clutter your office: an unorganized office can make you feel more stressed.
2. Seize the weekend: Use your downtime to recharge, exercise and connect with family and friends.
3. More water: Keeping hydrated improves your sense of well-being and helps you to relax.
4. Get more sleep: Being well-rested helps with coping. Try to get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
5. Talk about your stress: Find a friend that can lend a supportive and sympathetic ear.

The 52nd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women will be held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, February 25—March 7. Women from all over the world will be attending. Heather-Dawn Small and Raquel Arrais will be representing General Conference Women's Ministries. For more information and press releases go to http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/csw/52sess.htm

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Prayer Corner

• Women's Ministries International Day of Prayer.
• Working women around the world.

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Calendar

March1—WM International Day of Prayer
March 8—International Working Women’s Day
March 21—International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

For more information from the United Nations got to: http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/racial/

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How Your Church Can Grow Strong in Prayer

A powerful church has leaders who make prayer a priority. If you take a long look at your church, you’ll likely discover that your church’s greatest deficiency is not in programs, strategies, materials, or ideas, but in prayer. This is our greatest need.

Your church’s greatest strength is in prayer. Power for effective ministry is released only through prayer. Prayer gives focus to the mission of the church.

Every pastor and church leader needs a prayer partner and a praying church.

Prayer, Bible study, and ministry should always be linked together. Prayer and Bible study without serving and sharing can create complacent Christians. Ministry without prayer becomes work in the power of the flesh, our attempts in human strength only. It may look successful, but it is without the eternal consequences God had in mind.

Many are finding that one powerful way to enhance their experience in prayer, Bible study, and ministry is in a small group. A circle of friends meet regularly to pray together, study Scripture, and search for opportunities to help those around them in their homes, in their group, and their community.

Plan times, ways, and places for people to pray together—for your church, for its leaders, and for the community. This encourages consistency in prayer. As you listen to others pray, your own prayer life will be strengthened by hearing their experiences. Praying together not only strengthens our faith, but mutual praying makes the large task of prayer more manageable.

Encourage personal and family devotions. Private prayer is the highest activity in which any soul can engage. But if personal and family worship are neglected, it’s like sprinkling the foliage of a plant with water while leaving the roots dry. God has chosen prayer as the key by which His church does its work. Through prayer we impact the world for God.

Growing Strong in Prayer

1. Make Time for Prayer.
2. Find a quiet place for prayer and Bible study.
3. Recognize God for Who He is.
4. Confess your failures.
5. Thank God for what He has done.
6. Bring God your needs and petitions.
7. Don’t give up.
8. Meditate in God’s presence.
9. Sing a new song.
10. Pray much for others.
11. Pray for ministry and for evangelism.
12. Focus your prayers.
13. Plan your prayer time.
14. Learn to fast and pray.
15. Find a prayer partner.

Source: Ruthie Jacobsen, Prayer Ministry—WM Leadership Certification Level 2

17 Ways to Pray for Women

1. Pray for a spirit of Humility.“The willingness to submit.” (James 4:10)
2. Pray for a spirit of Reverence.“ The fear of the Lord.” (Proverbs 9:10)
3. Pray for a spirit of Purity. “A desire to be clean.” (Matthew 5:8)
4. Pray for a spirit of Purpose. “A wisdom to set goals.” (Proverbs 4:25)
5. Pray for a spirit of Simplicity. “A lifestyle uncluttered.” (Romans 12:8)
6. Pray for a spirit of Commitment. “A dedication to the ‘cause’.” (Joshua 24:15)
7. Pray for a spirit of Diligence. “A willingness to work hard.” (II Peter 1:5)
8. Pray for a spirit of Servanthood. “The ministry of help.” (Galatians 6:9,10)
9. Pray for a spirit of Consistency. “The quality of faithfulness.” (James 1:8)
10. Pray for a spirit of Assurance. “A depth of faith.” (Hebrews 10:22)
11. Pray for a spirit of Availability. “A willingness to go.” (Isa. 6:8)
12. Pray for a spirit of Loyalty. “A zeal for fidelity.” (Ruth 1:16)
13. Pray for a spirit of Sensitivity.“Openness of heart.” (Luke 10: 30-37)
14. Pray for a spirit of Compassion. “Love in action.” (Mark 8:1,2)
15. Pray for a spirit of Tenderness. “A willingness to weep.” (II Kings 22:19)
16. Pray for a spirit of Maturity. “The capacity to grow.” (Hebrews 5:12-14)
17. Pray for a spirit of Holiness. “Christ-like behavior.” (I Peter 1:16)

Source: ChristanWomenToday.com/Mayer

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Thoughts on Prayer by Ellen White

Pray in faith, and the mystery of His providence will bring its answer. At times it may seem that you cannot succeed. But work and believe, putting into your efforts faith, hope, and courage. After doing what you can, wait for the Lord, declaring His faithfulness, and He will bring His word to pass. Wait, not in fretful anxiety, but in undaunted faith and unshaken trust. (Lift Him Up 219.3)

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