Focus on the News

Outreach.

God Can…When You Cannot

Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID)

[Southern Africa] Zodwa Kunene, South African Union Conference (SAUC) WM director, and her team hosted two WM congresses in March and April. "God Can…When You Cannot" was the theme for both events held in South Africa, and again in Namibia. Main speakers were Caroline Chola, SID WM director, and Heather-Dawn Small, GC WM director.

 The congress in South Africa was a union-wide congress. For Namibia, which is a new conference, the congress held great historical significance because it was the first WM congress in that country. The purpose of these congresses was to nurture our sisters spiritually and emotionally and to empower them for outreach. For outreach inspiration the ten ministry postcards were printed on banners.

 The highlight of both congresses focused on the Second Coming of Jesus, Sabbath afternoon. Three young women attired as the Three Angels of Revelation 14 reminded at the audience through a skit that Jesus is coming soon. Then each woman in attendance received a crown to wear and to keep reminding her of the hope of heaven soon to come. Small’s closing message urged her sisters to look forward eagerly to the Second Coming of Jesus.

Sunday morning attendees dressed in their cultural costumes. They took delight in also dressing the WM leaders from the union, division, and General Conference in traditional wear from each region.

Contributed by Heather-Dawn Small, director, General Conference Women’s Ministries

To download 10 Ministry Postcards, go to women.adventist.org

Women of Nepal Begin Microbusinesses

Southern Asia Division (SUD)

[Nepal] Women in the church and community of Thumpakharka and Kariping near the border of China received gifts in February to begin income project generation. A sewing machine and female goats, funded by Women’s Ministries, funded by Women’s Ministries Departments of the General Conference (GC WM) and Southern Asia Division (SUD WM), were presented to each church when Raquel Arrais, GC WM associate director, visited Nepal with Premila Masih, SUD WM director. The Nepal Section President Umesh Kumar Pokharel and local pastors attended the even that included uplifting presentations by Raquel and Premila.

The two WM leaders also spoke at a retreat fro women of the Banepa Church, comprising the cities of Kathamandu, Dapcha, Saga, and Gathaghar. These women received a gift when their pastor presented each one with a wristwatch as a token of his support and encouragement.

Contributed by Pastor Umesh Kumar Pokharel, present Nepal Section

Local Church in Peru Plants Seeds in the Community

South American Division (SAD)

[Lima] Families frolicking in a neighborhood park in February leadered about enditnow, Women’s Ministries program to stop violence and abuse, when they sampled cooked quinoa (an Andean cereal) in delicious, healthy recipes. Church members desired to meet neighbors of the church and become a known presence. They set up a temporary booth on a warm Sunday to attract visitors. More than 100 people interacted with the church members. While women discussed healthful cooking and ending violence, others introduced children to insects from God’s creation with Vacation Bible School styled activities, and medical students took blood pressure readings.

Contributed by Caroll Castro, Lima, Peru church member