Empower.
"Saved to Serve" Conference Provides Encouragement and Time for Prayer
The second women's conference in Istanbul gives women inspiration to flourish in their own centers of influence.
Middle East North Africa Union (MENA)
[Turkey] The second Women's Ministries Conference, held in Istanbul, August 29-31, 2019, drew women of many nationalities from all over Turkey. Most of these ex-patriates have come to Turkey from other countries seeking work in Turkey. Ute Alkan, director for Women's Ministries in Turkey, organized the conference for women's ministry leaders from church congregations in Turkey, and also for pastors’ wives, newly baptized sisters, and Adventist women church members.
Under the theme “Saved to Serve,” Raquel Arrais, associate director of Women's Ministries for the world Seventh-day Adventist Church gave powerful presentations encouraging all participants to serve while sharing the gospel. Turkey has always been a mosaic of cultures and beliefs and has the potential for women in every region, city, or village to flourish. Arrais, with her unique style of elaboration, gave realistic and practical tips for flourishing.
Amal Botrous, liaison for Women's Ministries in the Middle East and North Africa, contributed to this empowering agenda emphasizing the role of prayer. And a crucial part of the conference was the singing of hymns and prayer. West Asian Field president Pastor Hyosu Jung visited the event on Sabbath and gave a speech highlighting the importance of women’s ministry, especially in countries of this area.
Twenty-one ladies from many parts of the world expressed what they learned in this blessed occasion as they bade farewell to each other with prayers. Each one hopes to have opportunity soon to come together again.
Afterward the women's ministry leaders from the main cities of Turkey—Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Adana—stayed in Instanbul for an additional two-day advisory session with Women's Ministries leaders, Ute Alkan, Raquel Arrias, and Amal Botrous. Alkan introduced the general problems of the country, the things that have been done so far, and other projects to be done including the translation and publication of material. The leaders from the Turkish cities shared their experiences, what they were able to do to reach other women, and their problems and needs. Important decisions for the following year were made, including jumpstart plans for the next four weeks.
Contributed by Ipek Akyel, Istanbul Taksim International Church, West Asian Field
Published in Mosaic newsletter, 2019 Q4, Fall issue
