Early One Morning

What is WMI doing to make a difference now, and in the future?
Susan

Thank you so much, Susan for your thoughtful letter.  I’m so new to WMI and definitely on a learning curve, trying my best to ‘catch up’, sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to His Voice, following His directives. Your thoughts are totally valid and I will do my best to address them in future communications. 

The funds WMI raises go to the Special Projects that we’ve agreed to sponsor each year; I’ve attached that brochure for you.  A very small percentage of funds raised goes to WMI Administrative costs. According to feed back from recipients, the funds that support each of these projects definitely make a difference in the lives of women and children around the world.  These projects are sponsored by WMI and most do not receive funding from any other source. 

Area Director, David Yardy stated that WMI is the major sponsor of India’s women literacy program, and it is DEFINITELY making a difference in the lives of women, children and communities as women who work in the fields all day come to classes after work and learn to read.  Some of those women are now teaching others to read. 

In Newsweek’s Oct. 1, 2007, edition, a section was dedicated to ‘Global Giving’ from which I quote,

Of the world’s 781 million illiterate adults, 64% are women.  Their lack of education continually undermines their communities’ levels of health care and economic stability. Educating girls yields a higher rate of return than any other investment available in the developing world. World Bank

WMI funds are making a difference in India!

One of WMI’s special project recipients, Caroline Ayuya, who attends Hope Africa University in Kenya, sent the following letter to us this summer: 

Last week I had malaria but was treated and I am fine again. Glory to God. Last month our results for the June-July semester were released and I had done well with a GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 for the four units I had taken during the semester. I thank God. My gratitude to you too the WMI officers and all members of WMI for the endless efforts you put towards my studies. It because of you that am at Daystar University. Sometimes my people here just don’t believe how a needy person like me has made it to this far. I tell them about what a blessing you, the WMI have been to me since my undergratuate up to now! You are wonderful people! God bless you so much and fill your accounts abundantly! Pass my regards to all WMI officers and members. May Almighty God bless you so much. Continue to pray for me for I have many needs and that God may help me meet them. I too pray for you everyday and I know the Lord is blessing you.  With Blessings, Caroline

WMI is making a difference in Caroline’s life and she is impacting others!! Last week we confirmed with Philippines Bishop Jim Tuan and Area Director, David Yardy, that WMI would sponsor a women’s conference next July 16-18 in the Philippines.  This conference will be for the development and encouragement of the women there and will be used of God.  WMI will make a difference!  Funds the WMI board is raising will help make this conference possible.
I hope this information is helpful to you; please let me know of any suggestions you may have that will benefit WMI and our quest for the Lord’s Kingdom’s work, reaching women in our neighborhoods and around the world.

My husband and I have only been with the FMC for 5 1/2 years and my association with WMI has been very limited; I’m getting acquainted, and I have to tell you, Susan, that I feel that God is breathing a Fresh Wind from heaven over WMI, giving renewed commitment and enthusiasm for the task and opportunity we have as women of the FMC. 

I have taken this position at His directive and am committed to performing His plan.  I’m convinced that the FMC needs women to unite together especially for the women and children globally.  This is my goal.  The new WMI board has united with me in this effort and we are doing our best to keep pace with God and working hard to change what has not worked in the past and allow God to do what He wants to do through us.

I’m thankful for those who’ve gone before and thankful for the opportunity to unite together and forge new paths where the Lord leads.  My heart’s desire is that you would join us in this great endeavor.  Please pray for me and the team as we tread where we’ve not gone before, but as Abraham of old was led of God and rewarded by God with successfulness, so will we be.

Together in Christ,
                                                                                                                     
LaWanda

Women’s Ministries International President’s Report
Annual Board Meeting
October 2007

Greetings, sisters in the Lord! 

Thank you for praying for me and the Women’s Ministries International (WMI) board as we met together last week in Indianapolis; we had a wonderful, fruitful time.   God has given us a tremendous Board and a spirit of unity to go forward for His Kingdom and WMI.  I thank God for answering prayer.  Each of us felt that God is directing WMI to refocus not only reaching out to every woman in our neighborhood but also reaching out globally.  Historically WMI has done global missions well; let’s do it again!

Each of the Area Directors met with us and gave updates on their mission fields.  They invited us, and we are considering WMI Women’s Conferences and trips, to the Philippines (July 16-18, 2008), Northern Iraq (later part of Sept 2008) and India.  We will go through VISA and extend the dates either previous to or after the conferences; details will be forthcoming as they develop. 

Our local church, Cornerstone Community, St. Petersburg FL, takes 2 mission trips each year and next year’s trips are in the ‘pike’:  1) a medical missions trip to Managua, Nicaragua the middle of June 2008; it will include a women’s conference and a men’s conference with our local pastors speaking; I will research starting a WMI while there; and 2) Holy Land Tour, Nov. 6-20, 2008. Please let me know if you are interested on going on any of these trips, we’d love to have you and I’m sure there would be ministry for you. I inadvertently failed to invite the Bishops or their wives to address our sessions or meet with us so will apologize to them and correct this for our next meeting. 

We have tentatively scheduled our April board meeting in beautiful St. Petersburg, Florida, but upon further reflection, I’m sure we should continue to have it in Indianapolis where the BOA meets, for several reasons, not the least of which is WMI visibility.  I/we made many contacts and were able to network with several while there this week. Chris and I met with the director of development, Warren H, Friday; he was very positive and extremely helpful in looking at a solution for the new on-line giving plan; he is going to insert a WMI tab on the donate page.  We also talked to the magazine editor and will be getting WMI articles to them on a regular basis.  God is surely giving us favor…again, thank you for your prayers, God is hearing and answering.

After my report to the BOA which was very well received, at least one Conference Supt. assured me that they would continue to give their missions offerings through WMI. 

We’re working on a Holiday edition of On-Line, trying to get it in the mail by the first part of Dec…of course the funds for publishing and mailing costs need to be raised…please help us see that accomplished.  Paulette is revising the WMI website and will be working with Warren and Art on visibility on the World Missions website. As the board worked through various areas, the need for finances continued to arise and the thought came to my mind, from the Lord, I believe, that if each WMI board member would be responsible for raising $6,000, we would have $42,000, from that alone.  So I suggested that to the ladies and without hesitation, each one pledged to do their best to raise $6,000 by this time next year and as much as possible by the end of this year.  WE NEED YOUR HELP!  PRAY for each of us, Shar, Lucy, Chris, Gay, Paulette, Connie and myself;

1) that God will give us His thoughts for raising these funds,
2) that God will give generous hearts and givers3) that God will direct us to the businesses, people, groups, etc. that will give and give well,
4) that each of you adopt one of us and be our partner in raising this money; let me know who you will partner with,
5) that God will miraculously and speedily assist us in this worthy endeavor.

Karen, our Indianapolis office secretary will retire as of Dec. 31; she has served seven years and done an excellent job but wants to have more time to complete personal projects, etc.  She will continue to work on an hourly basis as needed.  HR is in the process of posting the position but I spoke with SEEDS’ new employee and she is considering adding a couple of hours, 4 times a week to her schedule for WMI .  Pray that God will put it on her heart if she is the one we need; if not, that God will provide that person.

Our special projects for 2007 still need about $12,000 in order to cover each one; please help us pray that every penny will come in.  Each of these projects are worthy and are meeting the needs of women and children that are not covered from any other source.  Area Director, Daivd Yardy said that WMI is the major supporter for India’s women’s literacy program, teaching the women to read and producing teachers who are now teaching others there.  This is just one of our projects and I praise God for the opportunity we have to stand with women around our globe!

Encouraged describes the attitude of my heart and I think, of our Board, the Board Of Administration and many others.  Join with us in celebrating what great things God has done and is doing.  Continue to unite with us to provide for the needs of women in our neighborhoods and around the world.

the Lord said to Joshua, “now therefore, ARISE…Joshua 1:1

Ladies, let’s arise.  Let’s let God do what He wants to do through you and me.  I feel like Abraham of old, ‘going out, not knowing where he was going.’  But God knew and that was enough!  Oswald Chambers said that should be the attitude of every believer, totally dependent on God.  God knows where WMI is going and we’re committed to following His Plan.  That’s enough!

Thank you being a friend of WMI and women in our world! Thank you for your prayers!  Thank you for your financial support!

Together in Christ,

LaWanda Bullock

President
Women’s Ministries International
A Ministry of the Free Methodist Church of North America