Petra September 14, 2008
Posted by LaWanda in Amman Jordan, Family, Travel.Tags: Petra
2 comments
Thank U, Jonathan for your sweet note.
Thank you Rex for the cute card and ‘laughs’ you packed. I hope things are going OK.
I’m trying to learn a few Arabic words–it is MOST difficult.
Verizon got my email fixed now the phone won’t go through. Oh well, the email’s MUCH less expensive than the phone.
Last evening I stayed in and rested while the other 9 went to a “meet and greet” service then dinner at the pastor’s home. Evidently it was all wonderful.
Today we ate breakfast at the hotel then headed for Petra 3 hours away. Quite a ride, seeing flocks of sheep with their shepherds, camels in the fields AND getting pulled over by the police. 
Our driver was Iraqi but legal. They said we were speeding…there are no speed limits–go figure. So basically we paid the “bribe” money and they let us go. Our group paid $20 ID (Jordanian money, 70 cents for a US $), the driver pad $30. It was a bit tense as the 3 officers had our driver get out and come to their patrol car.
LOTS of men and women in Muslim attire–and lots not. Interesting to me to see the women all covered in black except for cute high-heel sandals. Hanny, our Egyptian team member,guide, (from Iraq) told us the women like to dress “modern” at home but put on the coverings to go outside.
There is very little to no activity around the homes–you wouldn’t know anyone lived there except for clothes hanging to dry on the line.
Petra is totally AMAZING–rather like the feeling of awe you get when going through the CA redwoods.
I rode a camel for about 1/2 mile (?) Then a donkey for about 1/4th of a mile, then rode a horse drawn buggy for over a mile, the later was the roughest.
And of course you know I got LOTS of pictures…
WRONG….my battery died. I didn’t waste time crying, I just asked others on the team to let me have copies of their pix but you can imagine how painful it was for me not to be capturing those memories on film. I did purchase postcards.
Petra was all so very amazing.
Tomorrow we rest, have a team meeting after noon then a service in the evening, dinner at the pastor’s home afterward.
Rex I’ve constantly wished you were here.
Sure wish I hadn’t forgotten the camera battery charger. 
I hope to find one at a store in Amman tomorrow.
Love you all so much, thank you for your prayers. Please remember to pray as the conference begins Mon.
Mom/LaWanda
Jordan September 12, 2008
Posted by LaWanda in Amman Jordan, Family, Travel.3 comments
Hi!
I’m here – safe and sound – in the Canary hotel, 3rd floor. It’s hot except for a fan on the floor. There are loud speakers on the building across the street that blasts out their call to prayer about every hour to the entire community. I’m told it goes on all night.
Oh well!
There are 10 of us here. All went to a meeting this evening but me. I’m resting because I have to.
Love you,
Mom
We’ve arrived in Jordan September 12, 2008
Posted by LaWanda in Amman Jordan, Travel, Women's Ministries International.add a comment
Had a non-eventful flight except for the Tampa flight leaving 15 minutes late, giving me less than 30 minutes to walk [run] to the other end of JFK airport in New York and meet the rest of the group already on the plane. I got in my exercise for the day.
Amman is actually 7 hours ahead of FL time, so at 2 AM they were serving us breakfast.
All luggage came through, PTL!
More later!
Thx for your prayers!
LaWanda
Financial gifts are tax deductible, should be made payable to WMI, marked ‘WMI Mission Trips’ and mailed to:
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
P O Box 535002
Indianapolis IN 46253-5002
God Is Answering Prayer! August 30, 2008
Posted by LaWanda in Amman Jordan, God, Philippines, Travel, Women's Ministries International.2 comments
Greetings!
I just had to let you know of God’s wonderful workings in direct answer to prayer in the lives of our sisters in the Philippines. I’ve received two emails from Pastora Nieva (Nee-vaa), FMC Los Arcos, the Philippines, whom I met when at the WMI Conference in Butuan City, last month. While there, she told me, as I’ve told you, her incredible story, how God came to her in dreams, showing her people drowning, telling her ‘You help them’. She then asked Rex and I to pray with her and her delegation. We prayed together that God would give them power, protection and strength to go up the mountain, deeper into rebel territory as they felt God leading, to tell others of the Good News of the Gospel. It was such an honor to be in their presence, God was so close and real as we brought these willing sisters and their dangerous mission to the Lord.
Pastora Nieva emailed me this week that “after our prayer time together” at the conference, God gave she and her “spirit led” people, power to obey, to “walk up the mountain,” deep into rebel territory, “preaching with power, the Word of God.” They saw God work “unexplainable miracles” and last Sunday dedicated a new church, San Lorenz FMC.
Let’s PRAISE GOD TOGETHER for this direct answer to prayer. Please continue to lift Pastora Nieva, her family and converts to the Lord as they joyfully face difficulties and hardships beyond our imagination, walking in obedience and power.
What a great God we serve, One who asks nothing less than total obedience and who gives All of Himself with power, peace and joy in return.
Now for another prayer request:
please pray for the following 8 team members as we leave the U.S. Sept. 11, for Amman, Jordan, for a women’s conference, VBS and medical assistance. WE ARE REPRESENTING YOU! Pray with us for protection physically, spiritually and in every way, that God will fill us full to overflowing with Himself and do what He wants to do in and through each of us and the women there. Pray that all the ‘details’ will move into place and go smoothly, including entry into Jordan, customs, etc.
TEAM WMI:
Shar Fortress
Alcy Cabrera
Becky Bell
Katie (Becky’s 14 year old niece)
Marty and Cheryl Trepus
Fred Reikowsky (coordinator)
and myself
On the U.S. side, we’re praising God for His blessings as we branch out, organizing a new WMI in Tampa, Florida, Sept. 27.
Thank you for your faithful prayers and financial support. Thank you for reaching out of your comfort zone in raising funds for WMI and our worthy Special Projects. God is definitely helping in this area and we THANK YOU for all you are doing for WMI, for God and His Kingdom work.
WMI IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF WOMEN AT HOME AND AROUND THE WORLD!
With my love, prayers and appreciation for the privilege of being your co-worker in Christ,
LaWanda
Financial gifts are tax deductible, should be made payable to WMI, marked ‘WMI Mission Trips’ and mailed to:
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
P O Box 535002
Indianapolis IN 46253-5002
Picture 2 – Dr Enrique, his wife, Cheri, Pastors LaWanda and Rex Bullock
Philippines July 31, 2008
Posted by LaWanda in Medical Team, Philippines, Travel, Women's Ministries International.add a comment
Dear Friends, Family and Prayer Partners,
What a tremendous time God gave us at the Women’s Ministries International (WMI) conference and medical clinics, Wed – Sun., July 16-20, in Butuan City, an island about two hours flying time southeast of Manila in the Philippines.
They were expecting and prepared for 200-250 WMI officers and guests but had almost 400 ladies register. God met with us and worked in hearts and lives bringing hope, encouragement and renewed vision for God’s Kingdom work. Bishop Jim and Ruth Tuan, National WMI President Josie Castillo and the leaders there are godly people, doing a tremendous work in Butuan City, Manila and surrounding areas.
I wish you could have been there and met these wonderful ladies, ladies like Neiva, a pastor in an area where the communist NPA, New Peoples’ Army, is active. Neiva is an amazing woman of God, glowing with His power and presence. She and her husband have 9 children, ages 3-21 and all but the eldest are still at home. She owns and operates a ‘glass’ factory besides all her other activities as she reaches into the hearts and lives of the neighborhood with the message of deliverance from sin through Jesus Christ.
A year ago, the Lord came to Neiva in a dream, three times, showing her bodies in the water and a voice said, ‘You help them.’ So Neiva and this group of believers are boldly enlarging their borders, going further into NPA held territory and need God’s Hand in Power as they walk in obedience to the Father’s call. This year they brought over 100 people to the Lord, including 3 ladies she brought with her to the conference. One was the wife of a NPA commander who’s been converted after serving the military for 14 years. Another was a previously demon empowered woman who made bullet proof ‘banners’ for solders’ protection. The third lady was deep into witchcraft. These women have burned their banners and witchcraft works, turned to the Lord, been gloriously converted and baptized and are now active solders in the Lord’s army.
They traveled 7 hours to get to the conference and slept on mats on a cement floor during their stay. But you’d never know it to talk with them and see them, they are ‘glowing’ with Christ’s Light. They asked Rex and I to pray for them Sat. night after the service and what a privilege it was to pray for and with each one, asking for God’s continued power, protection and blessing on their lives. Honestly, I felt that they should pray for me/us rather than the other way around. Please join us in praying for these wonderful saints of God as they face hardships and the front-line enemies of Christ and His Kingdom.
Our medical team treated over 300 people, including the street children who live in ‘the dump’…huge mounds of trash and garbage that smells worse than you can ever imagine. As you might know, there’s much TB, malnutrition and disease. One of the clinics was set up in the Free Methodist church about 1/2 mile from ‘the dump’. That local congregation is daily assisting many children and adults who have no family and nowhere to call home but ‘the dump . ‘ The second clinic was set up on the conference campground.
Pray with us to be able to follow through on plans to build an orphanage as well as other social needs we are trying to address there as the Gospel of Christ is taken to the people.
All the ladies were so appreciative of our coming and caring for them in body and spirit, expressing their gratitude over and over. But the privilege was ours, we were blessed to serve with them and for them. They’re literally begging us to return next May 1-4 for their National Conference, so help us pray to discern God’s plan regarding this.
Will you consider going with us on our next mission trip/women’s conference this year, Sept. 11-21, to Amman, Jordan.? You would be a tremendous blessing as well as experience a life changing few days. If you cannot go, perhaps you will give toward necessary financing for this trip. You can mail your tax-deductible gift to
Women’s’ Ministries International
P O Box 535002
Indianapolis IN 46253-5002
Be sure and in the ‘memo’ section of your check, print, ‘Women’s conference expense.’
We also need a doctor to go with us to Amman so that we can minister to the ladies there physically as well as spiritually.
Your prayers are a must as our strength is limited, His strength is imperative and we are going in obedience to Him. Thank you for praying, God has done wonderful things for which we praise Him and lift His Name in Honor and glory, thankful for the awesome opportunity to serve in His Kingdom’s work.
We arrived home in Florida, Saturday evening and are trying to ‘catch up’ in many areas; for one thing, our bodies seem a bit confused, we’re wide awake in the early hours of the morning and sleepy in the afternoon. Friends who’ve made the trip told us it took them about 3 weeks to ‘get back to normal’…whatever that is, we’re looking forward to getting there.
With love, prayers and appreciation for you and Christ Jesus,
LaWanda
Financial gifts are tax deductible, should be made payable to WMI, marked ‘WMI Mission Trips’ and mailed to:
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
P O Box 535002
Indianapolis IN 46253-5002
Nicaragua July 12, 2008
Posted by LaWanda in Medical Team, Nicaragua, Rex, Travel, Women's Ministries International.add a comment
Dear Family and Friends,
I just wanted to give you a bit of an update on what’s going on in our lives recently, as well as thank you for your prayers and support. Wednesday June 11, Rex and I, and three others flew to Managua, Nicaragua, meeting up with four other team members for five days of medical clinics, a 3 day women’s conference and a pastors’ leadership conference.
Early Thursday morning everyone went to one of the churches for the first medical clinic, except me…I stayed at the hotel, resting, walking, praying, studying, ‘fuming’ and feeling so guilty for not being out there with the team. Because of extreme physical issues I’ve faced the last couple of years, I knew that I had to be faithful to continue to keep ‘balance’ with rest and exercise in my life, even in Nicaragua, if I was to have strength for speaking each day at the women’s conference. So I made the hard decision to do what I needed to do. On the other side of that ‘coin’, it was thrilling to experience more strength each day and was wonderful to sense God’s pleasure, affirming my obedience and ’stepping’ out by faith in taking this trip.
The medical team saw over 100 people that first day at a clinic they set up in one of the Free Methodist Churches in the poverty stricken inner city of Managua. They came back to the Provadenic hotel that evening very tired but thrilled for the work God had allowed them to do. Our entire team met with the pastors, their families and leaders (60 of us) for a meal together and a ‘planning’ time. Friday morning all of us headed out to one of the churches for another medical clinic but about 1:00, Rex and I came back to the hotel, he was sick. Being the generous person he is, Rex unselfishly gave ‘the bug’ to Dr Enrique and then to me. Thankfully, it seemed to be a 24 hour ‘thing’ for which the doctor had medication. Two other team members both ‘fought’ with the ‘bug’ but continued working.
Three years ago when Rex and I went to Nicaragua with another team from our church, I had a women’s conference, expecting 7 pastors’ wives and had over 10 times that many women; we also had children’s workers and a VBS as well as a pastors’ training conference. It was terrific to meet the wonderful people and their families who so cheerfully follow the Master while living in such dire poverty, drugs and violence.
One of the ladies I met on that trip was Connie. She attends Pastor Miguel’s church and helps with church ministries. She and her family live behind the church in a very small aluminum tin building with a dirt floor that she sweeps clean each day. Her youngest son, Jason is now 10 and his older brother is about 15. Jason is deaf and therefore doesn’t speak; he’s such a pleasant child and enjoys being helpful. Two years ago, Connie’s husband, and the boys’ father, died so now she has the load alone.
The last day of our women’s conference Connie told us that she had earned $600 and had all the preliminary testing and work done in preparation for an ear implant for Jason but did not have the final $120 for the implant. We wept and prayed in each other’s arms; others also told heart-rending stories. Many of the ladies shared how God used our time together and spoke to their hearts, encouraging them in the midst of their extremely difficult days and thanking the team for coming to be with them.
I told Connie that we would be praying for she and Jason as well as tell others; together we would ask and believe God to move on the hearts of people and work out His purpose. When we were there three years ago, we bought a large print Spanish bible for her mother and father and they’re still reading it and so thankful for the generosity of their church family in the U.S.
Back home in Florida, Monday, June 23, 2008, Vacation Bible School started at our home church Cornerstone Community Church in St. Petersburg. The week-end before, Rex and I talked about the program and a fund raising project for VBS. Nicaragua, Jason and Connie came to my mind; Rex loved the idea and so did the team. Each evening they had a special ‘game’ and brought in funds for Jason’s ear implant. By the close of VBS Friday night, the boys and girls had given over $222! Funds enough for Jason’s ear implant as well as for their extra expenses. Connie and Jason are going to rejoice with over-flowing joy, praising God and thanking Him for their Christian family in the U.S., who care enough to come to where they are, take their message to others who pray and give, putting God’s Love in action.
That’s really what these trips are all about, getting involved and involving others in caring and reaching out to those who need someone to care. They’ve done all they can with what they have and need you and me to come to their aid, to bring Light and Love to them.
I’m thankful to be a part of God’s work and right in the center of His Plan. Frankly, I did not have strength to take this trip and had so much work that needed to be done that I had difficulty determining whether I should ‘go’ or ’stay’. I planned and prepared to go on the trip but with questions, right up to the night we left. My heart was open and surrendered to God; I was comfortable going or staying but was so tired I wouldn’t have minded staying. Deep within, I continued to sense that inner prompting to go, to do my part and trust God to do what I could not. So Rex and I loaded the car and headed out. For me, it was like ’stepping into the overflowing banks of the Red Sea’, walking in obedience, knowing that I would drown without God’s special touch.
Surprise, surprise (or, maybe not), God was with me every moment. Each day I was stronger than the day before. Even when I was sick, it was only for a day and God gave me strength to speak at the conference the next 3 days. I was obedient and God was, as always, faithful! What a great God we serve! What a joy to serve Him and others!
Another high-light of the trip was organizing the first Women’s Ministries International of Managua; the women were so excited as they elected the officers and began planning and connecting with others around the world. Here’s a picture of the new officers, along with my fantastic translator, Naomi Velasquez, on the right. Naomi and their family attend our home church in St. Pete; she also serves on the South Atlantic Conference WMI board. Connie is to the left of Naomi.
The medical team treated almost 600 men, women and children in the 5 days they had medical clinics; three days in the inner city barrios and 2 days in out-lying villages. A Nicaraguan doctor who does social work there, told us that the price of rice and beans have gone up 60% since January and most people are fortunate if they get those basic staples in one meal a day. It’s difficult to visualize their poverty until you see it: ‘homes’ of very small ‘shacks’ consisting of aluminum tin, or black plastic garbage bag walls and roof held in place with poles, dirt floors and no bathroom facilities.
Rex worked with the medical team two days then had a 3 day pastors’ training conference at Pastor Felix’ church while I spoke for the three day women’s conference at Pastor Miguel’s church.
The choice is ours, we can say ‘yes’ to God and good and ‘no’ to satan and his devices. Thank you for saying ‘yes’ and being the valued team member you are.
Please remember to pray for the people of Nicaragua who suffer, as well as for others around the world. As you pray, remember to be faithful in your financial support of each of our missionaries and WMI’s Special Projects.
Rex and I and a medical team leave Monday, July 14, for the Philippines. Our flight from Portland to Tokyo is 10 1/2 hours. After a 2 hour layover in Tokyo, we take a 4 1/2 hour flight to Manila, arriving Tuesday night. We’ll spend the night there then Wed. morning take a 2 hour flight southeast to Butuan. At nearby Bancasi we’ll have a women’s conference and medical clinics, returning to the U.S., Wed., July 23. We actually leave Manila at 7:45 a.m. and arrive in Portland at 8:20 a.m., interesting, huh It makes me wonder how in the world others travel around the world and seem to look refreshed upon arrival…..
Please pray for the safety and health of each team member as we seek to be used of God in His Kingdom’s work. We need your prayers and support to make a difference in the lives of those where we minister. Perhaps you will consider a much needed donation toward the expenses of our mission trips.
Thank you again, for your prayers, love, care and support for God’s family at home and abroad. We love you and thank God for you and the privilege to serve alongside you in His Kingdom’s work.
Together in Christ,
LaWanda
Financial gifts are tax deductible, should be made payable to WMI, marked ‘WMI Mission Trips’ and mailed to:
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
P O Box 535002
Indianapolis IN 46253-5002 </blockquote>
I Love You, Mother, Happy Birthday February 1, 2008
Posted by LaWanda in Family.7 comments
‘I love you, Mother! You would be 89 years old today, but TODAY, you are eternally young, vibrant, full of life, energy and the Light of Christ because you are alive forever in Heaven! No longer do you struggle with the flesh, the attacks of satan, spiritual warfare, emotions, doubts, fears, doctors, hospitals or pain. Today is forever, where you now live.’
‘Thank you, Lord, for a great mother who loved me, cared for me, was (brutally) honest with me, prayed and fasted for me, encouraged me and believed God for me.’ She suffered much in this life: physical pain from ‘a beautiful body gone bad’, surgeries, deficiencies, emotional heartache, misunderstandings, criticism, the pain of children who followed their own selfish desires and paths, unfaithful husbands, a divorce, separation from her children, financial reverses. But she faced the difficulties and daily forged ahead for her family, for others and yes, for herself, I believe.
‘Thank you, Lord that Mother reached beyond the four walls of her home and cared for people around her. Thank You that she surrendered her heart to You and lived for You and others. She financially supported her growing family of foster children and grand children, raising them as her own. She gave her all, full-heartedly to life and its challenges, always turning to You – and YOU answered prayer! Her family, her extended family, friends and neighbors loved her and depended on her.
Thank You, Lord, for the great memories I have of times with Mother, for the pictures in my mind and those captured on film of our time together.’ She and I laughed a lot! We found things to laugh about even when she was in the hospital. Once, while in her room at the Parsons, KS, hospital, she and I were laughing so hard and so loudly that she said to me, ‘We’ve got to stop this or they’re going to think I’m well and send me home!’
Other times when I’d fly from WA to be with her at their little mobile home, we’d lie on the bed together and talk, or she’d lie on the bed giving me instructions. Jr. came when I was there on one occasion and said, ‘Boy, she’s got your number!’ I loved doing what I could and I knew that Mother appreciated the care I gave her and daddy. On another visit when she was in the nursing home, she said, ‘Thank you for your compassion.’ She had a thankful heart.
She liked to hold my hand when I sat beside her in church. I loved to see her stand and praise the Lord with tears streaming down her face, telling how she loved Him and how much He meant to her.
Mother was proud of me, she was proud of each of her children. I asked her once if she had a favorite and she said, ‘Sure, you are when you’re with me!’ And you WERE mother’s favorite when with her, her heart was full of love and full of life for so many.
Yes, there were downsides and battles, times of doubt, discouragement, failure and pain – she talked about them from time to time. But she didn’t quit. One of her favorite poems, and she had many, was ‘Don’t Quit!’ She shared the words of that poem with lots of people; she lived the words of that poem!
‘Thank you, Lord that my spirit is blessed by not only the memory of my mother, Mildred Rose Castleberry Gordon Presley, but by her spirit, alive and present with me even as I write this. I sense her smile, her spirit, her happiness and pride for me. Thank You that I know mother lives on in me, in my children and their children and in the lives of the many that she touched.’
Thank You, Lord for helping me remember my mother and what her life was all about, what my life is all about, what ALL life is about…Preparation for continuing life, perfect life, eternal life!
‘Happy Birthday, Mother, I love you! I’m glad I told you often; thank you for telling me that you loved me, too.’
What are we doing to make a difference? October 31, 2007
Posted by LaWanda in Women's Ministries International.add a comment
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 Update October 30, 2007
Posted by LaWanda in Women's Ministries International.add a comment
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
It’s true, I’m blogging… October 29, 2007
Posted by LaWanda in Grandkids, New Blogger, Rex.1 comment so far
Rex & LaWanda at the Gerald Ford Museum in Grand Rapids MI this summer
This is my 2nd attempt as I accidentally deleted my first post…what fun!!! I’m doing and stewing, for the most part….I’m having a TERRIBLE time getting the pictures posted, so bear with me…
LaWanda
Nana with Gordon, 5 1/2; Canon, 4, Ransom, 2 1/2 and Judah, 1 year old.
