Women Together: In the Word, in Life, in Mission

This was one of my favorite Women’s Ministries conventions! Why? I think it was how the theme of “Women Together” was embodied in this day.

Together, every two years, we, as women, have this opportunity to forge new friendships, embrace long-lost friends, and raise our voices in praise to God who created us as individuals, but unites us together in his Body. In this day spent together, we learn from the Word, from the lives of other women, and are stretched to pray for those who are still far from God, and for those who minister to reach them.

This year Katie Koplin, our first speaker, focused on “Together in Mission in Vocation–God’s Work and Our Hands.” What a good reminder it was to recognize that God calls each of us into mission in our daily lives. What a relief to know that it is Christ who works in us and through us, not dependent on our own strength or wisdom! God not only saves us, but empowers us.

“The Ministry of Welcome” was Joyce Rust’s theme. She and her husband Harold are planting a church in Red Deer, Alberta, aptly named The River. Many immigrants flow through this place and into their lives. Joyce gave us a glimpse into her ministry, punctuated with stories, and even a costume change into a dress given her by an immigrant woman. Church planting is rewarding, but can be hard, a bit messy, requiring flexibility to welcome people into life with you, and being welcomed to share their lives as well. Last year’s Focus Project gave financial support to The River. Continue to pray for them!

Mandy Bronson, our third speaker, shared her life story in “Together in Mission in a Family.” Mandy and her husband Danny served as missionaries in Chad, Africa, currently serving Community of Joy LBC, Eagan, Minnesota. She transparently took us on the twists and turns of numerous challenges in their family’s life journey, including their son who needed a liver transplant. She clearly communicated God’s provision for them along the way and his continued work in and through their family of six boys.

Our speakers were spaced throughout the day, interspersed by greetings from missionaries Carrie Szobody, Ellie Szobody (via video), Sara Hosch, Sandy Christofferson, and Michelle Solberg (wife of Chaplain Gregory Solberg). Bee Larson shared reflections on the LBIM Thailand retreat.

Together, we did some brief business, conducted by Secretary Amy Bourque. Karen Stenberg was announced as WMCLB Director, with Barbara Heggland continuing as Chair. Mandy Bronson was unanimously elected as Treasurer with thanks to outgoing Treasurer Mary Vojtko. Our new Focus Project for 2024-25 will be providing funds for a new school in N’Djamena-Bousso, a small town between Bousso and Doh. Details to come!

The ending was sweet, with prayer rising in soft voices throughout the sanctuary in small circles of women together, and songs to our God who calls us into mission wherever we are.

Cheryl Olsen is Communications Liaison for the Women’s Ministries.

Learn more: www.WMCLB.org
Contact: WMCLBContact@gmail.com