East-Central Africa Division
Antoinette Mwangachuchu, ECD Shepherdess coordinator, shared a report about the Kajiado Adventist Education and Rehabilitation Center, which is located in Central Kenya Conference in Maasai territory. The center rescues Maasai girls who are destitute, orphaned, married at a young age, or victims of female genital mutilation (FGM). Most Maasai do not value education for girls; those who do enroll in school are often withdrawn from courses, subjected to FGM, and married to men who may be age 60 or older. The center has organized eight classrooms, two dormitories, and two living areas for staff. A modern dining hall/multipurpose hall is yet to be completed.
Euro-Asia Division
The Euro-Asia Division held a congress for pastors’ children in Moldova in the spring of 2012. They spent three days at a summer camp enjoying a program based on the five books of Moses. The children were divided into the 12 tribes of Israel, and during the camp they reenacted moments of Israelite history, such as the time of slavery and battles for the land of Canaan.
A congress for pastors’ children was also held in Siberia. Seminars, programs, and concerts focused on the theme “Children of Light.” Two children were baptized in spite of the cold weather. The warm and friendly atmosphere will remain in their hearts.
A congress for pastors’ children was also held in Siberia. Seminars, programs, and concerts focused on the theme “Children of Light.” Two children were baptized in spite of the cold weather. The warm and friendly atmosphere will remain in their hearts.
Inter-American Division
Evelyn Omana, former IAD Shepherdess coordinator, presented seminars at the Shepherdess Council in Mexico in August 2012. Participants had a chance to fellowship, worship, and pray together.
North-American Division
Several of the Texico pastors’ wives gathered at the home of Rita Stevens for an evening meal after attending a day conference retreat on August 18th at the Albuquerque Heights Church with keynote speaker, Janet Page, sharing different aspects of prayer and her personal testimony.
Pastor David Merling on behalf of his gracious congregation welcomed 170 women. The women enjoyed the beautiful facility at Heights and the wonderful lunch prepared by the Heights congregation.
North-Asian Pacific Division
One of our first Shepherdess leaders from China, Chen Ya Xian, held a couples’ retreat. She was assisted by Lily S. Wu, director of CHUM Children's/ Family/Women's Ministries and Shepherdess, and her assistant, Joyce Sham.
The ministerial couples of the Beijing church ministries committee held a marriage camp at a resort in May 2012. Sunshine and sometimes showers came from heaven above during the two-day event. These busy men and women put aside their busy schedules and enjoyed holding hands with their spouses. The goal was to enhance their marriages through shared activities such as games and seminars. A church leader in her eighties said that they should demonstrate to the next generation that married life includes intimacy. God blesses it. This was the first time she had held her husband’s hand and had a sweet walk with him in public!
Everyone had a good time together as they recommitted themselves to each other. They read the ten commandments of marriage aloud as couples and signed their names on commitment cards. They also wrote love letters to each other on the first night of the camp and read the letters to each other the next day. This was the first marriage camp for ministerial couples in this region, and we hope for more in the future.
Southern Asia Division
Subhakar Prasad from Jharkhand, India, reported on a successful weekend of meetings. Thanks to materials from Women’s Ministries and the prayers of many, the women came prepared to receive the blessings of the Holy Spirit.
Dr. Reeta Ernest, a hospital medical advisor, shared how a friend was diagnosed with mammary gland cancer but was recovering as a result of her dependence on God and a change of lifestyle. She concluded with her friend’s message to the church: “I’m glad I got cancer. If not for it, I wouldn’t have changed my lifestyle.”
Participants shared stories of how God had used them since childhood, how God had led them from Hinduism to Christianity, and how He had blessed them with supportive husbands.
May God bless and use the women of this church in a mighty way in the days to come.
