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Promotional poster for EquipAlabama nurse elected national president of Baptist Nursing FellowshipAlabama Challenge Team member testimony

June 2013 Volume 14, Issue 1

Congratulations, CWJC of Lee County!Congratulations are in order for Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC) of Lee County. The Lee County CWJC site was the recipient of the 2013 CWJC/CMJC Site Award from the WMU Foundation. As a recipient of the annual award, the site also received a grant from the WMU Foundation in the amount of $1,116 that must be used for expansion of current ministries at the site. Of the nearly 200 Christian Women’s Job Corps/Christian Men’s Job Corps (CMJC) sites across the nation, CWJC of Lee County was one of only three sites to receive this prestigious award in 2013.

Qualifications for receiving the award were numerous. One such qualification wasdemonstrating fulfillment of the CWJC/CMJC purpose. The CWJC/CMJC purpose (to equip women and men for life and employment) is fulfilled when a woman or man has basic life skills necessary for self sufficiency within her/his culture, which may include sustained employment, adequate income, housing, transportation, child care, and/or medical care. Another of the qualifications for receiving the award was demonstrating fulfillment of the eight key elements of CWJC/CMJC, which are: 1. Certified site coordinator; 2. Advisory council; 3. Needs assessment; 4. Networking; 5. Covenants;6. Evaluation; 7. Mentors; and 8. Bible study.

“We are honored to be one of only three sites nationally to receive this award,” said Lynn Bell of CWJC of Lee County. “We will be able to continue to provide services to women in need in Lee County and will be able to help them become all that God created them to be.” The Christian Women’s Job Corps site plans to use the grant money received from the award to purchase GED study books and new computers and printers that will be used by participants for training at the site, as well as for producing brochures to help recruit volunteers. According to Bell, the greatest on-going needs for the site are prayer and fundraising.

For more information about Christian Women’s Job Corps in Alabama and how you can be involved in helping change lives through this ministry, visit www.alabamawmu.org.

CWJC®/CMJCSM Purpose

The purpose of CWJC®/ CMJCSM, a ministry of WMU®, is to provide a Christian context in which women and men in need are equipped for life and employment; and a missions context in which women help women and men help men. Women and men receive training in life skills and job readiness. Often computer skills are taught, as well. Each ministry is customized to meet the needs of the participants and their community.

Christian Women’s Job Corps of Lee County’s Spring 2013 Graduating Class

Mytestimony

My sophomore year of high school, I was privileged to be a part of my first Acteens Activators trip. After a ton of prayer and consideration, our group decided to stay in the state and minister in Birmingham. Our leader, Dianne Morgan, contacted the Lovelady Center, a ministry that houses women who have had addiction problems and their children. When we arrived at the center, we were ushered to the basement of the building where the day care was. Throughout the week, we led Bible Clubs for preschoolers and children. It was a blessing to see their faces light up when we played games with them and to see their interest as we told stories from the Bible. In the afternoon, our group did room makeovers for the women. We did everything from painting walls to scrap-ing rust off door frames to redecorating. It was a tremendous amount of work, but it was rewarding to present the new and improved rooms to the residents. When I got home from that trip, I remember thinking that the people I met had been a blessing to me and my faith had been strengthened. I am so excited for this summer when my Activators group will be going to Memphis , Tenn., to work with a ministry called Street Reach. I ask you to pray for us and more impor-tantly the children we will be ministering to. Pray God will prepare their hearts to hear what we will be teaching them.

Anna O’NealAnna is a member of the Alabama Challenge Team and attends First Baptist Church, Prattville.

Regina Mobbs of Somerville, Ala., was recently inducted as president of the national organization of Baptist Nursing Fellowship (BNF). Previously she had served four years as president of the Alabama Baptist Nursing Fellowship. A ministry of National WMU and Alabama WMU, BNF is a Christian, professional group that provides its members with opportunities to serve the Lord both locally and abroad through local projects and medical mission trips. BNF members also work within their own congregations to educate about personal wellness and to reclaim the role of faith in health. During her two-year term as national president, Mobbs will preside over the activities of National BNF, represent the organization at state and national BNF events, and have opportunities to serve on medical mission teams. “Nursing is a great privilege, and I sincerely believe it is a calling not just a profession,” said Mobbs. “Deuteronomy 15:11 is one of my favorite verses. It says, ‘The Lord your God will bless your work and all you put your hand to.’ I pray that I give Him the opportunity to do a lot of blessing.” For more information about Alabama Baptist Nursing Fellowship, visit www.alabamawmu.org.

Attendees at Renew 2013 were asked to bring with them gift cards to be donated to Christian Women’s Job Corps sites across the state. Recently, Alabama WMU Missions and Ministry Consultant Pat Ingram personally delivered those gift cards to CWJC sites across Alabama. Because of the generosity of the women who attended Renew, every CWJC site in Alabama received a $100 gift card to WalMart and a $30 gift card to LifeWay Christian Stores. In total, more than $1,300 in gift cards were distributed. On behalf of the Alabama Christian Women’s Job Corps sites, Alabama WMU extends a heartfelt thank you to all who donated gift cards at Renew 2013.

CWJC Sites Benefit from Generosity of Renew Attendees

Charmika Merriweather and Elaine Dickson of CWJC of Madison County accept a gift card provided by Renew 2013 attendees.

Leslie Henry and Patty Edwards of Marshall County CWJC accept gift cards from Alabama WMU Missions & Ministry Consultant Pat Ingram.

Mobbs to Serve as President of National Baptist Nursing Fellowship

July 19-20, 2013Shocco Springs Baptist

Conference CenterTalladega, Ala.

Equip...for Missions, for Ministry, for Life

Leadership Training of Alabama WMU

...for Missions, for Ministry, for Life

quipELeadership Training of Alabama WMU

Equip...for Missions, for Ministry, for Life

Leadership Training of Alabama WMU

...for Missions, for Ministry, for Life

quipELeadership Training of Alabama WMU

This event is made possible in part by gifts given through the Kathleen Mallory Mission Offering and the Cooperative Program.

with

and

Bible Study LeaderLucretia Mobbs,Church PartnershipCoordinator, The NextDoor, Nashville

International Guests Greg & Laura,Serving the Peoples of Sub-Saharan Africa

Special Guest Sheila ErwinMom to October Baby writer/directors/producers Jon and Andrew Erwin

July 19-20, 2013Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center, Talladega, Alabama

For more information:

in-depth training and times of personal enrichment for all church and associational directors, coordinators, facilitators, leaders and other team members of...

the Alabama WMU Biennial Meeting

Women’s MinistryWMUWomen on MissionmyMISSIONAdults on MissionActeens

Youth on MissionGirls MinistryGirls in ActionChildren in ActionMission FriendsRoyal Ambassadors

...with a special track for Emerging Leaders (by invitation).

Featuring

and

Visit www.alabamawmu.org or call 800.264.1225 ext. 226. To register, contact Shocco Springs at 800.280.1105 or visit www.shocco.org.

Equip...for Missions, for Ministry, for Life

Leadership Training of Alabama WMU

...for Missions, for Ministry, for Life

quipELeadership Training of Alabama WMU

This event is made possible in part by gifts given through the Kathleen Mallory Mission Offering and the Cooperative Program.

in-depth training and times of personal enrichment for all church and associational directors, coordinators, facilitators, leaders and other team members of...

the Alabama WMU Biennial Meeting

Youth on MissionGirls MinistryGirls in ActionChildren in ActionMission FriendsRoyal Ambassadors

...with a special track for Emerging Leaders (by invitation).

Featuring

and

Visit www.alabamawmu.org or call 800.264.1225 ext. 226. To register, contact Shocco Springs at 800.280.1105 or visit www.shocco.org.

Schedule of EventsSchedule of Events

Conference Topicsmay include

Friday

Saturday

Happy Birthday, GA!Connecting Youth to MissionsThe Next Door MinistryPreventing BullyingPlanning a Children’s EventInfluencing the Next

Generation of Inter-national Leaders

Beyond Prayers for Our SistersLive More GentlyThis Year in WMUWe’ve a Story to Tell: 125

Years of WMU

Alabama WMUP.O. Box 11870

Montgomery, AL 36111-0870800.264.1225 ext. 226

www.alabamawmu.org

Alabama WMU

@alwmu

2:00 – 2:45 p.m. General/Missionary Conferences3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Associational WMU Leadership Team Training 3:00 – 3:45 p.m. General/Missionary Conferences4:00 – 4:45 p.m. General/Missionary Conferences4:00 p.m. Emerging Leaders Forum Begins (by invitation only) 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Dinner 6:15 – 7:00 p.m. General/Missionary Conferences7:15 – 8:45 p.m. Worship 9:00 p.m. Reception for Outgoing Alabama WMU President Becky Luther

7:00 a.m. Breakfast 8:00 – 8:45 a.m. General/Missionary Conferences9:00 – 9:45 a.m. Essential Training for Church WMU, Women’s Ministry and RA Leaders; General/Missionary Conferences10:15 – 11:45 a.m. Worship and Biennial Meeting 12:00 – 1:15 p.m. Lunch 1:15 – 2:00 p.m. Next Level Session 1 Training for Church WMU, Women’s Ministry and RA Leaders General/Missionary Conferences2:15 – 3:00 p.m. Next Level Session Two Training for Church WMU, Women’s Ministry and RA Leaders General/Missionary Conferences3:15 p.m. Emerging Leaders Forum Concludes

For further details and updates, visit us onlineat www.alabamawmu.org/equip.

Recently I heard a Christian music artist describe his anticipation of God working through his music as “sitting on the edge of his seat” being ready, waiting and watching for God to move. I love this word picture! This past spring, Alabama Baptists engaged in one of our most ambitious prayer initiatives to date. For 60 days, Alabama Baptists united in one heart and one spirit calling to our Lord asking for spiritual awakening and

revival to come to our state, igniting the hearts of Alabamians.Today, as we are moving forward into the new church

year, I find myself “sitting on the edge of my seat” - ready, waiting and watching - anticipating God’s movement among our hearts. I believe in the power of prayer, and I know that in God’s timing He will move. I want to be ready when He does. As I look ahead, I am trusting Him to move in the hearts of campers who will participate in Summer Missions Camps at WorldSong. I have seen Him demonstrate Himself powerfully through the lives of Acteens who are stepping out and doing the hard things like battling human trafficking and serving among our urban ministries and refugees. He is moving, raising up a new generation of missions leaders with hearts of warriors. As we’ve prayed for the hearts of Muslim women, I’ve watched God use ordinary women to show extraordinary love to others who are different from themselves. God is moving. Are you with Him?

I am excited for the days ahead! I hope that you will join us at Equip at Shocco on July 19-20, 2013, to find out where we are going this upcoming year in WMU and to participate in the Biennial Meeting to be held Saturday morning. God is moving. I hope you are “sitting on the edge of your seat” ready to go…

Mark yourcalendar

Candace McIntoshExecutive Director

Message fromCandace McIntosh

July8-12 Missions Camp for Children, WorldSong Missions Place, Cook Springs

12-13 Missions Camp for Mom & Daughter, WorldSong Missions Place, Cook Springs

15-19 Missions Camp for Girls, WorldSong Missions Place, Cook Springs

19-20 Equip, Shocco Springs Conference Center

20 Alabama WMU Biennial Meeting at Equip

August10 Regional Training, Mt. Gilead Baptist, Dothan

17 Regional Training, Greenbrier Road Baptist, Anniston

24 Regional Training, Emmanuel Baptist, Gordo

September10-11 Alabama WMU Day of Prayer and Kathleen Mallory Mission Offering

21 Alabama International Parents Fellowship Meeting, Baptist Building, Montgomery

October4-5 Alabama International Student Retreat, WorldSong Missions Place , Cook Springs

A Year for Celebrating!This year is a big year in the life of Woman’s Missionary Union. This year marks 125 years since the founding of the national Woman’s Missionary Union and 100 years since the beginning of Girls in Action (GA), the missions education organization for girls. Here are some helpful tips and resources for celebrating these milestones with your groups, all available at www.wmustore.com or 800.968.7301:

1. Refer to the age-level leader magazines, the National WMU Year Book (Item W133101, $8.99) and the Missions Plan Book (Item L133120, $16.99) for ideas on how to celebrate these anniversaries. Additional resources include:

• WMU Associational Leader Tool 2013-2014 - Includes ideas for celebrating the 125th anniversary with every age group. (Item W133105, $19.99)

• Celebration Scrapbooking Kit - Celebrate 125 years of WMU and 100 years of GA by using the templates, stickers and artwork in this kit to create your own scrapbook about WMU in your church. (Item W137105, $9.99)

• GA Classic Badge - In celebration of 100 years, WMU is offering this badge which is a replica of the first GA Badge ever used. (Item W137114, $3.99)

• Get your copy of the new book, We’ve a Story to Tell: 125 Years of WMU by Rosalie Hunt. (Item W133107, $12.99)

2. Make plans now to attend the National WMU Missions Celebration and Annual Meeting in Baltimore in June 2014 for the culmination of the year-long 125th anniversary celebration.

Mark your calendar now! Alabama WMU will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2014. Anniversary celebration details will be forthcoming. Visit www.alabamawmu.org, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the most current information.

TouchingLives

Begin preparing now for the upcoming year in your missions education groups. For leaders of all age groups, whether you are new or experienced, we have something to suit your leadership training needs. Not only are training sessions a great time to catch up on updates, changes and new resources, they also are a wonderful opportunity to glean new ideas and methods from other leaders from around the state. Make plans to take advantage of one of these upcoming training opportunities:

Equip - July 19-20, 2013, at Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center, Talladega, Alabama

Some training topics covered at Equip include: training for new leaders, training for experienced leaders, training for all missions education age groups (Mission Friends, Girls in Action, Children in Action, Acteens, Youth on Mission, Royal Ambassadors, Women on Mission, Adults on Mission), leadership/teaching methods, setting a calendar and budgeting, year-long overviews, leadership development and more.

Regional Trainings - August 10, 2013, at Mt. Gilead Baptist in Dothan; August 17, 2013, at Greenbrier Road Baptist in Anniston; and August 24, 2013, at Emmanuel Baptist in GordoAlthough Equip is by far the most comprehensive training opportunity offered by Alabama WMU, regional trainings are a good alternative for leaders who are unable to attend Equip. Regional trainings offer a half-day of fast-paced training for leaders of all WMU missions education groups.

Online Training - Online training is available at any time on Alabama WMU’s website. Visit us at www.alabamawmu.org, and click on the “Training” tab on the right side of the home page. The cost is $10 per course.

Non-ProfitUS Postage

PAIDMontgomery, ALPermit No. 945

2001 East South BoulevardMontgomery, Alabama 36116

PanoramaEditor-in-Chief: Becky LutherManaging Editor: Brittney GardnerContributors: Candace McIntosh, Cynthia White, Pat Ingram, Erin Bishop, Cindy Wilson

Panorama, issued four times per year, is published by Alabama WMU.

Send address changes, editorial suggestions to: Alabama WMU Attn: Brittney Gardner P.O. Box 11870 Montgomery, AL 36111-0870 Telephone: 800.264.1225 Email: bgardner@alsbom.org

Visit Alabama WMU on the Web at www.alabamawmu.org

This resource is made possible by gifts given through the Kathleen Mallory Mission Offering and the Cooperative Program.

Take Advantage of Upcoming Training Opportunities