When Lauren Dean was young, her family instilled in her a love of missions, especially her grandmother. That love was nurtured by Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU).
And more than a decade later, Dean shared her story with Alabama Baptists as part of the Alabama WMU report to convention messengers during the annual meeting Nov. 18.
“Alabama WMU has challenged and equipped me through a missions trip to China, a conference at Shocco and through WorldSong 2009,” she said. “Every day was full of a new encounter with God. God teaches me daily that without Him, I am useless and hopeless. Through the experiences with WMU, I was able to confirm my major of elementary education and know I will use it to serve God.”
Becky Luther, of Gadsden, newly elected president of WMU, met Dean on the China missions trip.
“This is one example of transforming though the Great Commission,” she said of Dean’s story. “I challenge you to go back to your churches and invest in the lives of young people who will follow Him.”
Executive Director Candace McIntosh added, “Young women like Lauren don’t just happen; they are molded by the church. I hope your heart was touched and pricked by hearing from her. I challenge you to rise up and take your place to shape through missions education the worldview of our youth as they become ministers of the gospel. If we do not, someone else will.”
The Book of Reports noted that attendance at WMU missions events this year was up. Sponsored events included Student Missions Weekend; Complete, a gathering for girls; Renew, an event for women of all ages; Summer Missions Camp; LEADERconnect; and WMU and Women’s Leadership Equipping and Enrichment.
Although giving was down somewhat from last year, Alabama Baptists still remained strong in their support for missions giving. All three missions offerings — Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, Annie Armstrong Easter Offering and Kathleen Mallory State Missions Offering — exceeded statewide goals.
“Alabama WMU encourages by empowering and equipping — by taking seriously living out the Great Commission,” McIntosh said. “We at WMU understand the importance of living out this lifestyle.” (TAB)
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