Alabama WMU elects new president, trains leaders

Rosalie Hunt of First Baptist Church, Guntersville, was elected the new president of Alabama Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) during the group’s biennial meeting July 22–24 at Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center in Talladega. 
   
Hunt, a former international missionary, said, “(My husband, Bob, and I) lived in more than 10 countries in our years of missions service but have never discovered a finer group of women than Alabama WMU.
   
“They are an inspiration, and I am anticipating what God has in store for us,” said Hunt, who will serve a two-year term and can be re-elected for a second term.
   
Candace McIntosh, executive director of Alabama WMU, said, “Rosalie brings with her much experience that will be a tremendous asset to Alabama WMU.
   
“Over her many years of service as an IMB missionary, Rosalie has endeared herself to the women of Alabama,” McIntosh said. “She is greatly respected and loved.”
   
Hunt, a member of the board of directors for The Alabama Baptist, served as chair of the Alabama WMU board of trustees 2000–2004.
   
She also wrote the recently released book “Bless God and Take Courage: The Judson History and Legacy.”
   
Other officers elected were Becky Luther of East Gadsden Baptist Church in Gadsden, vice president, and Diane Causey of Glynwood Baptist Church in Prattville, recording secretary.
   
In conjunction with the biennial meeting, Alabama WMU held its WMU Leadership Conference and Women’s Ministry Leadership Training for Church and Associational Leaders.
   
This conference marks the first time Alabama WMU has combined the training for Alabama WMU leaders and women’s ministry leaders into one conference.
   
According to McIntosh, a balanced Christian lifestyle includes personal spiritual growth and service to others as well as sharing your faith. 
   
The best way to accomplish this balance is by Alabama WMU and women’s ministry working together in the lives of the women they serve, she said.
   
Both groups recognize the value of having the opportunity to interact during their leadership conferences; therefore, combining these into one event  made perfect sense, McIntosh said. 
   
Conference sessions focused on how to mentor, begin a women’s ministry group, teach a Bible study and blend women’s ministry and WMU.
   
“It is so beautiful to see leaders working and planning together to help women grow in our Alabama Baptist churches,” said Melissa Bowen, Alabama WMU consultant for women’s missions and ministries.
Also as part of the three-day event, Alabama WMU hosted special tracks for Hispanic women and Sisters Who Care, the customized Women on Mission group for black churches.  
   
New board of trustees members were also announced. WMU representatives are Stuart Calvert of Boaz, outgoing Alabama WMU president; and Mary Helen Dixon of Birmingham. Trustee at large is Jeanie Balding of Russellville. (TAB)