More than 160 Alabamians were among the nearly 2,350 girls in grades 7–12 and their leaders, along with some collegiate young women, who gathered for the opening session of Blume.
Blume, a missions event for teen girls sponsored by national Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU), opened July 13 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., with high-energy music led by Christian recording artist Cindy Johnson and her band from Winston-Salem, N.C.
During the week, participants were encouraged to appreciate their spiritual and missions heritage and consider ways they could begin living a legacy of faith … even now in their high school and college years.
A focus on “living a legacy” was introduced by the 2011 National Acteens Panelists as they talked about the beginnings of WMU and the legacy of missions they enjoy today thanks to missions advocates in WMU who came before them. They also each thanked a special woman who personally invested in her and taught her the importance of serving others and sharing Jesus.
For panelist Andrea Niles, that special woman is Suzette Gibson, her Acteens leader at Fifth Avenue Baptist Church, Key West, Fla.
“I know the Lord put [Suzette] in my life to show me what a servant heart is,” Niles shared. “Because of her, I have developed a relationship with God that has led me to make missions my lifestyle. She has supported and educated me to be a part of the bigger picture — God’s picture. I’m thankful someone passed on her passion for missions to me.”
Chandra Peele, nationally known speaker, author and founder of GAB (Godly and Beautiful) Ministries, referenced 2 Timothy 1:3–14, the Scripture of focus for Blume. Taking a closer look at verses 3–5, Peele related how Timothy benefited from the spiritual legacy passed on to him by his grandmother Lois and mother, Eunice, as well as being mentored by Paul.
“Lois and Eunice were living out the Christian life, teaching young Timothy,” Peele said, “never imagining that he would become one of the most famous missionaries of all time.
“You just never know what God has planned,” she continued. “Years from now, we will see how the teaching and legacy of others shaped your life and prepared you for what God has called you to do.”
Peele told the girls that Paul and Timothy traveled together in their missionary journey and had such a strong relationship that Paul referred to Timothy as his son. Even when they were apart, their prayers kept them close, the kindred spirit of two Christian brothers.
“Your spiritual heritage is so valuable and worth so much,” Peele asserted. “Who do you need to say thank you to? Who is your ‘Paul?’”
Peele also challenged the girls to consider ways they are leaving a spiritual legacy today.
“People are always watching. … Do they see the character of Jesus in you?” she challenged.
For the next several days, Blume attendees interacted with a host of international and North American missionaries; participated in hands-on ministry projects, dynamic worship, breakout sessions and Bible studies; and experienced a unique and interactive cultural activity in Epcot customized just for Blume through Disney’s Youth Education Series program.
Held every four to five years, Blume began in 1972 as the National Acteens Convention (NAC). Since then, thousands of young women have gathered together from all across the United States and have felt God’s call on their lives to a greater understanding, awareness and support of the worldwide mission of Jesus Christ. NAC was re-envisioned as Blume in 2007. (BP)
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