|
National Youth Conference
That You May Know:2009 WNAC Convention
That You May Know, the 74th annual convention of Women Nationally Active for Christ (WNAC), combined elements of past, present, and future. The two-day event drew 776 attendees and offered women opportunities to understand the changing ministry of WNAC and its participants.
Past
A Monday afternoon fashion show spanned the decades as it showcased the goals and accomplishments of WNAC from the 1930s to present. Christina Hopper (AL), Sandy Forman (AR), and Ellie Sargent (OH) shared moving testimonies about the impact of WNAC upon their lives. Women from Missouri presented a humorous view of what life would be like without WNAC.
Fellowship Luncheon Speaker Carol Pinkerton inspired laughter as she recalled her eventful years as a missionary in Africa and shared her perspective on her recent reentry into American culture. Worship speaker Donna Crabtree shared how God prepared her and her husband Jeff for ministry in Canada. Like a puzzle, each “piece” of their lives strategically fit into place, making the picture clear.
Present
During the convention business session, a new promotional DVD highlighted what today’s women want and need from a women’s ministry. WNAC is listening. A membership study committee offered a host of practical suggestions for improving and expanding present women’s groups.
Auditor Joel Collum addressed the crowd about the organization’s current financial challenges that required elimination of a full-time staff position. He offered suggestions for eliminating the shortfall and boosting financial stability. Delegates accepted the report and approved a streamlined 2010 budget.
Women also viewed “Faces of Christmas Joy 2009” and added two new faces to its leadership when Amy Johnson (IL) and Pam Hackett (SC) were elected to the WNAC Executive Committee as members-at-large.
In other business, women voted to extend the 20/20/20 Building for the Future project until July 2010. They also agreed to award Cleo Pursell Foreign Student Scholarships to Aida Zhankabayeva (attending FWBBC) and two students attending the Gwen Hendrix Hispanic Bible Insitute. Women gave a rising vote of appreciation for Yvonne Hampton’s 22-plus years of service in the WNAC office.
Delegates approved resolutions asking for placement of Gideon Bibles in hotel rooms and recommending women to contact authorities with concerns about crumbling morality. They authorized the WNAC staff and Executive Committee to review the current constitution and by-laws in order to offer recommendations for needed updates and changes.
Ohio Women Active for Christ combined taste and talent in welcoming the event. Women throughout the state made buckeyes (chocolate and peanut butter candies) for everyone who attended the Fellowship Luncheon. Young people from Chapel Hill FWB Church in Columbus, OH presented a dramatic presentation, and Malari Helman of Ohio’s Hillview FWB Church led in worship.
Future
“The future is bright,” Executive Secretary-Treasurer Danita High emphasized during her first annual report. For the first time in several years, WNAC saw numerical growth and a steady increase in inquiries for starting new groups.
Several attendees took note of younger faces on the stage and in the crowd. Others observed a different spirit and an air of anticipation as WNAC celebrates its 75th year in 2010.
“In the months leading up to the 2010 convention,” says Mrs. High, “We will learn from countless others whose legacy leaves a lasting impression on our lives. We will focus our efforts on ministering to the needs of women while providing an array of ministry ideas and opportunities to serve within their sphere of influence and beyond.
“Our vision is to offer a balanced ministry containing both tools for spiritual growth and opportunities to put faith into action. Our name says it well; we must be spiritually strong—Women Active for Christ.”
Danita contends that the new ministry focus will require a pioneer spirit and complete dependence upon God’s power. Realizing that support from pastors and church leaders is essential to the organization’s mission, she welcomes input and participation as laborers together with God.
Read more about the ministry and vision of Women Nationally Active for Christ at www.wnac.org.
|
