Faithful Through the Seasons
2014 WNAC Convention | Tuesday, July 29 – Fort Worth, Texas
WNAC announced the 2014-2015 theme, Faithful Through the Seasons, based on Ecclesiastes 3:1-11. Topics will range from speech and emotions to abortion, self-control, and worldview.
A writer’s seminar kicked off scheduled events in Fort Worth. Women interested in writing were given the opportunity to brainstorm for Treasure Bible Study Guide. Angie Stewart from Iuka, Mississippi, said, “It was good to have an opportunity to share opinions and ideas, and WNAC was willing to listen.”
Many women find themselves in a caregiving role for family members with long-term illness. WNAC board members Jonda Patton (Kentucky) and Janie Campbell (Arkansas) provided valuable advice and resources for caregivers.
Missionaries Alicia Crowe (Japan), Cristina Price (France), Susan Burke and Danielle McCraney (Castle Rock, Colorado) shared ideas for establishing “Quiet Time in a Crazy World.” Each speaker shared valuable information and resources for finding much-needed time with God when distractions and responsibilities creep in and take over, robbing women of their quiet time. On Wednesday morning, the Central Asia Team shared their recent experiences at two Central Asian women’s conferences. WNAC President Diana Bryant (Florida) presented a seminar designed to encourage pastors’ wives.
Monday night, in Room 121 of the convention center was filled with Chuckles & Churros instead of Laughter & Latte. Women of all ages enjoyed relaxing around tables, munching on goodies and catching up with one another.
The Missionary Mingle Luncheon, another ticketed event, featured a boxed-lunch social. Missionaries hosted tables, and attendees were encouraged to visit multiple tables throughout the lunch hour.
Ruth McDonald, missionary to Japan since 1986, was the keynote speaker during the annual missionary service. She shared ways that God has been faithful through every season in the life of her four-generation missionary family. She and her daughters Katie (Speer), Amy, and Caroline (pictured above) sang an acapella rendition of “Jesus Loves Me” in two languages. It was the first song Ruth’s mom taught her to sing.
During the business session, Elizabeth Hodges, director of WNAC began the session with an overview of the work WNAC accomplished in 2013. Auditor Terry Hill presented a bleak financial report. He told delegates that if revenues were not increased, WNAC would become insolvent.
Delegates had two recommendations to consider. Scholarships from the Cleo Pursell Foreign Scholarship fund were awarded to Nicholas Iriquite (Cote d’Ivoire) and Myriam Le Louarn (France) to continue their education.
The WNAC Executive Committee also recommended that the organization become a national department and join The Together Way Plan of support. Delegates voted unanimously to adopt the recommendation, and Executive Director Elizabeth Hodges (pictured below) petitioned denominational leaders for acceptance.
Delegates unanimously approved the recommendation, and for the first time since WNAC withdrew from the denomination in 1939, the women’s organization is an official part of the National Association. “This is a historic moment for WNAC,” Elizabeth Hodges said. “We are grateful and excited to be part of the National Association, and we look forward to continuing our work within the umbrella of the denomination.”
In other business, delegates reaffirmed the denominational stand on same-sex marriage with the following resolution:
Whereas our society has become more accepting to alternate lifestyles, be it resolved that WNAC reaffirm our stand against same-sex marriage and our stand to keep the definition of marriage to remain between one man and one woman.
As we hit the trail from Cowtown and turn our attention to the beautiful River City, we look forward to celebrating God’s faithfulness through another year. Visit www.wnac.org throughout the year for information about the exciting events in store for 2015.
For more WNAC Photos: www.nafwb.yerbyphotography.com
|
