Annual Equip conference encourages, trains missions leaders at Shocco Springs

Annual Equip conference encourages, trains missions leaders at Shocco Springs

Friends of Alabama Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) gathered July 22–23 at Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center in Talladega to celebrate the launch of a state missions offering, introduce an updated history book and renew their commitment to missions at home and around the world.

Alabama WMU President Anna Speir welcomed more than 350 registered participants to Equip, the organization’s annual training workshop. Participants included associational and church WMU leaders, church level missions teachers, missionaries and others who have a passion for missions education.

Younger generations

Linda Cooper, president of national WMU, addressed conference participants during worship celebrations on Friday and Saturday. Cooper encouraged participants to teach younger generations about the sacrifice and selfless service of missions leaders who have paved the way.

“We are thankful for their contribution, but now it’s our turn to reach the lost ‘by all means,’” Cooper said, referring to this year’s WMU theme taken from 1 Corinthians 9:22.

“The vast lostness in our world can be overwhelming, but we are to be involved in God’s mission of making His name known to all the world,” Cooper said. “We are listening to the One who is leading us where He wants us to go. All He asks is that we be available and faithful to go.”

Throughout the two-day conference there were plenty of opportunities for leaders to get new ideas to energize their missions education programs and to “create a culture of missions in our local churches,” said Pat Ingram, Alabama WMU missions and ministry consultant.

Children’s and preschool leaders heard about plans for Fall Missions Festival for Children in October, Children’s Ministry Day and Children’s Missions Explosion, both scheduled for February 2017, and new ideas for teaching missions-focused programs like Girls in Action (GAs), Royal Ambassadors (RAs), Children in Action and Mission Friends.

Student leaders learned about Student Missions Weekend, a co-ed program held each January at WorldSong Missions Place in Cook Springs for students in grades 7–12 that focuses on Bible study, worship and local missions projects.

Adult leaders heard about upcoming state WMU events and resources to aid in planning for the year. Laura Harper, national WMU ministry consultant, reminded adult leaders of the increasing importance of reaching those of other cultures in our communities.

“I am constantly reminded how much God loves people of other cultures and how much He trusts us to love them,” Harper said. “In Alabama, God is preparing people to be our partners in sharing the gospel.”

More than 100 languages are represented in Alabama, according to Kristy Kennedy, a State Board of Missions associate who leads community ministry efforts including English as a Second Language (ESL) and literacy training.

“Everyone here probably has ESL needs in your community,” Kennedy said. “It’s a tremendous opportunity.”

Breakout sessions

In addition to leadership training, participants could attend breakout sessions throughout the weekend covering a range of topics including personal ministry, ministering in crisis, effective community ministry and supporting missionary kids and their families.

Missionaries who serve South Asian people groups internationally and in North America spoke of how much they value their partnerships with Alabama WMU, urging participants to continue to pray for the workers and the people they serve.

“Prayer is not just one component of our strategy,” one missionary said. “Prayer is essential.”

“Prayer is the work, prayer is the connector,” said another. “Satan attacks our families and our children, so pray for our families. Continue praying and watch to see what the Lord is going to do in South Asia.”

Engaging the local church

Participants also heard about opportunities to engage the local church in missions through state initiatives.

Bill Barker, director of Appalachian Regional Ministry and Mississippi River Ministry for the North American Mission Board, thanked Alabama Baptists for their participation in Christmas Backpacks, a ministry to provide school supplies and basic necessities to poor children in his region. Barker said children often write in to say thank you. The No. 1 item they are grateful for is the food, since many of them may not have anything else to eat during the Christmas school break.

In 2015 more than 46,000 backpacks were filled by Southern Baptists and distributed to needy children. Barker said more than 1,300 children had come to faith as a result of the backpack ministry.

Alabama Baptists packed more than 3,000 backpacks in 2015. This year’s state goal is 5,000, Ingram said.

On July 22 participants enjoyed a carnival-style State Missions Fair, complete with games and prizes. They also had the opportunity to thank outgoing national WMU Executive Director Wanda Lee for her 16 years of service at a reception in her honor.

Also recognized at the conference were summer staffers at WorldSong and the 17 members of the 2016 class of the Emerging Leaders Forum. Emerging Leaders are teenage girls from around the state who are nominated by their church leaders because they display servant leadership and are actively growing in their walk with the Lord.