Missions lifestyle focus of Alabama WMU conferences

Missions lifestyle focus of Alabama WMU conferences

Women and teen girls from across the state gathered recently for Renew and Complete, annual conferences of Alabama Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU).

Renew for women was held Feb. 24 at Westwood Baptist Church, Alabaster. More than 500 women attended the event, which included Bible teaching, worship, missions updates, WorldCrafts shopping and opportunities to connect with representatives from ministries like WorldSong Missions Place and Baptist Nursing Fellowship.

“Our desire is that Renew is truly a day away with friends — an opportunity to join with other like-minded women of all generations to worship our Lord, grow in Him and fellowship together,” said Pat Ingram, missions and ministry consultant for Alabama WMU.

Shelly Edwards Johnson, worship leader at Woodstock City Church in Woodstock, Georgia, led worship, pointing attendees to the conference theme, “To Draw Near.”

Courtney Veasey, founder of Brunch Ministries, spoke on spiritual disciplines and the theme of renewal.

‘The Lord’s creation’

“You are the Lord’s creation,” said Veasey. “He created you and then He redeemed you.”

Candace McIntosh, executive director of Alabama WMU, said the theme of missional living resonated with participants.

“Renew is unique because you are not only spiritually fed through the music and Bible teaching but you are challenged to step outside your comfort zone and join God in His mission,” McIntosh said.

Complete, WMU’s conference for teen girls and their leaders, was held March 6–7 at Eastern Hills Baptist Church, Montgomery.

Complete for girls

Chelsea Kellum, preschool and children’s pastor at Crossroads Community Church, Elmore, led Bible study on the theme “Being Bold!” based on 2 Corinthians 3:12. Jordan Boyer, assistant worship pastor at Crossroads Community Church, led worship.

Breakout sessions offered opportunities to learn more about ministries to refugees, missions experiences and life concerns of teenage girls, said Trish Jackson, Alabama WMU’s missions lifestyle strategist for preschool, children and students.

“It’s so exciting to see hundreds of girls praising God and learning to be bold in their faith, prayers and actions,” Jackson said.