We Will Go In the Strength of the Lord (Psalm 71:16)
The Women’s Ministries (WM) Department Advisory was held April 2-4, 2023, at the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) headquarters. This was a special moment where the directors could meet each other face to face after the pandemic.
Directors and leaders met from around the division to prayerfully strategize for the rest of the quinquennium. Heather-Dawn Small, General Conference WM director, and Nilde Itin, General Conference associate director assisted Raquel Arrais, NSD WM director, with inspirational messages and guidance to every issue that impacts WM. Virginia Baloyo, Southern Asia Division WM director, and Karen Holford, Trans-European Division WM director, were powerful guest presenters. Their experience, wisdom, and projects were well received by the directors.
During the three-day advisory, WM leaders focused on “I will GO, Reach My World,” and “A Ministry for Every Woman.” Reports which covered challenges and plans for their territories were given by each union and mission leader. Special sessions were devoted to prayer, brainstorming, and planning as well as time to exercise and refresh.
Dr. Kim YoHan, NSD president, welcomed the directors and encouraged them to lead out in the spirit of mission and Total Member Involvement to GO and REACH their WORLD. A special presentation was also given by Seong JunByun, NSD Communication director, on how to use social media for evangelism. The book of the year, The Great Controversy 2.0, was presented by Pastor Kim Kwon, NSD SSPM director, who motivated all the participants to be part of this movement in a personal way. Jonas Arrais, NSD ministerial secretary, shared tools and ideas on how to engage the women in Total Member Involvement using their spiritual gifts.
A highlight of the advisory was visiting the Aegibong Observatory on the border with North Korea. It was a moment for special recommitment and prayer as we asked God to open North Korea for the gospel.
The WM department has set goals for work to be done in the upcoming years. The emphases are divided into three areas: Nurture, Empower and Outreach. WM will seek to nurture, empower, and reach out to ensure that all women are involved in God’s mission and service. There is a ministry for every woman as “We Go in the strength of the Lord” (Psalm 71:16).