& MISSIONS M I N I S T RY
SPORTS & T MEN E N T E R TA I N
Ministry Wives Weekend provides ‘Sisterhood’ E & /// PREVIEWED ON COVER L B OX
1
2
OO CHURCH T
CLASSIFIE
3
PEOPL EWS CHURCH N
LT U R E U C & S W E N
DS
>> PHOTOS: JULIE TOWERY 1) More than 140 ministry wives gathered for fellowship
and to worship; 2) Attendees shared a meal together; 3) Jacki King taught lessons from Genesis and Philemon at the weekend retreat.
>> by Chris Doyle
MANAGING EDITOR
Oklahoma City, Northwest hosted the annual Ministry Wives Weekend, Sept. 25-26, providing an opportunity for refreshment and support for wives of Oklahoma Baptist ministers. More than 140 ministry wives attended, representing more than 90 churches from across the state. The theme of the weekend retreat was “Gift of Sisterhood,” which Amy Petersen said helped ministry wives know they have a special bond. “Feeling alone is one of the most prevalent challenges that ministry wives face,” said Petersen who serves as Oklahoma Baptists’ ministry wives ministry partner. “This weekend provided opportunity for ministry wives to make connections, as well as offered practical tips for growing friendships—a sisterhood—in ministry. But before we can reach out to others, we need to reach up to Jesus because He is the source of everything we need.” Jacki King was the speaker for the weekend. Her
husband is Josh King, lead pastor of Conway, Ark., Second. She leads a women’s ministry at their church and E S a podcast called I C hosts V Ofocuses “At The Table,” which on sharing stories of women leaders in the Southern Baptist Convention. King taught from Genesis 2-3, during the Friday night session, identifying shame and deception common among church life. King emphasized the freedom that comes from resting in the truth that God “chases us in love and uses our brokenness to bring about His glory.” On Saturday, King taught from Philemon on how to find community or “grow a sisterhood in ministry.” “We dove in deep,” King said about the lessons she taught for the weekend. “We sought truth to our lies, and we decided to fight for the beauty of the bride of Christ. It’s not always easy, but it is absolutely unwaveringly worth it.” Courtney Tice who currently leads worship at Broken Arrow, BattleCreek, led times of worship through music at the weekend retreat. Tice teaches high school and middle school vocal music at Inola Public Schools. The event included a panel conversation on Sat-
urday morning, featuring Petersen; Julie Dilbeck, wife of Hance Dilbeck, executive director-treasurer with Oklahoma Baptists; Samantha Gardner, wife of Eli Gardner, pastor of Mannford, Lakeside Southern; and Simi John, wife of Jayson John, pastor of Norman, New Life Bible. The panel discussed struggles and triumphs in growing friendships in ministry. Comments were seen on Facebook from those who attended the weekend retreat. One attendee said, “This was one of the more poignant Ministry Wives Weekends for me. The Word was timely, and the Lord knew exactly what I needed to hear. I’m thankful for this ministry to ministry families in our state.” Others said the weekend event “was just so perfectly timed…amazing,” and “…was a beautiful event that meant so much! It refreshed, challenged and encouraged me so much!” For more information on the Oklahoma Baptists’ ministry wives ministry, visit oklahomabaptists.org/ ministry-wives.
ISSIONS M R E E T N U L VO IES
OPPORTUN
OKLAHOMA
IT
DISASTER RELIEF
These ministries have ongoing opportunities for volunteers:
Training:
Tulakogee Conference Center, Wagoner—John Hewitt, 918/462-3212 or john@tulakogee.com Hospitality House of Tulsa provides family centered lodging, emotional and spiritual support for family members of patients traveling to Tulsa for medical care—918/694-8888 Hospitality House of Oklahoma provides for the physical, spiritual needs of families with loved ones incarcerated in McAlester. Lodging available—918/429-0142 OK Jail & Prison Ministry needs volunteers to go into the jails and share the Gospel each week— 405/917-2242 or ojpm@ojpm.org
Pre-registration is mandatory. Classes are limited in size. Masks must be worn, and temperatures will be taken. Oct. 17—Newcastle, First-1650 N. Main, 73065 Nov. 7—Madill, First-210 S. First St., 73446 Visit okdisasterhelp.org to register
Campers on Mission: Campers on Mission is a fellowship of Christian campers sharing their faith while doing mission activities. Email mvanzandt@ oklahomabaptists.org for info.
Pray for International Missionary Will Thompson* Pray for Will and Marie Thompson, and their children, 8 and 5. The Thompsons oversee the work in Russian-speaking areas. The family serves in Russian Bible Church, which has grown from 22 to 35 small groups over the last two years. * Name changed for security purposes.
Pray for National Missionary Drew Cunningham Drew and his wife Shannon have four children and are planting a church in Santa Cruz, Calif., where less than 4 percent of the population know Jesus.
For Powerpoint slides of Prayer Guide, visit www.oklahomabaptists.org/cp
Missions & ministry | October 8, 2020 | The Baptist Messenger | www.baptistmessenger.com
5
