MOBILE DISTRICT WOMEN’S HOME & OVERSEAS MISSIONARY SOCIETY
West Alabama Conference – African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
From the President’s Desk
“Caring for my self is not self-indulgence, it is selfpreservation and that is an act of political warfare.” —
Audre Lorde
Wow! What a time we have had focusing on self-care and wellness. From facials to pedicures, from deep breathing to journaling, from healthy eating to yoga, from prayer to selfreflection, we have all benefitted from this time of self-care and wellness.
But there’s more out there to explore and conquer as missionaries. Our bodies are ready, our minds are ready, our souls are ready. It is now time to use our strengthened bodies, minds, and souls to advocate for justice, to fight against oppression, to stand against inequality, to show that injustice is unacceptable.
During the recent 52nd Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society launched the next component of our Quadrennial Theme:
“Reaching the Masses in an Ever-Changing World, the Journey Continues with Equity and Justice. The Mobile District President, Mrs. Stefany Gant, and Coordinator of the Young Adult Missionary Society, Mrs. Lourdes Thorn, joined mis-
“
Six Departments But One Society “
Mrs. Annie Harris – Life Members Council
Mrs. Lola Petway – Secretary of Bureau of Supply
Mrs. Andrea Robinson – Superintendent of BUDS
Mrs. Diana Rivers – Secretary of Youth Missionary Society
Mrs. Lourdes Thorn – Coordinator of YAMS
Mrs. Stefany Gant – President-Parent Body
Rev. Dr. Titus Thorn – Presiding Elder
Mrs. Sandra Crowder – International President
Mrs Donna Smith Walker– Missionary Supervisor
Bishop Dewayne Walker – Presiding Prelate
sionaries from the States as well as from around the globe, wearing purple as a sign of solidarity.
Building upon self-care and wellness, we now are called to equity and justice. And let’s be clear, we as missionaries have always done a good job of taking care of the hurting. But this call to equity and justice requires us now to confront those who are doing the hurting. While physically and spiritually rescuing those in need, we must also advocate for fair housing, equal employment, access to medical care, and the fair treatment of all. But we need to do this with love.
So get ready Mobile District! We are not abandoning selfcare, because if we are not well, we cannot fight! We are agents of God’s justice, healing, and love. And as we fight remember we must “act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.” Micah 6:8
