Find Us Faithful

By Sandralee Mars

What a difference two years made. Twentyfour long months of COVID-19 and its worldwide impact forever changed our lives. As the world slowly started to re-emerge from lockdowns and mandates in September 2021, Texas Conference President Elton DeMoraes called me to be the Women’s Ministries | English volunteer coordinator.

Excited to serve, one of my first tasks was connecting with the Women’s Ministries leaders for nearly 200 English-speaking churches. It was a pleasure to speak, attend prayer breakfasts and participate in the local church’s social activities. I was delighted to see the dedication and enthusiasm these leaders had for ministry within their local churches and outreach in their communities.

I was often asked, “Are we having a women’s retreat?” Following a 30-day conference-wide prayer and fasting initiative in the fall of 2022, we finally had an in-person retreat in the historic Plano area, where the Texas Conference was formed 144 years ago. Heather-Dawn Small, Women’s Ministries director for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, along with Felicia Lee, a ministry leader with Adventist-

Laymen’s Services & Industries (ASI), and recording artist Ladye Love-Smith are just a few of the presenters from that power-packed weekend retreat.

So many talented women minister within the Texas Conference. We were able to highlight a few of them in a video series titled “A Priceless Love Story.” Used as a soft evangelism tool, the videos share uplifting messages, testimonials, music and recipes that thousands have viewed on the Adventist Women of Texas Facebook page and TexasAdventist YouTube channel.

Helping our sisters in need is a key aspect of Women’s Ministries. Leaders band together to help where needed—physically, mentally and spiritually.

This past February, we hosted young women at Lake Whitney Ranch in Clifton, Texas, for “Single and

SANDRALEE MARS Coordinator

Spiritually Strong.” The goal of this “sleepover” retreat was to equip our young women with the tools to stand strong holistically for Jesus in a post-Christian society.

I appreciate the unwavering support of Cheryl Allgood, who has worked with Women’s Ministries for many years, and would like to acknowledge Sandy Reyes, my predecessor, for giving me the opportunity to be part of her beautiful ministry. Creating the prayer rooms for her retreats was a highlight for me. To my Texas Conference staff family, I thank you for your help and support. Last, but not least, I thank my family for understanding my passion for ministry.

It is my humble prayer that as we see indications of the imminent return of our lovely Jesus, all who come on this journey would find me faithful, a light to help them find their way.