SAME CALLING NEW VISION
3
5
2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
8
NEW MISSION
17
NEW VISION
22 ABOUT WMU OF TEXAS
FINANCIAL REPORT
2024 WMU Impact Report Publications Team
TAMIKO JONES Executive Director-Treasurer
BRANDI JONES Marketing Specialist
TERI USSERY Copy Editor
RUTH MENDOZA
Spanish Copy Editor
BENGAL ST. DESIGN CO.
Graphic Design
From the office of the
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-TREASURER
SAME CALLING. NEW VISION.
For almost 145 years, WMU of Texas has been on a mission to reach the lost for Jesus Christ in Texas and beyond. We have been led by faithful, fervent, forward-thinking leaders with the fortitude and foresight to chart an appropriate path for the organization to weather the seasons. Those before us were called to reach the masses for Christ and were courageous enough to adapt their methods as necessary. In 2025, we are boldly moving forward with the same calling, walking in our new vision to see every believer across every culture and community compelled to live missionally.
Stewarding financial gifts for missions, especially through the Mary Hill Davis Offering® for Texas Missions, and practical community outreach continue to be elements of our service, while we also emphasize missional discipleship in all aspects
MISMO LLAMADO. NUEVA VISIÓN.
Durante casi 145 años, WMU de Texas ha tenido la misión de alcanzar a los perdidos para Jesucristo en Texas y más allá. Hemos sido guiados por líderes fieles, fervientes y con visión de futuro, con la fortaleza y la visión de futuro necesarias para trazar un camino adecuado para que la organización supere las dificultades. Quienes nos precedieron fueron llamados a alcanzar a las masas para Cristo y tuvieron la valentía de adaptar sus métodos según fuera necesario. En 2025, avanzamos con valentía con el mismo llamado, siguiendo nuestra nueva visión de ver a cada creyente de cada cultura y comunidad impulsado a vivir una vida misional.
La administración de las donaciones financieras para misiones, especialmente a través de la Ofrenda Mary Hill Davis para las Misiones de Texas, y el alcance comunitario práctico siguen siendo elementos de nuestro servicio, al tiempo que enfatizamos el discipulado misional en todos los aspectos del ministerio. Nuestros centros de Christian Job Corps continúan prosperando y ofrecen crecimiento espiritual y habilidades técnicas relevantes para los participantes en Texas. Usted está apoyando y colaborando voluntariamente con nuestros
of the ministry. Our Christian Job Corps sites continue to thrive and offer spiritual growth and relevant technical skills for participants in Texas. You are supporting and volunteering with our ministry efforts meeting the needs along the Texas/Mexico border and our network among the growing cultural landscape in Texas continues to grow.
As we partner with churches, missions-minded organizations and individuals, our core strategy leads us to equip all ages to be disciple-makers. We empower God’s people to advance the Gospel through missional discipleship. Thank you for joining us in the effort to call out, to equip and to encourage missional disciple-makers.
With a grateful heart,
esfuerzos ministeriales para satisfacer las necesidades en la frontera entre Texas y México, y nuestra red en el creciente panorama cultural de Texas continúa creciendo. Al colaborar con iglesias, organizaciones con enfoque misionero e individuos, nuestra estrategia principal nos lleva a capacitar a personas de todas las edades para ser hacedores de discípulos. Capacitamos al pueblo de Dios para difundir el Evangelio mediante el discipulado misional. Gracias por unirse a nosotros en el esfuerzo de convocar, equipar y animar a los hacedores de discípulos misionales.
Con un corazón agradecido,
TAMIKO C. JONES
Executive Director-Treasurer WMU of Texas
Who We Are What We Do
WMU of Texas believes in intentionally making disciples by creatively engaging in local missions, establishing partnerships for missions, and empowering others for worldwide missions.
in Local Missions
You’re never too old to learn about missions. WMU of Texas missions discipleship curriculum encourages and equips all age levels to take part in missions.
In partnership with the national Woman’s Missionary Union, WMU of Texas offers small groups and ministries, enabling every member of the church to learn about missions, become involved in missions, and live a missional lifestyle. We carry out our mission by helping churches and individuals.
Partnerships for Missions
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of people in our state and around the world. Through ministry partnerships, we can serve and share the Gospel in Texas and beyond.
Others for Worldwide Missions
Support missionaries and ministries through the Mary Hill Davis Offering® for Texas Missions, Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® for International Missions, and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering® for North American Missions.
FROM THE DESK OF THE
President
IMPACT IS A STRONG WORD
To make an impact, the action of an object or person comes into contact with another. The action leaves a strong impression. This action for us as followers of Jesus and missional disciple-makers is the Gospel of Jesus.
Each Texas Baptist ministry partner who receives Mary Hill Davis Offering funds makes an impact on those hearing and responding to Jesus.
• Individuals engaged in church starting are making an impact on families and communities that will be forever changed.
• The WMU of Texas Women’s Build impacts a family as we partner together with Buckner International and build not only a house, but a home where new beginning occur for husbands and wives and their children.
YOU are a part of each of these items when you give to the Mary Hill Davis Offering® for Texas Missions. The impact of your dollars to spreads across the state of Texas in rural and urban areas, in English and Spanish, and many other languages, and across all demographics, including age, ethnicity, and socioeconomics.
As you read the pages of this report, won’t you also use it as a prayer guide to pray for our state? Through praying, giving, and serving alongside these partners, YOU make an impact for the Kingdom of God.
EL LEGADO DE LA WMU: ORANDO
Para causar impacto, la acción de un objeto o una persona entra en contacto con otra. La acción deja una fuerte impresión. Esta acción, para nosotros como seguidores de Jesús y discípulos misioneros, es el Evangelio de Jesús.
Cada socio ministerial de la Iglesia Bautista de Texas que recibe fondos de la Ofrenda Mary Hill Davis causa un impacto en aquellos que escuchan y responden a Jesús.
• Las personas que participan en la fundación de iglesias están causando un impacto en familias y comunidades que cambiarán para siempre.
• La WMU de Texas Women’s Build impacta en una familia al colaborar con Buckner International y construir no solo una casa, sino un hogar donde comienza una nueva vida para maridos, mujeres y sus hijos.
TÚ formas parte de cada uno de estos elementos cuando contribuyes a la Ofrenda Mary Hill Davis para las Misiones de Texas. El impacto de su dinero se extiende por todo el estado de Texas, en zonas rurales y urbanas, en inglés, español y muchos otros idiomas, y en todos los grupos demográficos, incluyendo edad, etnia y nivel socioeconómico.
Mientras lee las páginas de este informe, ¿por qué no lo utiliza también como guía de oración para orar por nuestro estado? A través de la oración, la donación y el servicio junto a estos socios, USTED tiene un impacto en el Reino de Dios.
PRESIDENT, WMU OF TEXAS
JACKIE FAUGHN
A Year in Review
Trained over
500
local church leaders in missions discipleship at Pursue: WMU Annual Meeting & Missions Celebration.
Received
369
requests to start new WMU missions discipleship groups at churches across the state.
Two teams of women volunteers built WMU’s
house through the Women’s Build Project.
Connected with and resourced
multicultural churches, representing 15 different cultures.
Over 1,000 young boys and male leaders attended Royal Ambassador Camps across Texas, resulting in…
29 SALVATIONS
6 REDEDICATIONS
14 CALLS TO MINISTRY
To date,
600 7 80 14TH
69
families have lived in Mary’s House, a home for missionaries on stateside assignment.
ministries received support in 2024 through your 2023 contributions to the through the Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions.
1 3 of the
National Acteens Panelists represented Texas.
Collaborated with the BSM at Texas Woman’s University to conduct our second cohort of Embrace, a newly created mentoring program for young women.
Maintained 46 Christian Job Corps Sites in Texas.
1,976 PEOPLE SERVED
1,665 GRADUATES
60,455 VOLUNTEER HOURS 108 NEW BELIEVERS
pairs of shoes were processed for Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls during the Pursue: Annual Meeting mission project.
Partnered with 7 Missions Discipleship Camps in Texas
52 SALVATIONS 12 REDEDICATIONS
1 CALL TO MINISTRY
You raised through the Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions
$3,284,598.61
Bridging Continents
In 1881, Anne Luther Bagby became the first Baptist missionary woman from the USA to arrive in Brazil, supported by the faithful women of Texas. Through their love and investment, Baptist ministry among women took root in Brazil.
In 2024, WMU of Texas traveled to Brazil to reconnect with the National WMU of Brazil, the Brazilian Home Mission Board, Brazilian Baptist Seminary, Brazilian Baptist Convention, IMB missionaries, and many leaders and representatives from churches around Rio de Janeiro.
We are looking forward to the great things in store for WMU of Texas and our Brazilian Baptist family, as we continue the efforts started in Brazil over 140 years ago.
To learn more about our partnership with the National WMU of Brazil, visit wmutx.org/multicultural.
WMU Homecoming Ministry
While most of us have spent a lifetime acquiring all the necessities of outfitting a household, most missionaries live simply and leave behind most of their worldly possessions when they return from the mission field. Many return from a lifetime of service with many treasures in heaven, but barely a suitcase of earthly belongings.
In 2024, WMU of Texas created the “WMU Homecoming” project to bless retiring missionary families with household necessities most of us take for granted.
Contact Adult Strategist Teri Ussery at teri.wmutx@txb.org to learn more.
Celebrating The Life & Legacy of Joy Fenner
BY KEN CAMP, THE BAPTIST STANDARD baptiststandard.com
Joy Fenner, a Baptist missionary, Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas leader and the first woman elected as president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, died Nov. 29 in Dallas. She was 89.
Fenner served two decades as executive director-treasurer of WMU of Texas and was named executive director-treasurer emeritus after her retirement. She was elected president of WMU of Texas in 2009.
“Possessing sterling qualities, such as a deep devotion to Christ and his Great Commission, imaginative creativity, thoughtfulness and a cooperative team spirit, enabled her to lead the Texas WMU productively,” said William M. Pinson Jr., who served alongside Fenner during his time as BGCT executive director.
Joy Phillips Fenner was born March 3, 1935, in Avinger to Samuel and Beulah Mae Phillips and grew up in East Texas. She attended Paris Junior College and what was then East Texas Baptist College.
She was secretary at First Baptist Church in Marshall before she joined the staff of Texas WMU to serve as state director of the Girl’s Auxiliary, now known as Girls in Action, from 1959 to 1966.
Kathy Hillman, who served as president both of Texas WMU and the BGCT, noted she was a GA when Fenner was state director of the program. So, she sometimes joked that she was “a Joy Phillips GA.”
“Later, she referred to me as her first Joy Phillips Fenner GA Texas WMU president, which I assume was true. At least she claimed me,” Hillman said.
“Through the years, many of us had the wonderful privilege of working with Joy and count her as a wise mentor, consistent encourager and dear friend.”
Joy and Charlie Fenner married on Oct. 8, 1966, and they served together as Southern Baptist missionaries in Fukuoka, Japan, until 1980.
Carolyn Porterfield—who served in a variety of roles with Texas WMU—first met the Fenners when they were in Fukuoka
and she was a missionary Journeyman based in Kyoto.
“Who could imagine that years later, Joy would invite me to join her staff at WMU of Texas?” Porterfield asked.
“Joy taught me much about missions and being a woman in leadership in Baptist life, which is not always welcomed or easy. At some point, she became more than my boss, but also my friend.”
EXECUTIVE LEADER OF TEXAS WMU FOR TWO DECADES
Soon after the Fenners returned to Texas, Joy Fenner became executive directortreasurer of Texas WMU in January 1981.
“Her experience serving on a church staff, then as a member of the Texas WMU staff, and then as a missionary in Japan prepared her in special ways for the role she filled successfully as the executive leader of the WMU of Texas,” Pinson said.
She encouraged, called out, challenged and led by example.
“Leading a highly skilled, hard-working staff in praying for God’s guidance and laboring to follow his direction, she advanced the missionary endeavors of Baptists.”
As chief executive of Texas WMU, Fenner was a key leader in raising funds to start new churches as part of the Mission Texas emphasis. That included the “tripletriple” campaign for the Mary Hill Davis Offering for State Missions, challenging churches to triple one year’s offering and then triple it again the next year.
Fenner also was instrumental in developing the WorldTouch and Touch Tomorrow Today endowments to support mission work through Texas WMU.
Soon after she retired from Texas WMU, she served as interim executive director of Tennessee WMU from 2001 to 2003.
FIRST WOMAN ELECTED AS BGCT PRESIDENT
Messengers to the 2007 BGCT annual meeting in Amarillo elected Fenner as president of the state convention. She served previously as BGCT second vice president and then first vice president.
BGCT Executive Director Charles Wade served with Fenner first when she was executive director-treasurer of Texas WMU and later when she was a BGCT officer.
When Wade expanded the executive director’s leadership council to include the top executive leaders of Texas WMU and Texas Baptist Men, Fenner was the first woman to serve on that council, where she offered “valued input” and thoughtful counsel, he said.
In all her leadership roles, she “raised the level of any conversation” in which she participated, he said.
“Joy Fenner had a clear-eyed view of what it meant to be a Baptist on mission,” Wade said. “She encouraged, called out, challenged and led by example.”
Fenner was a longtime member of Gaston Oaks Baptist Church in Dallas and served on the board of the Gaston Christian Center.
At various times, she served on the board of trustees of East Texas Baptist University and the boards of the WMU Foundation, Baylor University’s School of Social Work and Healing Hands Ministries.
She received honorary doctorates from ETBU and the University of Mary HardinBaylor and was named an honorary alumnus of Baylor’s Truett Theological Seminary.
She was named a Texas Baptist Elder Statesman, and she received the Pioneer Award for Service from the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation and the George W. Truett Distinguished Church Service Award from the Baylor Alumni Association.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Charlie, in 2017. She will be buried alongside him at the DallasFort Worth National Cemetery.
NEW MISSION
EMPOWER
TO GOD’S PEOPLE TO
THROUGH MISSIONAL DISCIPLE-MAKING Advance the Gospel
A STRATEGIC VISION FOR THE FUTURE
NEW MISSION
To empower God’s people to advance the Gospel through missional disciple-making.
NEW
VISION
To see every believer across every culture & community compelled to live missionally. &
In 2024, WMU of Texas embarked on a journey of strategic planning aimed at discovering new methods for fulfilling the mission of disciple-making. Through strategic planning, our team examined WMU’s history along with the fundamental issues, trends, and opportunities that affect both the organization and the churches we support throughout the state. By the conclusion of our year-long study, we emerged from the planning process with new resources, refreshed core values, and a new vision and mission statement.
A NEW MISSION & VISION
WMU of Texas’ new mission statement challenges us to empower God’s people to advance the Gospel through missional disciple-making. Our mandate is clear. Our Gospel-centered approach to bringing Christ to the world is partnered with the challenge to intentionally mentor others to do the same.
As we pursue our mission statement, our vision statement gives us clear direction to see every believer across every culture and community compelled to live missionally.
Toward this end, we embarked on a journey to determine the tools necessary for our new venture. As we explored the Biblical mandate to be missional disciple-makers, we discovered some basic principles necessary to live out the mandate.
• Embracing a call to live on Mission (Acts 1:8) is the starting point, providing the why.
• Intentionally investing in missional relationships through Mentoring (Proverbs 27:17) answers the question of how.
• Our goal in those relationships is defined as Metamorphosis which opens the door for true life transformation (Romans 12:1-2) giving us our what.
• The result of this process, Multiplication, defined as making disciples who make disciples, provides the potential to change the world for Christ (Matthew 28:18-20).
In the fall of 2025, we will celebrate the release of our first five Bible studies to cover the basic topics to equip believers for the journey of missional disciple-making.
• Surrendered Prayer
• Read and Apply The Bible
• Praying for Others
• Sharing Your Faith
• Gather in Community
These tools will provide practical, Biblically-sound experiences for those who wish to study alone, one-on-one, or in small groups to be equipped to live as missional disciple-makers.
Visit wmutx.org/resources to learn more.
INFLUENCING TOMORROW’S LEADERS
BY HANNAH RICKMAN, NATIONAL WMU ACTEEN PANELIST, 2023
Nolonger children, but not yet adults, teenagers are living through a unique and formative time of life. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that students from preschool through high school have a firm foundation before heading out to make their way in the world.
Through WMU’s missions discipleship resources and group leaders, children and students receive a strong biblical framework that awakens a passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With WMU, students are learning how to live out their faith in relevant and practical ways.
HANNAH RICKMAN’S STORY
How WMU Has Shaped My College Journey
WMU has impacted my current stage of life as a college student by the examples of Godly women I’ve experienced as an Acteen.
During my time as an Acteens Panelist, I was able to see the love, kindness, and respect these women had for one another as well as the love that they
had for Christ and His kingdom. They put the cause of Christ above their own personal interests. They showed the love of Christ to each other and clearly lived to glorify God and share the Gospel with the lost.
• I experienced the love expressed by these women for others as they prayed over me. They showed through not just their words, but their actions as well, an example of Godly character.
• I saw firsthand Christian examples of showing the love of Christ to all people, encouraging others, and above all, living a life that glorifies God above all.
• I have applied their examples to my own life through my interactions with friends, family, acquaintances, colleagues, and even people with whom I disagree.
• I have learned to value my walk with God and showing His love to others above my own personal interests. I thank the Lord for my experience with WMU. He has truly used it to teach and grow me.
To learn more about WMU’s missions discipleship resources for children, students, and adults, visit wmutx.org/resources.
Texas National Acteen Panelists
‘23 Isavela Montañez
‘14 Nayelli Vallejo
‘23 Hannah Rickman
Hannah Howard
Hope Howard
CHRISTIAN WOMEN’S JOB CORPS OF KERRVILLE:
A Community Transformed by Hope and Purpose
STORY SUBMITTED BY
EDNA VANDIVER, DIRECTOR, CWJC OF KERR COUNTY
At Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC) of Kerrville, we believe every woman is valuable— not just for who she is, but whose she is. For over 25 years, we’ve been equipping women with the tools to embrace their worth and purpose through professional, personal, and spiritual transformation. Our 12-week program offers a wellrounded curriculum including Bible study, computer education, healthy relationships, parenting, job readiness, money management, and more.
Graduates leave as leaders, cycle-breakers, and changemakers, not only in their own lives but in their families and the broader community. The transformation is real—families notice, friends apply, and communities rally.
Our impact is magnified by the incredible support of over 25 local churches, who provide meals, financial backing, and volunteers serving as teachers and mentors. Businesses such as the HEB Foundation, HCTC, and Peterson Health also partner with us, offering interview preparation and career opportunities. Their generosity extends to sponsoring our annual style show, while community members faithfully stock our free boutique with professional clothing.
Volunteers are often transformed too. “After a long career in business and education, I came to volunteer just looking for something worthwhile,” said one. “Little did I know it would be the most rewarding time of my life.”
Teacher Angie Wahl shared, “CWJC is a place where women find God, self-worth, and hope. It’s a blessing to be part of this loving, faith-filled team.”
Together, we are witnessing lives changed—one woman, one family, one community at a time.
ENVISIONING A BRIGHTER FUTURE WITH TEXAS
CHRISTIAN JOB CORPS
I magine every city in Texas hosting a Christian Job Corps site that transforms the lives of both women and men by empowering them to secure better careers and futures for themselves and their families.
Currently, there are 46 Christian Job Corps sites across Texas, but is there potential for even more?
Take a moment to examine the map to identify the areas lacking a site.
IS GOD GUIDING YOU TO ESTABLISH A NEW LOCATION IN ONE OF THOSE REGIONS?
Contact Texas CJC State Consultant Chris Rowley at chris.wmutx@txb.org or visit wmutx.org/cjc for more information.
Current Christian Job Corps Sites Visit wmutx.org/cjc for
In 2024, WMU of Texas welcomed Vanessa Lerma as its first WMU missionary, dedicated to serving churches and individuals along the Texas-Mexico border.
God called Vanessa to ministry early in her life while she was actively involved in children’s and youth ministry. She received guidance and mentorship from Godly women, her parents, and influential figures such as the late Daniel Rangel, who dedicated many years to border ministry. This experience deepened her passion for serving others and making disciples.
Today, Vanessa joins WMU of Texas after 22 years of service with our partners, Texas Baptists and River Ministry. During her time with River Ministry, she facilitated connections between over 35 Texas Baptist churches and ministry partners with mission projects in the Rio Grande Valley and along the Mexican border.
Vanessa shares, “I have a passion for doing life with others. That means building a relationship and
trust, sharing God’s love in everything we do, making disciples, and equipping them to make disciples alongside the church.” She continued,” I am also passionate about mobilizing others for long and shortterm mission opportunities, supporting others in their calling, and equipping them in ministry.”
At WMU, we recognize that doing missions is a lifestyle. Jesus has called His church to be on mission and to disciple others to do the same. We eagerly anticipate our ongoing collaboration with Texas Baptists and River Ministry as we work together to spread the Gospel through missional disciplemaking along the border.
En 2024, la WMU de Texas dio la bienvenida a Vanessa Lerma como su primera misionera de la WMU, dedicada a servir a las
WMU OF TEXAS WELCOMES VANESSA LERMA AS ITS FIRST WMU MISSIONARY
iglesias y a las personas a lo largo de la frontera entre Texas y México.
Dios llamó a Vanessa al ministerio a una edad temprana, mientras participaba activamente en el ministerio infantil y juvenil. Recibió orientación y mentoría de mujeres piadosas, de sus padres y de figuras influyentes como el difunto Daniel Rangel, quien dedicó muchos años al ministerio fronterizo. Esta experiencia profundizó su pasión por servir a los demás y hacer discípulos.
Hoy, Vanessa se une a la WMU de Texas después de 22 años de servicio con nuestros socios, Texas Baptists y River Ministry. Durante su tiempo en River Ministry, facilitó las conexiones entre más de 35 iglesias bautistas de Texas y socios ministeriales con proyectos misioneros en el Valle del Río Grande y a lo largo de la frontera con México.
Vanessa comparte: «Me apasiona compartir la vida con los demás. Eso significa construir relaciones y confianza, compartir el amor de Dios en todo lo que hacemos, hacer discípulos y equiparlos para que hagan discípulos junto con la iglesia». Y continúa: «También me apasiona movilizar a otros para oportunidades misioneras a corto y largo plazo, apoyar a otros en su llamado y equiparlos para el ministerio». En WMU, reconocemos que hacer misiones es un estilo de vida. Jesús ha llamado a su iglesia a estar en misión y a discipular a otros para que hagan lo mismo. Esperamos con entusiasmo nuestra colaboración continua con Texas Baptists y River Ministry mientras trabajamos juntos para difundir el evangelio a través de la formación de discípulos misioneros a lo largo de la frontera.
For more information on how to support WMU Border Ministries or to plan a mission trip to the border, visit wmutx.org/border. Para obtener más información sobre cómo apoyar a WMU Border Ministries o para planificar un viaje misionero a la frontera, visite wmutx.org/border.
CHANGING LIVES, ONE BACKPACK AT A TIME
BY VANESSA LERMA, WMU OF TEXAS MISSIONARY
In August 2024, we organized a Health Fair along with a backpack distribution. Toward the end of the event, a single mother approached us seeking an additional backpack. She shared that she had recently lost her job and was finding it difficult to provide her children with the necessary school supplies and clothing. This presented us with a chance to offer encouragement, support, and prayer for her and her kids. We were delighted to supply backpacks for all her children, along with the uniform shirts they required.
We often overlook how crucial a school supply starter kit can be for a family. A backpack can greatly influence a family’s situation and significantly impact a child’s educational experience. Let’s consider contributing together to make a difference for families in our communities.
En agosto de 2024, organizamos una feria de salud junto con una distribución de mochilas. Al final del evento, una madre soltera se acercó a nosotros en busca de una mochila adicional. Nos contó que había perdido recientemente su trabajo y que le resultaba difícil proporcionar a sus hijos el material escolar y la ropa necesaria. Esto nos brindó la oportunidad de ofrecerle ánimo, apoyo y oraciones para ella y sus hijos. Nos encantó poder proporcionar mochilas para todos sus hijos, junto con las camisetas del uniforme que necesitaban.
A menudo pasamos por alto lo importante que puede ser un kit básico de material escolar para una familia. Una mochila puede influir enormemente en la situación de una familia y tener un impacto significativo en la experiencia educativa de un niño. Pensemos en contribuir juntos para marcar la diferencia en las familias de nuestras comunidades.
EVERY BELIEVER TO SEE
ACROSS EVERY CULTURE & COMMUNITY
LIVE MISSIONALLY Compelled to
EVERY CULTURE COMPELLED TO LIVE MISSIONALLY
BY JOYCE PORTO, WMU OF TEXAS MULTICULTURAL STRATEGIST
Across Texas, multicultural churches and WMU groups are celebrating the beauty of cultural diversity and the power of unity. Through WMU’s Multicultural Ministry, we were blessed to partner with cultural fellowships and church leaders representing fifteen cultures.
Here are two reports from our Vietnamese and Laotian/Thai WMU Fellowships.
WMU VIETNAMESE FELLOWSHIP
The Vietnamese WMU Multicultural Fellowship in North Dallas has over twenty churches. Throughout the year, we have many annual gatherings, such as devotionals, training, and worshipping God.
We also have an annual gathering in September specifically for the Vietnamese churches in North Dallas, Garland, Richardson, Plano, Allen, Carrollton, Irving, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Fort Worth, and Waco.
This year, our leadership team attended Pursue, the WMU of Texas Annual Meeting & Missions Celebration in Waco, to gather ideas and information to share at our Annual Gathering in September. At the event, we had the opportunity to collect 225 shoes for Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls.
Our annual meeting is growing every year, and we hope to implement and share the many programs that WMU Multicultural Ministry has available to further God’s Kingdom!
WMU LAOTIAN AND THAI FELLOWSHIP:
We have 10 Laotian and Thai churches in the WMU Laotian and Thai Fellowship. At the 2024 Annual Gathering, we had 24 ladies in attendance. They each shared how they are growing closer to the Lord and how WMU has helped them in serving God for the Great Commission. Thank God for our WMU Laotian and Thai leaders, and thank God for our WMU of Texas leaders around the state.
To learn more contact WMU Multicultrual Strategist Joyce Porto at joyce.wmutx@txb.org or visit wmutx.org/multicultural.
In 2024
WMU MULTICULTURAL MINISTRY BY THE NUMBERS
• More than 1,000 people were impacted by WMU Multicultural Ministries.
• 80 multicultural leaders were equipped at Pursue.
• Over 100 attendees at the first Pursue Multicultural Luncheon
• First mission trip to Brazil with 12 people in attendance to serve in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
• Developed a new Multicultural Council with 6 members from: Africa, Laos, Korea, Burma, Vietnam.
• Connected to more than 80 churches representing 15 cultures.
BECAUSE YOU GAVE...
HOW YOUR GIFTS ARE TRANSFORMING LIVES ACROSS TEXAS
BECAUSE YOU GAVE …
Ten days of intensive ministry to college students on South Padre Island yielded the highest number of professions of faith in recent memory.
Through Beach Reach, a spring break outreach ministry organized by Texas Baptists, 1,256 volunteers provided van rides, served pancakes, and prayed for the lost. As a result, 276 individuals accepted Jesus. The number of Gospel conversations and shared prayers also increased over the previous year, according to Joe Osteen, Beach Reach coordinator and BSM regional director for East Texas.
Thanks to your generous contributions, the Mary Hill Davis Offering® for Texas Missions has supported more than 80 ministries focused on missions and discipleship throughout the state of Texas.
Through your support of Texas Missions, the Gospel is being spread, and lives are being transformed throughout our state. Here are a few of the life-changing stories that have emerged in 2024.
BECAUSE YOU GAVE …
Members of the Royal Ambassadors and Girls in Action chapters of Iglesia Bautista Nuevo Jerico in Uvalde were able to prepare gifts for children in the Rio Grande Valley.
The boys and girls were part of a volunteer team participating in “Christmas in the Rio Grande Valley,” led by Texas Baptist Men/Texans on Mission.
The team built 15 bunk beds for families in the Valley, as well as held toy and humanitarian aid distributions in several neighborhoods. Thank you, RA’s and GA’s, for being on mission in Texas!
SAVION LEE
Royal Ambassadors Coordinator, Texans on Mission
Osteen attributed the increases to the Spirit of God and the preparations made. “We just really saw God move and students be available and ready and willing,” Osteen said. “We’ve been working to grow and establish an evangelistic culture statewide,” he said. “We’ve been working to have some shared tools and language, prioritizing personal evangelism.”
“I think that was on display at Beach Reach this year with how prepared our BSM students were.”
BRENDA SANDERS
Go Now Missions Consultant, Texas Baptists
MARY HILL DAVIS OFFERING ®
Watch Video Testimony from Joe Osteen:
BECAUSE YOU GAVE …
Over twenty people heard the Gospel at a collapsed migrant shelter in San Antonio, Texas.
At the 2023 Church Planting Conference held in San Antonio, Texas, the Center for Missional Engagement gave church planters Monday night off to spend time with their spouses. Four church planter couples went to serve migrants near a collapsed migrant shelter where hundreds were sleeping in the street.
Visit iamtexasmissions.org/videos for additional impact stories.
The couples fed the migrants and shared Christ. From that experience, 29 people heard the Gospel and made professions of faith.
TOM HOWE
Associate Director, Center for Missional Engagement, Texas Baptists
BECAUSE YOU GAVE …
Allie (left), a passionate and aspiring 12-year-old apologist, received the tools she needed to reach her friends for Christ.
After attending a sermon by Eric Hernandez, the Apologetics Lead for Texas Baptists Evangelism, Allie felt motivated to share her faith with her friends at school, particularly with one friend from a different religious background.
Desiring to connect with her friend and share her faith respectfully, Allie asked her mom to take her to an [un]Apologetics Evangelism Conference.
Not only did Allie invite a friend along, but she bravely took the microphone during a Q&A session to seek guidance on how to share the Gospel with her peers.
The event that empowered Allie to confidently share the Gospel with her friends was made possible by your gifts to the Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions.
Thank you for helping us shape the next generation of disciple-makers.
ERIC HERNANDEZ
Apologetics Lead & Millennial Specialist, Texas Baptists
SERVE MINISTRIES: These ministries pave the way for more impactful sharing of the Gospel through missions.
ADVANCE MISSIONS LEADERSHIP: These ministries empower both clergy and laity to share the Gospel and serve those in need.
LOVE THE LEAST OF THESE MINISTRIES: These ministries seek to serve those who are too often overlooked in communities across the state.
TELL MINISTRIES: These ministries enable and equip individuals to share the Gospel throughout Texas.
Top Giving Churches
TOP THREE GIVING CHURCHES IN EACH CATEGORY THROUGH THE MARY HILL DAVIS OFFERING ® FOR TEXAS MISSIONS
First Baptist Church, Midland
First Baptist Church, Amarillo Pioneer
Abilene
Belton
Ozona
Dalhart
Lampasas
Brownfield
Financial Information
LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS
Giving Opportunities
We have numerous opportunities to provide support in the areas you feel God calling you. You can participate by supporting the day-to-day operations of WMU of Texas, contributing to various Texas Baptists ministries and missionaries, helping students attend college, and more.
ONLINE GIVING
Online giving allows for a specific dollar amount to be deducted automatically from a checking or savings account. You can set up online giving either as a one-time donation or a monthly or other recurring gift. iamtexasmissions.org/give
MONTHLY SUPPORTERS
Online giving is not only easy, it’s safe and secure. This option helps individuals and families remain faithful in their giving even when they are out of town or unable to attend a WMU event. iamtexasmissions.org/give
BY MAIL
Mail your donation to WMU of Texas at 10325 Brockwood Road, Dallas, TX 75238. Be sure to include your name and address on the check or envelope so that donation credit may be provided for tax purposes. Designate the offering or endowment to which you would like the offering applied.
PLANNED GIVING
WMU of Texas Endowments have been established to help provide a secure financial base for the mission and ministries of WMU. The money placed in an endowment will never be spent; the funds are invested so the interest provides an ongoing stream of income year after year, decade after decade. wmutx.org/endowments
We invite you to take the next step to support missions financially. Contact us at (214) 828-5150 or wmutx@txb.org with any questions.
Leave a Legacy
WMU OF TEXAS ENDOWMENTS
Leave a Legacy
LEARN MORE: WMUTX.ORG/ENDOWMENTS
WMU OF TEXAS ENDOWMENTS
01
WORLDTOUCH ENDOWMENT
was established in 1995 and funds a variety of ministries and projects such as leadership training events for multicultural churches, expenses for volunteer ethnic consultants, resources for missions education camps, Missionary Parents Fellowship, a pre-college retreat for MKs (Missionary Kids), and Texas Baptist Nursing Fellowship.
03TOUCH TOMORROW TODAY ENDOWMENT
is a partnership that began in 1999 benefiting WMU of Texas and national WMU. It provides missions resources and training for church and associational WMU.
05 EULA MAE HENDERSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT
was created in 1986 in memory of Miss Henderson, who served 34 years as the executive leader of WMU of Texas. This endowment provides scholarships for women pursuing a career in WMU or in missions who are enrolled in graduate study at designated schools in Texas.
07 AMELIA BISHOP MISSIONS COMMUNICATION ENDOWMENT
helps WMU effectively tell the missions story by developing writers, language websites, and other avenues of communication. Created in 2006 to honor Mrs. Bishop, a missions communicator and former president of WMU of Texas.
02 JOY FENNER MISSIONS PROJECT ENDOWMENT
assists individuals to move beyond their church walls and be involved in hands-on missions experiences in the US or overseas. It was established in 2001 to honor Joy Phillips Fenner upon her retirement as executive director-treasurer, WMU of Texas.
04 JEANE LAW LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ENDOWMENT
makes funds available to help women develop missions leadership skills for service in their local churches. The endowment was established in 2000 by Mrs. Law’s family to honor her service as president of WMU of Texas.
06 BECKY ELLISON CWJC/CMJC ENDOWMENT
was renamed in 2021 in memory of Becky Ellison. This endowment was started in 2002 in celebration of CWJC’s fifth anniversary. The endowment provides grants for sites as well as scholarships for CWJC/CMJC graduates to continue their education.
08VALERIO ENDOWMENT FOR HISPANIC MINISTRIES
was created in 2016 to honor the missions contributions and leadership of Pastor Mike and Mary Valerio. Mary is a former president of Hispanic WMU of Texas and the first Hispanic woman to serve as an officer of WMU of Texas. Funds will be used to support Hispanic ministries across Texas.
MEET TEAM the
Tamiko Jones
Executive Director-Treasurer tamiko.jones@txb.org
Teri Ussery
Adult Consultant and Special Projects teri.wmutx@txb.org
Communications Consultant beth.wmutx@txb.org
brandi.wmutx@txb.org
Vickie Lee
Ministry Assistant vickie.wmutx@txb.org
Marisol Sandoval
Missional Lifestyle Strategist for Preschool, Children, and Youth marisol.wmutx@txb.org
Vanessa Lerma
WMU of Texas Missionary Border Ministries vanessa.wmutx@txb.org
Missional Lifestyle Strategist joyce.wmutx@txb.org
Christian Women’s/Men’s Job Corps State Consultant chris.wmutx@txb.org
Office Manager and Administrative Assistant nayely.wmutx@txb.org
TO OR CONTACT
Request a Consultation
WMU of Texas at (214) 828-5150 wmutx@texasbaptists.org
Nayely Vallejo
BOARD DIRECTORS of
1. Panhandle
DEL LOPEZ
Lubbock, TX
Email: dellopez1@gmail.com
ANGIE GRAVES
Amarillo, TX
Email: angiergraves@gmail.com
2. West Texas
MARTHA LAY
El Paso, TX
Email: marthalay12@gmail.com
ROSIE RODRIGUEZ
Midland, TX
Email: pinkyroseann20@gmail.com
3. Rio Grande Valley
JUANITA MORALES
San Juan, TX
Email: jmorales52353@gmail.com
ARGENTINA CARRERO
Los Fresnos, TX
Email: argentina.carrero11@gmail.com
4. San Antonio
BEVERLIE CLOUD
Helotes, TX
Email: cloudb16674@gmail.com
ROSEMARY VICKERY
Kenedy, TX
Email: rosemary.vickery@fbckenedy.org
5. Houston
STEPHANIE MORALES
Houston, TX
Email: stephaniemoralesteacup@ gmail.com
BERTHA VAUGHNS
Spring, TX
Email: bvaughns@live.com
6. Central Texas
MELISSA GOULD
Georgetown, TX
Email: majormoo2002@yahoo.com
PAULETTE KIRKPATRICK
Waco, TX
Email: pklovesbk@gmail.com
7. East Texas
CATHY JOHNSON Henderson, TX Email: clcjohnson@gmail.com
LYDIA NOWELL
Longview, TX
Email: lrnowell@gmail.com
8. Dallas
MARY LOU SINCLAIR
Richardson, TX
Email: teachingetc@att.net
DIANE MARSHALL
Seagoville, Texas
Email: dianemarshalltx@sbcglobal.net
9. Fort Worth
JAMYE RICHMOND
Pilot Point, TX
Email: ichyemama@yahoo.com
PRISCILLA JUSTICE
Mansfield, TX
Email: princesspljand3@yahoo.com
Members at Large
M-A-L PHONSAVANH XAYKOSEE
Houston, TX
Email: phonxaykosee@gmail.com
M-A-L ANH QUYNH NGUYEN Dallas, TX
Email: anhqnguyendds@gmail.com
M-A-L DEREMA DUNN Sunnyvale, TX
Email : rdunn01@sbcglobal.net
M-A-L SUZETTE MITCHELL Mesquite, TX
Email: ladysmitchell98@gmail.com
Officers
JACKIE EVANS FAUGHN, PRESIDENT
McKinney, TX
Email: jackie.wmutx@gmail.com
BRENDA BOURGEOIS, VICE PRESIDENT
Lubbock, TX
Email: brendabou.wmutx@gmail.com
LYNN MONTGOMERY, RECORDING SECRETARY Tyler, TX
Email: lynn.wmutx@gmail.com
TAMIKO JONES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTORTREASURER
Dallas, TX
Email: tamiko.wmutx@texasbaptists.org
