The Bridge Magazine - Fall/Winter 2017

We make disciples WHO make disciples.

1 Timothy 1:15-16 (NLT)

WEEK OF PRAYER REMINDERS

How do you keep up with your calendar?

Your phone, pocket calendar, wall calendar or post-it notes all over your house or office? Whatever method you use, mark your calendar to order your materials and promote the weeks of prayer and special mission offerings.

MARY HILL DAVIS OFFERING FOR TEXAS MISSIONS‰

Starting in 1910, the Mary Hill Davis Offering® was established to empower state missions efforts of Texas Baptists. Mark your calendar for September 10-17 to promote the offering at your church. This year’s goal is $3,600,000.

LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS‰

The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering‰ was established in 1888 to empower international missions efforts. Missionaries are equipped to be sent among unreached peoples to make disciples and multiply churches. Mark your calendars for December 3-10 to promote the offering at your church.

ANNIE ARMSTRONG EASTER OFFERING FOR NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS‰

The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering‰ changes lives by equipping and empowering North American missionaries to bring the gospel to over 269 million lost people in the United States and Canada. Mark your calendars for March 4-11, 2018 to promote the offering at your church.

TO ORDER

YOUR MATERIALS:

Contact the WMU of Texas office at 214-828-5150 or order online at www.wmutx.org.

CONTENTS THE

Sisters Who Care Conference & Day of Service 2 Week of Prayer Reminders 3 By All Means, WMU Year Book 3-5 GA’s, Be Intentional About Missions Discipleship 6-7 Adults, Missions Discipleship 7 Acteens, How Well Do You Know the Next Generation 8 Philippi Prison Churches 8 BSM, Change a Student... Change the World 9 Associational WMU of Texas 9 Endowments 10-11 WMU Vision, Purpose 11 CWJC Bethany’s Sweet Gift 12 Social Media 13 2017-2018 Calendar 14 WorldCrafts, Markets Texas Style 14 Mully, an Exciting WorldCraft Partnership with Mullly Children’s Family 15 Current Officers, WMU Board of Directors 16 Current WMU Of Texas Staff 17 DIY Projects 18 2017 Women’s Build 19 2017 Week of Prayer for Texas Missions and Mary Hill Davis Offering® Back Cover

THE BRIDGE

Published bi-annually by WMU of Texas

AUGUST 2017 Carolyn Porterfield Interim Executive Director-Treasurer 10325 Brockwood Road Dallas, TX 75238 214.828.5150 wmutx.org X facebook.com/wmuoftexas Y twitter.com/texasmissions \ pinterest.com/wmuoftexas

BY ALL MEANS

There is a commercial that ends by saying, “When your WHY is big enough, you will find your HOW.”

The missionary church planter Paul had a big WHY. He wrote, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings” (1 Cor. 9:22b-23, NIV).

Will you use all possible means to engage preschoolers, children, students, and adults in missional discipleship for the sake of the gospel? Need some ideas? Looking for something new? The 2017-2018 WMU Year Book is just for you.

This great leadership tool gives every age-level leader an advance look at the focus areas, missionaries, and special emphases for the year. Pages 43-54 list all the necessary resources for each age level, the product number, and the price. This helps you create your curriculum budget.

Savvy leaders are always on the lookout for ways to improve their skill sets. The year book gives information on the three online leadership training options of national WMU: Develop, the Christian Women’s Leadership Center Certificate Program, and the enrichment options.

Social media is a way of life and a great tool for leaders involved in missions discipleship. Page 59 of the year book is full of website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram information.

The year book also has the 2017-2018 WMU Catalog. Check out page five of the catalog to see which missions concepts are woven through age-specific WMU resources.

New for preschoolers is What Does It Mean to Be Poor? This downloadable book helps little ones understand the challenge of poverty and gives ideas on how to help.

Children will love Missions in a Box. Tied in with WorldCrafts, each box contains mission stories, crafts, games, learning activities, recipes, and more. Four boxes are available for purchase: Thailand, Peru, Ivory Coast, and London.

Who doesn’t love to be celebrated? Girls in Action have a new GA Recognition Service Book full of tips and ideas. A new GA Chef Badge is also available for girls who have explored recipes from around the world.

Three new resources are available in Spanish.

Todo sobre Annie Armstrong. This leaflet is something adults can use to tell preschoolers about Annie Armstrong and the offering named for her. (Available September 2017)

e4 Niños: Ofrenda de Resurrección Annie Armstrong. This contains customizable lessons for Spanishspeaking adults to use with children to teach about the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. (Available October 2017)

◗

La vida de Annie Armstrong. Students and adults will learn about the amazing life and missions legacy of Annie Armstrong. (Available November 2017)

To purchase the 2017-2018 WMU Year Book go to www.wmustore.com. This is an indispensable tool for every age-level leader.

Do you remember playing with building blocks as a preschooler? It was critical to get the foundation just right so that your amazing tower would not topple over. In our Christian walk, it is also critical to develop a solid foundation. That foundation begins with Jesus.

“Let the little children come to me. Don’t keep them away. The kingdom of heaven belongs to people like them” (Matthew 19:14).

No matter how old we are, Christians are charged with making disciples. Of course, this will look completely different for a preschooler. So how do we help preschoolers make disciples? Don’t think of Mission Friends as just an organization; think of it as an emphasis. It is an emphasis intentional on encouraging children to tell others about God’s love. This is the simplest way to think of preschool missions.

Preschoolers come to Jesus in such innocence. As preschool teachers, we hear all kinds of stories from the mouths of babes. They share freely. This must be why Jesus encourages us to come to Him with the heart of a child. If we did, we would share His story with others without reservation.

So how do we build a foundation for preschoolers to live on mission?

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Consider your preschoolers’ life development. They are developing habits, recognizing letters, honing motor skills, enjoying arts and crafts, reading out loud, and playing. As you introduce missions concepts to them, make sure you connect it to where they are developmentally. You might start with the letter “M” for missions or “G” for God.

PLAN FOR ROLE PLAY

Using your learning centers, help preschoolers learn how to share about God’s love. I use the First Steps in Missions book to plan out interaction in

the learning centers. This resource gives you the activities, songs, and stories you can use to make your class time productive. If you don’t have set learning centers at your church, all you need to do is bring a few items and set up learning areas in your space. The preschoolers will not know the difference. Role playing how to share the gospel helps preschoolers connect their life with the Gospel. Developing a foundation of intentional missions living takes work. This is not babysitting; it’s discipleship. WMU offers great resources to help you develop your preschool missionaries. Not every resource will fit the needs of your group, but start small and find just the thing to help set a solid foundation.

GREAT IDEAS SECTION

INTERGENERATIONAL MINISTRY

When multiple generations learn, worship, and serve together, it’s a win for everyone. Consider these tips for cultivating intergenerational ministry for preschoolers in your church.

◗ Enlist senior adults as mentors for preschool parents, promoting “grand” type relationships.

◗ Encourage preschoolers to act as prayer partners for teens when they go on mission trips. They can create cards that say, “I’m praying for you.”

◗ Recruit people to come to class as guest missionaries to share their story of how they spread the Gospel.

◗ Encourage preschool families to be on mission together and do family mission projects.

◗ Encourage older children to be helpers alongside their parents in a preschool class. ◗ Invite preteens to lead the songs or do skits during class.

✻ Except taken from “Intergenerational by Design, written by Brooke Gibson, Children’s Ministry Magazine, 2017”

TRY THIS SECTION - ACTIVITY

SING TO THE TUNE

(Tune: “The Wheels on the Bus”)

Missionaries tell the whole wide world Whole wide world, whole wide world Missionaries tell the whole wide world That Jesus is God’s Son.

I’m like a missionary, how about you? How about you? How about you?

I’m like a missionary, how about you? Let’s tell our friends about Jesus!

*Song taken from “Sing to the Tune” preschool book, found at wmustore.com.

MISSIONS DISCIPLESHIP

As a 12-year old I competed for GA Sweetheart at my associational GA banquet. The event was set up like a pageant and each church had a representative. So how did we compete, you ask? We came prepared to recite our basic GA identity statements, share about the three mission offerings and how they impact missions, recite the verses outlined in the Roman Road, and sing a special song for the talent portion of the event. In front about 100 women, we did our best to impart all we learned and represent our church to the best of our ability.

While GA pageants are no longer the go-to event for helping GA’s learn about missions, the intentionality behind it still holds for today. You see, the goal of that event was not just to have someone win the coveted tiara and sash, it was to make sure girls were learning key elements of missions education. These elements would help them have the knowledge they needed to carry on the promotion of the week of prayer, the expertise to share their faith, and the understanding to develop a ministry tool they could use in the church for years to come.

This new generation of children is looking for ways they can be a part. Even though they are growing up in an extremely digital world, they want to make a difference. This speaks volumes to how we prepare our children to live on mission with God. By using the six objectives of WMU or what I call the BIG6, we can implement a strategy to help develop Christ followers dedicated to live on mission daily. We can provide them with tools they can use for years to come.

6 TOOLS FOR LIVING ON MISSION

1. LEARNING — Impart what the Bible says about spreading the Gospel. Share stories about how

others did missions throughout history and what is happening today. Help children learn how they can continue telling others about God’s love in their own way.

2. PRAYING — Teach them to pray…not only for their needs and wants but for the brokenhearted who are in need of hope through Christ.

3. GIVING — Guide them in discovering the importance of why and what we give. We can give money, support, and our time for the cause of Christ. Give them opportunities to personally give to help support ministry efforts in places they are unable to go.

4. DOING — Challenge them to live out their faith every day. As believers, we are called to go out and make disciples. Even children are called to live like Jesus. Provide opportunities for children to actively participate in mission action and witnessing. Let them see you consistently model what it is to live on mission with God daily.

5. PARTICIPATING — Help children identify their unique gifts and talents so they can plug into the ministry of the church. Discovering these skills at an early age helps them realize that they have a role in the body of Christ. Pair children with adults on Sunday morning to help with greeting visitors, receiving the offering, or assisting with media.

If we desire to see a generation who is committed to live on mission, we must prepare them with the tools necessary to honor the Lord at every point of their life.

Oh, and by the way, I won sweetheart that year. Yay, for my GA leaders!

SAFETY FIRST

You don’t have to look hard to know we live in a broken world. Texas Baptist churches, no matter how large or small, are being challenged to review their child safety policies and procedures. Please see the note from Dr. David Hardage, executive director for Texas Baptists.

Dear Texas Baptists, Texas Baptists takes very seriously the safety of children at church. Therefore, we are taking a proactive approach in providing you and your church the proper training in ensuring a safe environment for children. We have partnered with an organization called MinistrySafe and are hosting regional training opportunities around the state on sexual abuse prevention. We believe this is a significant issue for churches and we are offering this to you and encouraging you to take full advantage of it. Let’s keep children safe at church! We are asking you to bring a team of leaders from your church, particularly those that work with children, to the training that we are offering through MinistrySafe. I hope you’ll come!

Sincerely, Dr. David Hardage

We strongly encourage every age-level mission group leader to participate in one of these trainings. Please visit texasbaptists.org/ministrysafe to find a training near you.

Missions Discipleship for Adults

What will help shape adults for missional living in 2017--2018?

They will focus on four important missional components: prayer, the Gospel, creating space for relationships, and investing in others.

Being on mission in a postmodern world is a thread woven throughout the year for both Adults on Mission and Women on Mission. Kathleen Penton writes, “Postmodernists don’t believe in absolute truths. They believe everything is relative and shaped by the cultural context of a particular time and place. So when Christians share the truth of the gospel with postmodernists, they may get rebuffed.” This year you will find insights, tools, and strategies to help you understand postmodernism and how to relate to those who embrace this worldview.

“Cultural Divides” is an insightful article series in Missions Mosaic that will help readers learn how to connect with diverse segments in our society as well as people dealing with hard life situations. You will explore things like social media, poverty, foster care, suicide, drug addiction, homosexuality, mental illness, and autism. These tough issues often challenge us to consider what is cultural about our beliefs and what is biblical. Learners will be challenged with the question, “How can you live your faith and exhibit grace?”

The 2017-2018 year brings Project HELPsm: PTSD to a close. Creating awareness of PTSD is the beginning of knowing how to minister to people who suffer from it. Author David Crosby has written Your Pain is Changing You which focuses on a response to suffering. Trading Up is another resource that offers biblical examples with strategic questions that present hope and examples of healing for those dealing with PTSD. These can be ordered at www.wmustore.com

Adults on Mission or smaller membership churches have a great resource in the 2017-2018 Missions Plan Book. It contains great information and tons of ideas related to missions praying, reaching others with the Gospel, and missional living.

It is going to be a great year of developing spiritually toward as missions lifestyle as adults study God’s word, pray for the mission fields, get involved in sharing the Gospel, and support others who are serving in Texas, North America, and around the world.

Generation?

When I look at today’s teens I think, “Wow, they live in a completely different world than I did at their age.”

Researchers have labeled this next generation as Generation Z. These are people born in the mid-90’s to right about 2012. These are the pre-teens, teens, and some young adults in your church. They number about 23 million. They are tech savvy and noted as a generation that is “always on”. Online that is. While this is a large generation, it is also the least religious generation with only one out of five kids saying they enjoy participating in faith-based activities. So, where does this leave the future of our churches?

There is a lot to learn about the next generation but for the sake of time we will focus on one element that has enormous potential for missional living. This generation wants to make a difference with their life. They seek out relatable influencers and look for causes to rally around. When they find that “something” they are passionate about, they use their social media skills and act to bring awareness to reach the masses.

Just think, what if they fell so passionately in love with Jesus that they took on every opportunity to share His hope to a lost and dying world?

When I think of the possibilities of a generation rising to spread the Gospel, I am reminded of the lyrics in the chorus of the song, Fierce by Jesus Culture (check it out on YouTube):

Like a tidal wave crashing over me

Rushing in to meet me here

Your love is fierce

Like a hurricane that I can’t escape Tearing through the atmosphere

His love is fierce

Leaders, we must model a relationship with God that is real and authentic. It is crucial to show this generation the good, bad, and the ugly of our spiritual journey. If this next generation was to capture what it means to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God, they would be the fiercest generation to reckon with. I would risk putting my life on the table for them to draw closer to the Father.

ANNOUNCEMENT NATIONAL ACTEENS PANELIST

Texas Acteens have a reputation because we have the most amazing teen girls involved in missions discipleship. For last several years, we have had not just one but multiple Acteens selected for the National Acteen Panel. We have to be careful in tooting our own horn, but “toot, toot!” Our girls are awesome.

It’s that time of the year again to get ready to apply for the national panel. Encourage your juniors and seniors to apply. Here is the criteria: ◗ regularly participates in Acteens activities, ◗ participates consistently in missions projects, activities, experiences, etc., ◗ is involved in other ministries of the church besides Acteens, ◗ is an overall good student, ◗ is involved in school and community activities.

While it is encouraged for girls to be regular participants in Acteens, please know that girls who serve as Acteens staffers at GA camp or those who are wholly committed to missions but do not have Acteens at their church are welcome to apply.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE NEXT

It sounds like a cliché but it is true. When you change the life of a university student, you can change the world. There are 188 college and university campuses in Texas with 57 full-time Baptist Student Ministry directors and associates along with 14 part-time directors. Volunteers are needed to serve alongside the BSM leaders in the following ways:

◗ Pray for campus ministries every Thursday by signing up for Texas BSM Pause & Pray. You will learn about ministry across Texas and have opportunity to pray for specific needs. Go to http://texasbaptists.org/ministries/ collegiate/pause-and-pray to sign up.

◗ Over 82,000 international students come to Texas to study. They can only bring what they need in suitcases. Join with BSM ministries by helping to collect and deliver household items like furniture, bedding, kitchen items, and more.

◗ Pick up students from the airport and take them to their new apartment or dorm. From the moment you greet a student at baggage claim, you have the opportunity to make them feel welcome in Texas.

◗ Provide transportation to big box stores so students can purchase needed school and living supplies.

◗ Be a friend. Many internationals student study here for years and are never invited into an American home.

◗ Share your faith. So many students have no idea who Jesus is or how to have a personal relationship with Him. Despite what you hear, many are hungry to study the Bible and have their questions answered.

Every year thousands of students give their lives to Jesus. They are discipled and learn to share their faith with others. Contact a campus close to you by going to https://texasbaptists.org/ministries/ collegiate. Get involved. CHANGE A STUDENT . . . CHANGE THE WORLD.

CHANGE A STUDENT . . . CHANGE THE WORLD

ASSOCIATIONAL WMU OF TEXAS

In recent months, I have had opportunity to survey Texas Baptist directors of missions about their associations. In the process, I have gained a glimpse of WMU at the associational level. I have learned that you care deeply for others; you are creative and innovative. I have seen that you are faithful to the task of strengthening missions in your association. Thank you for praying for missions, teaching missions, supporting missions, and being champions for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

I want to know more. If you are an associational WMU leader in Texas, I would like to hear from you. Please send your contact information to susan.wmutx@texasbapitst.org. I will look forward to contacting you in the near future.

SUSAN ATER WMU Associational Consultant

JANUARY — JUNE 2017 WORLDTOUCH ENDOWMENT

Jeanette Cliett, Pasadena

Judith Koon, Panama City, FL

Randy and Edna Wood, Waco

TEXAS TOUCH TOMORROW TODAY ENDOWMENT

Judith Braswell, Monahans

Earl Ann Bumpus, Graham

Larry Childress, Stockdale

Merle Cross, Gilmer

Sylvia DeLoach, Richardson Dickie and DeRema Dunn, Sunnyvale

Rebecca Epley, Forest City

Jackie Faughn, McKinney

Ruth Gaston, Abilene

Virginia Kreimeyer, Cedar Park

Martha Lay, El Paso

Elizabeth Little, San Angelo

Michele Lopez, Lubbock

Elaine Mason, Texas City

Patricia Mikel, League City

Susan Morgan, Houston

Joyce Morton, Pecos

Ladonna Sue Olivier, Pecos

Pam Poole, Midlothian Diana Ramirez, Ropes

Patsy Reid, Imperial

Sonya Revilla, Midland

Patricia Robles, Midland Nora Rodriguez, Brownfield

Rose Ann Rodriguez, Midland

Judith Smith, Floresville

AnnMarie Torres, Corpus Christi

Charlotte Watson, Georgetown

Joline Wiley, Kenedy Earl and Ruth Wnkleman, Grand Prairie

Thank You

to our donors WHO LOVINGLY AND SACRIFICIALLY GIVE TO THE ENDOWMENTS FUNDS

JEANE LAW LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ENDOWMENT

Earl and Ruth Wnkleman, Grand Prairie

JOY FENNER MISSIONS PROJECT ENDOWMENT

Beth and Rex Campbell, Grand Prairie

Mary Humphries, Tyler

Carolyn Porterfield, Irving Charlotte Watson, Georgetown Earl and Ruth Wnkleman, Grand Prairie

EULA MAE HENDERSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT

Pat Thorn, Hitchcock

Earl and Ruth Wnkleman, Grand Prairie

TEXAS CHRISTIAN WOMEN’S/MEN’S JOB CORPS ENDOWMENT

Judith Braswell, Monahans

Earl Ann Bumpus, Graham

Larry Childress, Stockdale

Merle Cross, Gilmer

Sylvia DeLoach, Richardson

Dickie and DeRema Dunn, Sunnyvale

Rebecca Epley, Forest City

Jackie Faughn, McKinney

Dana Kay Galloway, Houston

Ruth Gaston, Abilene

Ambra Jackson, Floydada

Virginia Kreimeyer, Cedar Park

Martha Lay, El Paso

Elizabeth Little, San Angelo

Michele Lopez, Lubbock

Elaine Mason, Texas City

Patricia Mikel, League City

Gloria Mills, Henderson

Susan Morgan, Houston

Joyce Morton, Pecos

Ladonna Sue Olivier, Pecos

Pam Poole, Midlothian

Diana Ramirez, Ropes

Patsy Reid, Imperial

Sonya Revilla, Midland

Patricia Robles, Midland

Nora Rodriguez, Brownfield

Rose Ann Rodriguez, Midland

Judith Smith, Floresville

Linda Swetnam, Graham

AnnMarie Torres, Corpus Christi

Donna Trusty, Dublin

Charlotte Watson, Georgetown

Joline Wiley, Kenedy

Earl and Ruth Wnkleman, Grand Prairie

AMELIA BISHOP MISSIONS COMMUNICATION ENDOWMENT

Cherry Himstedt, Cleveland, GA

Patricia Mikel, League City

VALERIO ENDOWMENT FOR HISPANIC MINISTRIES

Angelica Avila, McCamey

Dora Carrasco, Midland

MARY HILL DAVIS OFFERING®

Ira R. Antoine, Houston

Jerry Bell, Wills Point

Dee Boyd, Whitney

Gabriel Cortes, Edgecliff Village

Tamara Cortimilia, Midland

Lois Craver, Dallas

Shirley Donohoe, Houston

J E Dossey, Houston

JoNel Eads Holmes, Paris

Estate of Pauline Steele, Odessa

Michelle Fergus, DeSoto

Hallie C Day Et Al Trust, Pearsall

Cherry Himstedt, Cleveland, GA

Ruth Hiner, San Antonio

Naomi Key, Fort Worth

Martha Lay, El Paso

Alberta Lishio, El Paso

Elaine Mason, Texas City

Timothy and Sharon Mathes, Carrollton

Carole McGee, Mt. Pleasant

Lester Meriwether, Benbrook

Barbara Miller, El Paso

Elton L. Miller, Dallas

Suzette Mitchell, Mesquite

Susan Morgan, Houston

Diana Mojak, Amarillo

Cynthia Neitsch, Seminole Lydia Nowell, Longview

Carolyn Porterfield, Irving Wyllene Porterfield, Fort Worth

Carol Powell, Richardson

Kathy Robinson Hillman and John Hillman, Waco

Joe and Lynn Sharp, McKinney

Leslie Snyder, Red Oak

Barbara Springer, Salado

Trisha Wallace, Troy Roy W. White, Pearsall

Earl and Ruth Winkleman, Grand Prairie

CHARLIE FENNER

Minister, Missionary, Teacher, Musician, Preacher, Friend

November 28, 1929 –June 28, 2017

Memorial gifts may be made to the Joy Fenner Missions Projects Endowment or to the Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions.

Lucy Workman, El Paso Charlotte Young, Dimmitt

GIVE 7

Julaine Jones, Olney

Join our donors by sending your contribution to WMU of Texas.

WMU of Texas | 10325 Brockwood Road | Dallas, TX 75238

Give online at www.wmutx.org/give

GERRY JANE DUNKIN

November 28, 1934 – July 16, 2017

Gerry’s personal Bible note: “Throughout my life, the Lord has gently directed me. He always set His plans before me.”

Jeremiah 29:11

Memorial gifts may be made to the Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions

For information about the endowment funds, visit www.wmutx.org/give/endowments

Bethany’s

SWEET GIFT

Several years ago, as I sat at my desk while serving as the associate director of Christian Women’s Job Corps McLennan County (CWJC®) I received a sweet surprise. Bethany, daughter of a CWJC participant, walked into my office with a beautiful potted plant and sat it on my desk. I quickly asked, “Who is this for?” That sweet girl had asked her dad to drive her to CWJC to give us a plant. Bethany said, “This is for CWJC. I want to say thank you for giving me my mom back.” Before joining CWJC, Kathy was angry, did not communicate in a loving way with her family, and had a broken relationship with Christ. When asked about home, Bethany now shared that her mom was happy and not so angry anymore. She was spending more time with Bethany. I was overwhelmed with emotion and gave her the biggest hug.

I have prayed for many families like Bethany’s over the years. I have prayed that Christian Women’s and Men’s Job Corps (CMJC®) participants will accept God’s gift of eternal salvation, find hope, experience restoration and healing for themselves and their families, and discover a clear path to reach their life’s goals.

This is a special year in the life of CWJC. Throughout 2017, we are celebrating 20 YEARS OF MINISTRY The anniversary theme is IMPACTING LIVES . . . TRANSFORMING GENERATIONS. Bethany’s life is forever changed because over the past twenty years men and women have devoted 1.2 MILLION HOURS OF SERVICE investing in the lives of 40,000 MEN AND WOMEN who have come to CWJC and CMJC seeking HOPE. Numerous graduates have stated that they joined CWJC to gain computer and job readiness skills but Bible study had the greatest impact on their lives. Over 5,000 have made spiritual decisions.

How can you impact the lives of men and women across Texas?

◗ Pray for the sixty-six CWJC/CMJC ministries across Texas.

◗ Serve at a CWJC or CMJC site in your community. Go to www.wmutx.org/cmjc-cwjc to find a location near you.

◗ Invest in a life-change for a family.

Just as Bethany did so many years ago on that sunny afternoon, CWJC/CMJC ministries across Texas say, “Thank You” for impacting lives and transforming generations through your prayers, service, and Mary Hill Davis Offering gifts.

GET INVOLVED THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA

Getting involved with WMU of Texas on social media is not as hard as it sounds.

We have a variety of ways for you to interact with WMU via social media. Take a look at what we have to offer:

FACEBOOK PAGES — WMU OF TEXAS offers a variety of Facebook pages where you can connect with us online. Our hope is to cultivate an online community, through these pages, where we can share our story and hear yours. Our FB pages will keep you up to date on the latest news, event information, photos from the field, prayer requests, and much more. “Like” our pages and connect with our online community.

Facebook.com/wmuoftexas

Facebook.com/sisterswhocaretx

Facebook.com/childrensmissionstx

Facebook.com/texasacteens Facebook.com/maryhilldavis

FACEBOOK GROUPS – The age-level area of WMU has multiple FB groups where leaders can discuss, plan, collaborate, and learn from one another. These groups are designed to share just the right information with the right people. They keep you updated with the most current information while engaging you in challenging conversation. You can also swap ideas with other leaders from around the state.

Each group is designed around a topic or in our case, age-level interest. If you are a leader and want

to connect 24/7 with other leaders, join one of our FB groups today.

Our new MyMission:Texas group is designed as an online community group for women ages 18-40. Our desire is to cultivate a state-wide community that encourages, equips, and challenges young women to engage in the ministry of WMU in their context. If you have young women in your church, encourage them to join this online group.

Our current FB groups include:

TEXAS ACTEENS LEADERS

facebook.com/groups/texasacteensleaders

TEXAS GA & CA LEADERS

facebook.com/groups/txgaandca

TEXAS MF LEADERS

facebook.com/groups/txmfleaders

TEXAS MISSIONS CAMP DIRECTORS

facebook.com/groups/txmcampleaders

MYMISSION: TEXAS facebook.com/groups/mymissiontexas

Are you on Pinterest? WMU of Texas is. Follow our page to glean fun ideas for strengthening the work of WMU in your church. We have craft ideas for agelevel organizations, recipes from other countries, ideas for promoting the 2017 Mary Hill Davis Offering, ideas for simple mission projects, and much more. Go to Pinterest.com/wmuoftexas

APP

If you missed Annual Meeting in Midland this year, you missed out on the big launch of the all new WMU of Texas mobile app. Yes, we are going digital. Our desire is to bring missions to your fingertips. This app contains:

daily prayer points

Texas Baptists missionary birthday list

missions devotionals for parents

latest news

missions videos

the Bible reading plan and much more

The app is free and can be downloaded from your iTunes store for iPhone users or at the Google Play store for Android users. Download yours today and stay connected with WMU of Texas.

o SEPTEMBER 8-9 — SWC Conference and Day of Service, San Antonio

o SEPTEMBER 10-17 — Week of Prayer for Texas Missions & the Mary Hill Davis Offering

o OCTOBER 6-7 — WMU of Texas Board of Directors Meeting, Dallas

o OCTOBER 17-20 — CWJC/CMJC NCT Training, Dallas

o OCTOBER 19-23 — NABWU in Toronto

o OCTOBER 23-27 — Women’s Build, Team One; Peñitas

o OCTOBER 26-31 — Women’s Build, Team Two; Peñitas

o OCTOBER 28 — CWJC/CMJC Day of Service around the state

o NOVEMBER 6 — Baptist Women World Day of Prayer

o NOVEMBER 12-14 — Texas Baptist Annual Meeting, Waco

o DECEMBER 3-10 — Week of Prayer for Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

WORLDCRAFTSM MARKETS TEXAS STYLE!

In Texas, we do everything a little different. This rings true with WorldCraftSM Markets. WMU of Texas is ready to load “Linda” (our WorldCraft van) and come to churches and associations to teach about fair trade. You will learn how we can help rescue people from poverty, sex trafficking, and human exploitation. But where do you start? It’s very simple.

◗ Choose a date and location for your WorldCraft Market.

◗ Contact Pam Poole at pam.wmutx@ texasbaptists.org to secure a date on the WMU calendar.

◗ Recruit volunteers to help with your market. These volunteers can send out invitations, promote your event within the church/community, and pray.

◗ Plan light refreshments or international dishes, activities, and music for your guests to enjoy. Ideas and recipes can be found at www. worldcrafts.org/worldcrafts-parties

o FEBRUARY 12-18 — Focus on WMU

o FEBRUARY 17 — M-Jam, Kingsville

o FEBRUARY 28 — CWJC/CMJC Day of Prayer

o MARCH 4-11 — Week of Prayer for Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

o APRIL 13-14 — WMU of Texas Annual Meeting & Missions Celebration, FBC Georgetown

o MAY 20-27 — Associational Missions Emphasis

o JUNE 10-11 — WMU, SBC; Dallas

o JUNE 12-13 — Southern Baptist Convention, Dallas

o JULY 29-AUGUST 1 — Texas Baptist Annual Meeting, Arlington

◗ Have tables in place when “Linda” arrives. WMU of Texas will bring WorldCraft products and catalogs plus set up the marketplace. Your guests will be able to purchase products directly from the market.

◗ Think learning, not just shopping. Your guests will learn about our artisan groups from all over the world and what holistic, committed fair trade is all about. We can use videos and games to make your market exciting and fun.

It’s that easy! We are ready to serve you, your church, or your association with a Worldcraft Market — Texas Style!

AN EXCITING WORLDCRAFT PARTNERSHIP WITH MULLY CHILDREN’S FAMILY

CHARLES MULLY was the oldest in a poor family of eight children. His father was very abusive. At age 6, his family left home in search of a better life but abandoned Charles. He had to beg on the street for food and shelter. He became a Christian at age 17. Walking 40 miles to Nairobi, he found a job with an Indian family. This job opened a door for him to become a wealthy entrepreneur.

Charles overcame childhood abuse, abandonment, and abject poverty to become a millionaire in Kenya. But an encounter with homeless boys on the streets of Nairobi caused Charles to make an unbelievable decision that ultimately transformed a nation. He sold his businesses and told his family, “I will no longer work for money.” Starting with just three children, thousands of homeless children were taken in by Charles and Ester Mully and given a better life.

This amazing story has been made into a motion picture called “Mully.” You will laugh, cry, and be inspired by what God has done through one man’s obedience to create Mully Children’s Family Watch the trailer at www.Mullymovie.com.

How is the Mully movie and WorldCrafts connected? Mully Children’s Family operates six different facilities in Kenya. One location, the Yatta Vocational Training School, employs artisans who are young, impoverished women seeking to rebuild their lives after being trafficked. “When we learned more about how the Yatta Vocational Training

School helps young women out of trafficking and teaches them skills such as sewing and making jewelry, we knew we wanted to invite them to be an artisan group of WorldCrafts,” Sandy WisdomMartin shared. “We wanted to help them market the beautiful necklaces and purses they create, but upfront funding to place a significant order was going to be a challenge. We prayed,” WisdomMartin continued, “and God provided $115,000 through the WMU Foundation so we could increase our orders not only to this group, but also to other WorldCraft artisan groups. We are so grateful for the WMU Foundation and generous donors that made this possible so quickly.”

WMU has developed two media kits to bring screenings of this movie to life: a host kit and a viewer kit. If your church would like to host a prescreening of the movie, visit www.worldcrafts. org/worldcrafts-partners-mully-movie-ministrymovement/ to learn more. The movie will also be shown in theatres across the nation October 3-5 Go to mullymovie.com to find a theatre near you. You will not want to miss it.

DRIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHT

Encourage your church to host the MULLY MOVIE for the church and community members. ◗ Enlist older children to help as greeters, run a concession stand, and even introduce the movie.

Encourage teens to share about the ministry of WorldCrafts and how this movie is directly linked to WorldCrafts.

Encourage participants to make their own diy carboard cars for their drive-in experience.

For more information about how to host the MULLY movie at your church, go to www.worldcrafts.org/ mully

CURRENT OFFICERS

Shirley McDonald

President

238 County Road 129 Stephenville, TX 76401

Home: 254-968-0605 Cell: 254-485-8272 smmcdonald@ centurylink.net

Charlotte Watson Vice President

814 Sheppard Road Georgetown, TX 78628 Cell: 512-963-4963 chwatson@ suddenlink.net

DeRema Dunn Recording Secretary

230 Harris Drive Sunnyvale, TX 75142

Home: 972-226-8428 Cell: 214-763-0590 rdunn01@sbcglobal. net

Carolyn Porterfield

Interim Executive Director-Treasurer 10325 Brockwood Rd Dallas, TX 75238 Office: 214-828-5150 Cell: 214-668-4458 carolyn.wmutx @ texasbaptists.org

WMU OF TEXAS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

REGION 1

Diana Majok Amarillo, TX

Earl Ann Bumpus Graham, TX

REGION 2 Martha Lay El Paso, TX

REGION 3

Dalia Morin Jourdanton, TX

Vanessa Quintanilla-Lerma Mission, TX

REGION 4

Delia Cantu Corpus Christi, TX Edna Ramos Pharr, TX

REGION 5

Elaine Mason Texas City, TX Susan Morgan Houston, TX

REGION 6

Barbara Springer Salado, TX

Brynette Smith Austin, TX

REGION 7

Lydia Nowell Longview, TX

Rachel Montgomery Tyler, TX

REGION 8

Lois Craver Dallas, TX

Leah Jennings Richardson, TX

REGION 9

Frankie Falkner Fort Worth, TX

Naomi Key Fort Worth, TX

MEMBERS AT LARGE

Bertha Vaughns Houston, TX

Irma Ynostrosa Dallas, TX Libby Quigg Ponder, TX Ruth Nguyen Plano, TX 75094

WMU OF TEXAS STAFF AND SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT

DALLAS OFFICE

CAROLYN PORTERFIELD

Missional Lifestyle Strategist for Adults & Multicultural Groups Interim Executive DirectorTreasurer

O: 214.828.5374 C: 214.668.4458

Carolyn.WMUTX@texasbaptists.org

LIZ ENCINIA

Missional Lifestyle Strategist for Preschool, Children & Youth Groups

O: 214.828.5158 C: 972.743.7147

Liz.WMUTX@texasbaptists. org

BECKY ELLISON

CWJC/CMJC Consultant

C: 254.716.0319 [Based in Waco] Becky.WMUTX@ texasbaptists.org

PAM POOLE

Special Projects Coordinator

O: 214.828.5153

Pam.WMUTX@ texasbaptists.org

SUZETTE MITCHELL Financial Assistant & Coordinator for SWC O: 214.828.5154 Suzette.WMUTX@ texasbaptists.org

ERICA ZAMORA

Administrative Assistant & Office Manager

O: 214.828.5150 Erica.WMUTX@ texasbaptists.org

FREDDIE MARTINKA

Ministry Assistant O: 214.828.5160 Freddie.WMUTX@ texasbaptists.org

LOOIE BIFFAR

Creative Arts Director

C: 214.878.4456 Looie.WMUTX@ texasbaptists.org

BETH CAMPBELL

Mary Hill Davis Offering Project Manager & Communications Consultant C: 214.882.2648 Beth.WMUTX@ texasbaptists.org

SUSAN ATER WMU Associational Consultant C: 210.286.8414 [Based in San Antonio] Susan.WMUTX@ texasbaptists.org

DIANA MONTOYA

Ministry Assistant

O: 214.828.5160 Diana.WMUTX@ texasbaptists.org

FIELD CONSULTANTS

FRANKIE HARVEY

African American WMU Consultant C: 936.615.0660 frankieharvey@gmail.com [Based in Nacogdoches]

KYE CHONG

Korean WMU Consultant C: 214.517.4574 kyechong1004@hotmail.com [Based in Plano]

SOCIAL MEDIA

CONTENT

FACEBOOK

facebook.com/wmuoftexas facebook.com/childrensmissionstx facebook.com/texasacteens facebook.com/maryhilldavis facebook.com/ufmdetexas

TWITTER twitter.com/texasmissions VIMEO vimeo.com/wmuoftexas

PINTEREST pinterest.com/wmuoftexas

INSTAGRAM instagram.com/texasacteens

WMU OF TEXAS APP

So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.

Romans 14:19 (NASB)

PROJECTS

PHOTO PROJECT

SUPPLIES:

Flower pot (I used a 6” pot)

Popsicle sticks

◗ Elmer’s glue used sparingly

◗ Styrofoam or floral foam

◗ Tissue paper or crinkled paper

◗ Cardstock ◗ Ribbon

◗ Your favorite pictures (Back to school, vacation, favorite people, missionaries, or anything you’d like!)

CREATE:

◗ Select pictures you want in your planter and cut into circles, ovals, or squares. You can use the same size and shape or mix it up.

◗ Sparingly, put glue on popsicle stick and put the picture on top. (I used cardstock to back

the picture, but it isn’t necessary.)

◗ Put Styrofoam or floral foam in flower pot. Cover this with the tissue paper.

◗ After the pictures have dried on the popsicle sticks, start sticking them into the Styrofoam. You can angle the ones on the outer edges to give the project a round shape.

◗ Optional: Write a prayer request on the back of each picture.

◗ Wrap ribbon around the top of the flower pot or make a bow from the ribbon and attach to the flower pot.

◗ Attach a tag to the ribbon or bow with your favorite Bible verse or sentiment.

HOW TO USE:

◗ Give the flower pot to your pastor, church staff member, or family member. Ask them to pray for each person.

◗ Use as a reminder to pray for countries and missionaries.

This is a good project for preschoolers and children.

DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING A T-SHIRT BOOK BAG DIRECTIONS

STEP 1 Cut the sleeves off a child’s t-shirt, size 5 to 10. If you’d like to fold the t-shirt in half you can cut both sleeves at once so that they are identical.

STEP 2 Cut the neckline area.

STEP 3 Turn the t-shirt inside-out and sew the bottom of the shirt.

STEP 4 Turn the t-shirt so the seams are inside and you’re done!

Women’sWISE BUILD

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

Proverbs 14:1

Wise women came together in Peñitas, Texas last fall for one purpose. For the sixth year, they used their hands to build hope for another family living in poverty. Their eyes were filled with tears as Maria Luisa drove the first nail into the wood that would soon become her home. These walls would become rooms where her four children could walk around and move with ease; where the Word of God could be shared and a meal would be cooked. This would be a home where Alberto could lead his family to rely on God for everything.

The women started out as strangers who worked hard from sunrise to sundown. They ended as friends who stepped back after long days together and said what God had allowed them to be a part of was good.

God cares about people and so should we. Showing Christ’s love through your sweat and tears is life changing. Having a mother weep over your willingness to come to the valley is humbling. Lord, bind our wandering hearts to yours. Help us be WISE WOMEN who build others up. Go to http://wmutx.org/engage/womens-build to register online.

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Philippians 2:1-4 (NAS)