THE BRIDGE
CONNECTING YOU TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE LIFE OF WMU OF TEXAS

Equipping Missions Leaders
Learn how to teach all ages how to pray for missions, give to missions, and develop a missions minded lifestyle.


FROM THE OFFICE OF THE

Learn how to teach all ages how to pray for missions, give to missions, and develop a missions minded lifestyle.
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE
ENGAGE. ESTABLISH. EMPOWER.
WMU of Texas exists to walk alongside Baptist churches as they explore missions discipleship in their communities, throughout this nation and around the world. We engage groups and individuals in local missions, establish partnerships for missions and empower participants for worldwide missions. We are here for you, to walk with you as you lead in missions discipleship, meet the needs of the community around you, and grow through personal leadership development. As we fulfill our mission to make disciples who make disciples, I believe God is moving in new and exciting ways across Texas and is doing it through you, our cherished partners and new friends.
For 142 years, WMU of Texas has devoted itself to making disciples of Jesus who live on mission. We are dedicated to working with churches and believers to accomplish the mission of God. We appreciate the opportunity to walk alongside you as you empower servant leaders with missions discipleship curriculum for all age levels. In times like these, we are called to share hope right here in our home state of Texas. Through the many ministries supported by your giving to the Mary Hill Davis Offering® for Texas Missions, we encourage you to engage in local missions.
God designed us to work together in unity so that more people will come to know Him. We are stronger together and believe in the strength of partnerships in ministry. Our longstanding collaborative efforts with ministries such as Texas Baptists, Texas Baptist Men, and Buckner International have proven that our reach is greater when we work together. We look forward to following the lead of God as He allows us to continue our existing partnerships and as He opens doors for us to establish new domestic and international partnerships.
The heart of WMU of Texas has always included praying and supporting the work of long-term and short-term missionaries. It is our prayer that God reveals new opportunities to serve around the world and we discover joy in investing in new relationships in various countries that will empower others for worldwide missions.
We believe in the restoration of brokenness through hope in Christ. This vision guides our service and compels us to listen to the needs, to serve as God leads, and to share hope by sharing Christ. Thank you for joining us in this work. We look forward to seeing you on the journey!
C. JONES Executive Director-TreasurerWMU of Texas
Learn how WMU of Texas is supporting 85+ ministries as they share the Gospel across Texas.
Janus, from ancient Roman religion and myth, is the god of beginnings, transitions, gates, doorways, passages, and endings. He is usually depicted as having two faces. I’d like us to consider it as a reminder of looking backward and looking forward. It is important to understand our history, what we have done in the past, what worked and what didn’t, and then look ahead to see what we need to do differently to meet the needs of a changing world, church, and WMU.
Things are different today. We are still working through post-pandemic issues and changing culture, but we can’t give up!
Let’s look at our situation realistically. We often hear concerns from leaders that include:
& Many of our members have passed away.
& Our church has their own missions efforts, we can’t compete.
& We don’t have any young women interested in WMU.
& How do we get women to come to our meetings?
& How much longer can I keep this up?
God is still in control! He won’t let His mission die because He still has a message for people. He chooses to work through His people… that means you and me. We have a responsibility to do our part to continue, even if it seems bleak. Don’t let low attendance
discourage you. Do the best you can with what you have. Pray, ask the Lord for help.
Look to God’s Word for encouragement.
& “Do not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest, if you do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
& “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people.” Colossians 3:23
Work on building relationships and sharing your passion for what you are doing. WMU has lasted 134 (141 in Texas!) years and continues to thrive because it has stayed true to its mission. To share Christ, meet needs of hurting people, pray for missionaries, and encourage personal involvement in missions. WMU is one of the best kept secrets in most churches… let’s share that secret well! Keep praying for a fresh vision and be thankful.
Near the end of 1952 Dag Hammarskjold said: “For all that has been, Thanks. To all that shall be, Yes!”
Start a missions discipleship group at your church or in your community:
PRESCHOOL
• Mission Friends®
CHILDREN (GRADES 1–6)
• Girls in Action® (GA)
• Royal Ambassadors® (RA)
• Children in Action℠ (CA)
STUDENTS (GRADES 7–12)
• Acteens®
• Challengers®
• Youth on Mission℠
• Embrace (mentoring young women)
• Women on Mission®
• Adults on Mission℠ (co-ed)
• Sisters Who Care (African American women)
• Missions Discipleship for Hispanic Churches
• Multicultural WMU
• Missionary Parents Fellowship
LEARN MORE AT WMUTX.ORG
• WMU of Texas Women's Build Project
• Texas Baptists Missions
• Texas Baptists River Ministry Projects
• Women Helping Women Pad Project
• Worldcrafts℠
• Christian Women’s Job Corps® / Christian Men’s Job Corps℠
• Texas Baptist Universities & Seminaries
• Pure Water, Pure Love℠
LEARN MORE AT WMUTX.ORG
Empower missionaries and ministries through the Mary Hill Davis Offering® for Texas Missions, Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® for International Missions, and Annie Armstrong Easter Offering® for North American Missions.
MARY HILL DAVIS OFFERING iamtexasmissions.org
LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING & ANNIE ARMSTRONG EASTER OFFERING
To order materials, visit wmutx.org/give
828–5150
4
I want to start Mission Friends® in my church, but Wednesday nights are not available. What can I do?
Consider having Mission Friends for preschoolers who are in childcare during weekly women’s events. The curriculum has ideas for every preschool center and includes ages birth through five years.
The teens in our church are so busy. We can’t find a time for missions discipleship. Any ideas?
Missions Journey: Students is a video-driven curriculum that is 100% downloadable. It can be student-led and is a great opportunity to develop student leaders. Encourage interested students to meet before or after the regular Wednesday night student gathering for a time of missions discipleship. Learn more: wmutx.org/missions-discipleship.
Where can I find curriculum ideas for children’s missions discipleship?
Missions Journey: Kids is a great resource. It provides curriculum for all of the children’s organizations in one place. There are Girls in Action specific activities, Royal Ambassadors specific activities and Children in Action (co-ed) activities all in one leader magazine. Add the resource kit and student magazine, Missions Journey: Kids Adventure, and you have a complete missions discipleship experience for your elementary-age students. Learn more: wmutx.org/missions-discipleship
WMU of Texas has a new initiative called Embrace. It is designed to help young women discover their ministry call. Embrace is a six-session mentoring experience for small groups. At the conclusion, the young women are encouraged to transition their group for ministry and missions together. Contact Teri Ussery at teri.wmutx@txb.org for more information.
Scan QR code to order sample curriculum.
Adults on Mission provides an opportunity for men and women to serve together in doing, giving, praying, and learning about missions locally and around the world. For more information go to wmutx.org/adults
WMU of Texas is here to help you with missions discipleship in your church or community. Please feel free to reach out to our office at 214.828.5150 or wmutx@texasbaptists.org. We would love to help you make disciples who make disciples.
Are there any new programs for the young women in my church?
Does WMU have an avenue for couples to minister together?
Fall has arrived and churches across Texas are resuming missions discipleship after the summer break. As you get started with your new year, perhaps these ideas and answers to common questions might be helpful.
PURSUE: TOGETHER will explore how churches, WMU groups, and individuals can be on mission with God to reach and disciple current and future generations. Attendees will engage in missions while being equipped, refreshed and empowered to continue missions in their communities.
Teens will learn how to reach and disciple their peers for Christ.
Iwas recently reminded of the value God has placed on the family. The family has been in God's heart from the beginning and will be until the end, because as believers, we are of God's family and constitute His house, which is founded on the cornerstone that is Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:19-22).
I was also reminded that the purpose of the entire family is to honor and glorify our heavenly Father, living in peace, declaring His glory and wonders to all peoples and nations, and sharing Christ for the salvation of many. At WMU of Texas' "Families on Mission" conference, we were presented with a great challenge: to lead our families with a missional vision.
As a result of this challenge, I would like to encourage you to set a mission statement with your family, following these steps:
1. Pray, understand, and evaluate what it means to live on mission as a family. These scriptures will be of great help to you: Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 1 Chronicles 16:28-29; Proverbs 22:6; Psalm 128:1-4; Joshua 24:15; Acts 10:2; Acts 16:31-34.
2. Think about the purpose your family will play in God's plan. What service and action can they take to live on mission?
3. Project yourself into the future thinking about the impact and legacy your family can leave on the people God put in your family’s path to minister.
4. Think about the values (e.g., respect, integrity, gratitude, humility, etc.) that you should instill to guide your family. These values will help hold each family member accountable by relating them back to your family's purpose.
Having a mission statement for our family will help us live on mission intentionally. •
Recientemente fui recordada del valor que Dios le ha dado a la familia. La familia ha estado en el corazón de Dios desde el principio y lo estará hasta el fin ya que los creyentes forman parte de la familia de Dios y constituyen su casa, la cual está fundada sobre la piedra angular que es Cristo Jesús (Efesios 2:19-22, RVR60).
También fui recordada que el propósito de la familia entera es honrar y glorificar a nuestro Padre celestial, viviendo en paz, declarando su gloria y maravillas en todos los pueblos y naciones, y compartiendo a Cristo para salvación de muchos. En la conferencia “Familias en Misión” de WMU de Texas, se nos presentó un gran reto: liderar a nuestras familias con una visión misionera.
A resultado de este reto, les animo a establecer una declaración de misión juntamente con su familia, siguiendo estos pasos:
1. Primeramente, ore, entienda y evalué lo que significa vivir en misión como familia. Estas citas bíblicas les serán de gran ayuda: Deuteronomio 6:6-7; 1 Crónicas 16:28-29; Proverbios 22:6; Salmos 128:1-4; Josué 24:15; Hechos 10:2; Hechos 16:31-34.
2. Después, piense en el propósito que su familia desempeñará en el plan de Dios. ¿Qué servicio y acción pueden tomar para vivir en misión?
3. Tercero, proyéctese al futuro pensando en el impacto y legado que dejaran en aquellas personas que Dios puso en su camino para ministrar como familia.
4. Por último, piense en los valores (por ejemplo: respeto, integridad, gratitud, humildad, etc.) que inculcará para guiar a su familia. Estos valores medirán el comportamiento de cada miembro de la familia al relacionarlos con el propósito de su familia.
Tener una declaración de misión para nuestra familia nos ayudará a vivir en misión intencionalmentev. •
MEET OUR NEW
FOR MULTICULTURAL WMU
I come from Brazil and moved to the warm and beautiful state of Texas for my graduate studies in Missions and International Relations, and I now have the privilege to serve with WMU of Texas. I have a heart for missions and for serving God’s church represented in every culture and nation.
WMU of Texas desires to walk alongside the multicultural leaders and congregations here in our state. We know that God is at work in the lives of many who are coming together to share about missions and empower others to do missions across Texas.
God has brought the nations to Texas, and we want every church to express the beauty of their cultures and also be equipped to do cross-cultural missions and reach many nations right here in our backyard, in our cities and counties.
I am eager to serve the multicultural community in Texas along with the WMU of Texas staff. I will serve as a liaison between the multicultural churches and WMU of Texas, coordinating multicultural training events and conferences, and sharing WMU resources. At WMU of Texas we believe God calls every person to live an extraordinary missional life and I am here to support you.
I am looking forward to getting to know you and hearing the way the Lord is working through your life and ministry. You may reach me at joyce.wmutx@txb.org. I am so grateful to be able to serve the nations right here in Texas!
In his book “Neighborhood Mapping”, Dr. John Fuder poses a thoughtprovoking question. “If your church (ministry) no longer existed would the community miss it?”
This is a hard question for ministry leaders to consider and is also instructive when considering starting a ministry such as Christian Women’s/Men’s Job Corps (CJC) in the community.
When considering God’s call to start a ministry in a neighborhood it is prudent to know basic demographics and more. Following are some ideas on how to discern the needs of the community and assets who may be potential partners and collaborators.
When exegeting the community we are to go as learners not as “saviors”. Ask the Lord to help you see the community as He sees it, to give you His eyes and heart for the community. Have a prayer team asking the Lord for His direction and insight.
Ask the Lord to lead you to a person of peace who lives in the community to be your guide and advisor. Invite them to
be a part of your leadership team. This person should be in good standing in the community and know the history and culture of the people groups who live and work in the area. Build a relationship with them – become a part of their world as much as possible. Gather stories to understand their way of life.
Conduct surveys in the community at block parties, set up tables in front of Walmart, go door-to-door with questionnaires. A survey should take no more than 5 to 7 minutes and use language familiar to the community members. Talk to local businesses, churches, and school administrators about the needs and assets in the community.
Gather 100+ surveys, compile the results and then share them with your leadership team. Look for patterns, interests, activities, values, or recurrent themes. Look for common felt needs and ask how you can run programs or build relationships to respond to those needs. What are the basic worldviews that are playing out in the neighborhood? What are people’s attitudes toward the church? What are ways the church could be more involved in the community?
Neighborhood mapping can help your church to know the needs of the community and if God is calling you to begin a Christian Job Corps site there.
Our most frequently asked question is “When should I order the resources?”
Each year WMU of Texas sends resources to churches in Texas for the three Weeks of Prayer. The materials for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering® (North American Mission Board), the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® (International Mission Board), and the Mary Hill Davis Offering® for Texas Missions (WMU of Texas) all come from the WMU of Texas office.
Below are the dates for you to place your order as well as the most efficient way to submit orders.
THE ANNIE ARMSTRONG EASTER OFFERING is used to support the missionaries of the North American Mission Board (NAMB). Online ordering begins January 1 of each year and continues through April. The offering’s emphasis week is the first-second Sundays of March. Order online at wmutx.org or call our office at 214.828.5150.
THE LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING supports worldwide missions through the International Mission Board (IMB). The emphasis week typically runs the first-second Sundays of December. Online ordering is available October 1 through the end of the year at wmutx.org. You may also call our office at 214.828.5150 to place an order.
Scan the QR code to order Weeks of Prayer materials.
THE MARY HILL DAVIS OFFERING® FOR TEXAS MISSIONS is the second-third Sundays in September. This offering was established by WMU of Texas to help Texas Baptists missionary efforts. Materials are available year-round. You may place your order at iamtexasmissions.org/order or call our office at 214.828.5150.
Setting the Theme for the 2023 Week of Prayer for Texas Missions
STORY BY BETH CAMPBELLThe Board of Directors for WMU of Texas voted in 2019 that the theme for the Mary Hill Davis Offering® for Texas Missions would be recurring beginning in 2020 - “I am Texas Missions.” Promotion in 2023 will be the fourth year that I AM TEXAS MISSIONS will be the focus through the study guides.
Jackie Faughn, Week of Prayer committee chair shares this about the “I am Texas Missions” theme.
It begins with me.
The use of the present tense verb requires action now. We cannot rely on our past achievements or legacy. Our efforts must remain strong and innovative within today’s culture and society.
This is where we live and we have a responsibility to be a part of shaping and modeling our state in the name of Jesus.
The biblical mandate to meet needs and proclaim Jesus is not optional for Christ followers. Missions isn’t something we do, it’s how we live.
For more information about the Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions, please visit iamtexasmissions.org or contact Beth Campbell, project manager for the Mary Hill Davis Offering at beth.wmutx@txb.org
Thank you for praying and giving to the Mary Hill Davis Offering® for Texas Missions.
Sisters Who Care (SWC) is a ministry of the Woman’s Missionary Union designed to reach women in African American churches for cooperative missions. SWC seeks to involve individuals in responding to God as they learn about missions, pray for missions’ efforts, support missions work, and participate in missions themselves. Our goal is to make disciples who make disciples.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere-in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” - Acts 1:8
» In your local church, check out what is already happening in your missions’ program. Is there a missions auxiliary?
» Contact your association to see if there is a SWC group meeting. If not, inquire about starting one.
» Contact WMU of Texas office to inquire if SWC is already active in your area. For assistance, contact SWC State Consultant Frankeya Tucker at frankeya.wmutx@txb.org
» Get to know the passions, gifts, skills, and abilities of your members
» Become acquainted with WMU as an organization
» Meet with your state WMU staff or officers. Learn when there are special missions events such as Pursue Annual Meeting and Missions Celebration or Regional Leadership Summits. Learn more: wmutx.org/events
» Gather the Leadership Team for a retreat to pray and outline the ministry focus in your church, association, or state.
» Pay special attention to the needs of African American churches and communities:
» Feeding the hungry
» Clothing the naked
» Visiting those in prison » Mentoring » Job Training
» Decide when you will meet » Develop a recruitment plan to involve others » Determine an initial project that will raise awareness
» Engage in the work of the Great Commission and the Great Commandment, meeting needs and sharing Christ at home around the world
» Make every opportunity to share testimonies of the work of SWC:
in the local church
at associational meetings
at state meetings
in writings/blogs
on social media platforms
what we are doing helping others?
Tamiko Jones
Executive Director-Treasurer
tamiko.jones@txb.org (214) 828-5177
Beth Campbell
Communications Consultant beth.wmutx@txb.org (214) 828-5155
Brandi Jones
Marketing Specialist brandi.wmutx@txb.org (214) 828-5152
Freddie Martinka
Ministry Assistant freddie.wmutx@txb.org (214) 828-5160
Ruth Mendoza
WMU of Texas Hispanic Ministries Contractor rmendo7@gmail.com
Joyce Porto
Missional Lifestyle Strategist for Multicultural joyce.wmutx@txb.org (469) 405-1638
Financial Assistant / Sisters Who Care Consultant frankeya.wmutx@txb.org (214) 828-5331
Chris Rowley
Christian Women’s / Men’s
Job Corps State Consultant chris.wmutx@txb.org (737) 280-8660
Marisol Sandoval
Administrative Assistant / Office Manager marisol.wmutx@txb.org (214) 828-5158
Teri Ussery
Missional Lifestyle Strategist for Age-Level teri.wmutx@txb.org (214) 828-5374
TO CONTACT WMU OF TEXAS STAFF, VISIT WMUTX.ORG
FEBRUARY
MARCH
MAY 2023
JUNE 2023
2 Kim Howe (TXB Missionary) 5 Richard Gomez (Church Catalyst) 7 Scotty McKinley (Church Catalyst) 10 Bianca Vieira (MAP Missionary Brazil) 12 Nick Howard (TXB Missionary) 14 Manuel Montano (Church Catalyst) 14 Susana Hernández (River Ministry) 15 Luis Arturo Davila (River Ministry) 19 Darío Ramírez (River Ministry Mexico) 25 Guy Caskey (Church Catalyst)
Lucas Cordeiro (MAP Brazil) 2 Abraham Cervantes (River Ministry) 3 Ted Lindwall (Church Catalyst) 5 Penny Currie (TXB Missionary) 6 Sarah Cardosa (MAP Brazil) 6 Anderson Imaculada (MAP Brazil) 8 Grace Ogburn (TXB Missionary) 11 Cristina Lambarria (River Ministry) 14 Jailson Lima (MAP Brazil) 18 Chit Swe (MAP SEA) 24 Eliene Pereira (MAP Brazil)
Shon Young (River Ministry)
Dante Uriel Lopez (River Ministry Mexico)
Shaun Lynch (TXB Missionary)
Douglas Nascimento (MAP Brazil)
Jorge Orozco (Church Catalyst) 3 Miria Reis (MAP Brazil)
Mathues Mello (MAP Brazil) 10 Raimundo Macedo (MAP Brazil) 16 Alderlane Silva (MAP Brazil) 16 Joel Oliveira (MAP Brazil) 16 Marcos Alves (MAP Brazil) 19 Roseles Santos (MAP Brazil) 20 Sara Soares (MAP Brazil)
Mark Dunn (Church Catalyst) 7 Thiago Moraes (MAP Missionary Brazil) 7 Pedro B. Muñoz (River Ministry) 8 Sie Davis (Church Catalyst) 9 Anna Currie (TXB Missionary Kid) 13 Cilene Arruda (MAP Missionary Brazil) 21 Pedro Silva (MAP Missionary Brazil) 11 Obed Hernandez (River Ministry Mexico) 23 Kelly Knott (River Ministry) 31 Ruth Muñoz (River Ministry)
Rubén Castellanos (River Ministry Mexico) 3 Juan Carlos Varela (River Ministry Mexico) 4 Neliana Jesus (MAP Missionary Brazil) 10 Sheyla Brito (MAP Missionary Brazil) 11 Albert Diaz (Church Catalyst)
Obed Hernandez (River Ministry Mexico)
Josivan Arruda (MAP Missionary Brazil)
Bruna Gomes (MAP Missionary Brazil) 15 Keron Jackson (TXB Missionary) 20 Marcelo Okasawara (MAP Missionary Brazil) 20 Loren Kendig (TXB Missionary) 27 Brenda Ferreira (MAP Missionary Brazil) 30 Karah Ballew (TXB Missionary)
Board members are ready to serve across our state. They serve as a liaison between the state office, associations, and local churches. Find the board member located nearest you and introduce yourself!
PRESIDENT
Earl Ann Bumpus Graham, TX earlann@rocketmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT
Brenda Bourgeois Lubbock, TX brendabou@aol.com
RECORDING SECRETARY
Jackie Faughn McKinney, TX jfaughn54@gmail.com
WEST TEXAS
PANHANDLE Amanda Gay Amarillo, TX ace_gay@sbcglobal.net
WEST TEXAS
Rosie Rodriguez Midland, TX pinkyroseann20@gmail.com
PANHANDLE
Del Lopez Lubbock, TX dellopez1@gmail.com
Mary Martinez El Paso, TX marymartinez79936@yahoo.com
SAN ANTONIO AREA
Beverlie Cloud Helotes, TX cloudb16674@gmail.com
RIO GRANDE VALLEY
Norma Powell Los Fresnos, TX norjoepow@gmail.com
SAN ANTONIO AREA
Georgia Hobbins Boling, TX gghobbins@gmail.com
RIO GRANDE VALLEY
Vanessa Quintanilla-Lerma McAllen, TX rgv.riverministry@gmail.com
HOUSTON AREA
Belva Bowers Texas City, TX belva.bowers@gmail.com
HOUSTON AREA Stephanie Morales Houston, TX stephaniemoralesteacup@gmail.com
CENTRAL TEXAS Melissa Gould Georgetown, TX majormoo2002@yahoo.com
CENTRAL TEXAS Paulette Kirkpatrick Waco, TX paulettk@yahoo.com
EAST TEXAS
Susan Green Longview, TX lwstgreen@gmail.com
DALLAS AREA Mary Lou Sinclair Richardson, TX teachingetc@att.net
EAST TEXAS
Lynn Montgomery Tyler, TX professorlynn1@aol.com
DALLAS AREA Diane Marshall Seagoville, TX dianemarshalltx@sbcglobal.net
MEMBERS-AT-LARGE
Anh Quynh Nguyen Irving, TX aqnguyen18@gmail.com
FORT WORTH AREA Debbie Goulding Alvarado, TX debbie_goulding@hotmail.com
FORT WORTH AREA Jayme Richmond Pilot Point, TX ichyemama@yahoo.com
MEMBERS-AT-LARGE
Cathy Johnson Henderson, TX clcjohnson@gmail.com
MEMBERS-AT-LARGE
Suzette Mitchell Mesquite, TX ladysmitchell98@gmail.com
MEMBERS-AT-LARGE
Nayely Vallejo Garland, TX naniiv0802@gmail.com
Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Permit 1276 Dallas, TX
10325 BROCKWOOD ROAD | DALLAS, TX 75238