The Bridge Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023

THE BRIDGE SPRING / SUMMER 2023

CO N N ECTI N G YOU TO WH AT’ S H APPEN I N G I N TH E LI FE O F WMU OF TE X AS

Celebrating the work we’re achieving together in Texas and beyond.

Contents W M U O F T E X A S B E L I E V E S I N I N T E N T I O N A L LY M A K I N G D I S C I P L E S B Y C R E AT I V E LY E N G A G I N G I N L O C A L M I S S I O N S , E S TA B L I S H I N G PA R T N E R S H I P S FOR MISSIONS, AND EMPOWERING LEADERS FOR WORLDWIDE MISSIONS.

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Devotional: Living Together in Unity

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A New WMU of Texas Hub in Dublin, Texas

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A New Generation of Missionaries

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Meet Your 2023 National Acteen Panelists

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Summer Camps: Building Blocks in Our Walk

Dallas Area Churches

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Mary's House: A New Home for Stateside Missionaries

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Learning to Love Missions

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Serving Across Generations

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2023 Calendar of Events

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WMU of Texas Staff

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Board of Directors

H O ST A B U N D L IN G PA RTY

We invite you to join us for a Bundling Party.

Help the WMU of Texas team bundle Week of Prayer materials for shipment across the state.

All ages (student ministries, women's ministries, Sunday school and WMU groups) are welcome to join us Monday - Thursday.

Email your group name, email address, and phone number to wmutx@texasbaptists.org to book your party.

T H E B R I D G E P U B L I C AT I O N T E A M Tamiko Jones, Executive-Director Treasurer Brandi Jones, Marketing Specialist Teri Ussery, Copy Editor London Sharay Design, Graphic Designer THE BRIDGE Published bi-annually by WMU of Texas (214) 828–5150 10325 Brockwood Rd. Dallas, Texas 75238 WMUT X.ORG I AMT E XASMI SSI ON S.ORG @WMUOFTEX AS

YOU ARE RECEIVING A FREE COPY OF THE BRIDGE MAGAZINE BECAUSE OF YOUR GENEROUS D O N AT I O N S T O T H E M A R Y H I L L DAV I S O F F E R I N G ® F O R T E X A S M I S S I O N S . T O S U B S C R I B E O R U P DAT E YO U R S U B S C R I P T I O N , C O N TAC T U S AT 2 1 4 . 8 2 8 . 5 1 5 0 O R E M A I L W M U T X @ T E X A S B A P T I S T S . O R G .

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE

Executive Director-Treasurer Hello Friends,

Hola Amigos,

I PR AY TH AT 2 02 3 H A S A LR E A DY PROV E N TO

O R O Q U E E S TE 2 02 3 YA E S TE R E V E L Á N D O S E

be a year of revealed opportunity, unmatched boldness,

como un año lleno de oportunidades, valor extraordinario

and strengthened partnerships. As I travel across the

y relaciones fortalecidas. Al viajar por todo el estado y

state and have spent time with you in your churches and

pasar tiempo con ustedes en sus iglesias y comunidades,

communities, I am reminded that we can certainly do

¡recuerdo que ciertamente podemos hacer más juntos!

estamos empezando de nuevo en algunos aspectos. A

over in some aspects. But in spite of these things, the one

pesar de estas cosas, lo único que sé es que al compartir

thing I know is that as we share our testimonies of God’s

unos con otros nuestro testimonio de la fidelidad de Dios

faithfulness and His unfailing love with each other, we are

y de Su amor infalible, somos fortalecidos, renovados e

strengthened, renewed, and inspired.

inspirados.

It has been our privilege to partner with our college

Ha sido un privilegio asociarnos con nuestras universidades,

campuses, our border ministries, and all of the ministries

nuestros ministerios fronterizos y todos los ministerios

supported by the Mary Hill Davis Offering® for Texas

apoyados por la Ofrenda® Mary Hill Davis para las Misiones

Missions, to serve and to support those who serve.

de Texas, sirviendo y apoyando a quienes sirven. Hay

There are numerous testimonies of how individuals and

numerosos testimonios de cómo personas y comunidades

communities have been transformed through missions

han sido transformados a través del discipulado misionero,

discipleship, reflecting on the revival of times past and

reflexionando sobre el avivamiento de los tiempos pasados

the present renewal that propels us to grasp new ideas

y la renovación actual que nos impulsa a captar nuevas

and transitions.

ideas y transiciones.

I believe this idea is shared best in Philippians 3:14 (ESV),

Creo que esta idea se comparte mejor en Filipenses

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call

3:14 (ESV), "Prosigo a la meta, all premio del supremo

of God in Christ Jesus.” We are moving forward.

llamamiento de Dios en Cristo Jesús". Estamos avanzando.

I hope this issue inspires you to move forward in boldness,

Espero que esta edición los inspire a avanzar con audacia,

understanding that we are better together.

entendiendo que unidos somos mejores.

We will see you soon!

¡Nos vemos pronto!

TAMIKO C. JONES Executive Director-Treasurer WMU of Texas

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We’ve all faced challenges, and many of us are starting

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Todos hemos enfrentado desafíos, y muchos de nosotros

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more together!

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On the Journey, Together On the Journey, Together! These were my thoughts when I was first elected president of WMU of Texas in 2019. I didn’t know what might be ahead, but I knew I would not be going alone, thank goodness! We have had a great Board of Directors, staff, and Executive Director-Treasurer to journey together.

Many plans and ideas were made and it looked like it would be full of meaningful stops along the way. Then things came to a screeching halt when the pandemic hit at the close of our March board meeting in 2020. The journey was challenging over the next two years, but creativity helped us keep going.

We all learned about Zoom and how to use technology to share WMU across Texas. We were all so grateful in 2021, when the journey brought us back together, in person, and we could

Se hicieron muchos planes e ideas y parecía que iba a estar lleno de paradas significativas a lo largo del camino. Sin embargo, todo se paró en seco cuando se produjo la pandemia al final de nuestra junta de Marzo de 2020. El viaje fue todo un reto durante los dos años siguientes, pero la creatividad nos ayudó a seguir adelante. Todos aprendimos sobre Zoom y cómo utilizar la tecnología para compartir WMU a través de

more easily carry on the work.

Texas. Todos estábamos muy agradecidos en 2021, cuando el

Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we

trabajo más fácilmente.

can do so much.” As with any journey, you will miss some stops along the way, but the journey continues, and we followed the

viaje nos reunió de nuevo, en persona, y pudimos continuar el

Helen Keller dijo una vez: "Solos podemos hacer tan poco;

Lord’s leadership in all we did.

juntos podemos hacer mucho". Como en cualquier viaje, te

Thank you for the journey, together, the past four years!

y seguimos el liderazgo del Señor en todo lo que hicimos.

perderás algunas paradas en el camino, pero el viaje continúa,

¡Gracias por el viaje, juntos, los últimos cuatro años!

En el Viaje, ¡Juntos! Estos fueron mis pensamientos cuando fui elegida presidenta de WMU de Texas en 2019. No sabía lo que vendría en el futuro, pero sabía que no iría sola. Gracias a Dios, hemos tenido una gran Junta Directiva, equipo y Directora Ejecutiva-Tesorera para viajar juntos.

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EARL ANN BUMPUS President, WMU of Texas 2019-2023

TO S H A R E A N OT E O F A P P R E C I AT I O N TO E A R L A N N B U M P U S , E M A I L E A R L A N N @ R O C K E T M A I L . C O M .

PA R A C O M PA R T I R U N A N OTA D E AG R A D E C I M I E N TO A E A R L A N N B U M P U S , E N V Í E U N C O R R E O ELECTRÓNICO A EARLANN@ROCKETMAIL.COM.

What is WMU of Texas?

E NGAG E in local missions

E S TA B L I S H partnerships for missions

Start a missions discipleship group at

• WMU of Texas Women's Build Project

your church or in your community:

• Texas Baptists Missions • Texas Baptists River Ministry Projects

P RE S C H O O L

• Women Helping Women Pad Project

• Mission Friends®

• Worldcrafts℠ • Christian Women’s Job Corps® / Christian Men’s Job Corps℠

CHIL D R EN (G R A D ES 1 – 6 )

• Texas Baptist Universities &

• Girls in Action® (GA)

Seminaries

• Royal Ambassadors® (RA)

• Pure Water, Pure Love℠

• Children in Action℠ (CA) (co-ed) ST UD EN TS (G R A D ES 7– 1 2 )

L E A R N M O R E AT W M U T X . O R G

• Acteens®

EMPOWER

• Challengers® • Youth on Mission℠ (co-ed)

• Adults on Mission℠ (co-ed) • Sisters Who Care (African American women)

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.

• Missions Discipleship for M A RY H I LL DAV I S O F F E R I N G

Hispanic Churches

iamtexasmissions.org

• Multicultural WMU • Missionary Parents Fellowship

LOT T I E M O O N C H R I ST M AS O F F E R I NG & A N N I E A R M ST R O N G E AST E R O F F E RING L E A R N M O R E AT W M U T X . O R G

To order materials, visit wmutx.org/give

Connect with Us (214) 828–5150

WMU TX @ TE X AS B A P TI STS .OR G 103 25 B R OC KWOOD R D. DA L L AS , TE X AS 7 5 2 38

@ WMU OFTE X AS

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• Women on Mission®

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• Embrace (mentoring young women)

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others for worldwide missions

AD U LTS

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Living Together in Unity D E VOT I O N A L BY J OYC E P O RTO

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

— Psalm 133:1

T

here is something powerful when the people

make Jesus known and to share the good news of

of God come together. God created us to

salvation with those who are lost.

be in fellowship with Him and one another

from the foundation of the world when He created Adam and Eve.

young adults to serve together during our summer break. We were coming from different states and did

When God called Abraham, He formed a great

not know each other. As we got together to serve,

nation and divided Abraham’s descendants into

we all had different talents and gifts we could use

the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus came to earth and

to accomplish the mission. Some served through

chose twelve disciples to walk alongside Him in

music, others with children and teens, others with

community. Through the disciples, the church was

community outreach, others with adults and women,

born as the body of Christ.

and others on the prayer team. On the last day of

It is God’s design that we live in community and that His church reflects on earth what pleases His heart: unity.

The dictionary defines unity as “a whole or totality as combining all its parts into one”, meaning that many parts in harmony make a beautiful masterpiece.

The psalmist tells us that it is good and pleasant when the people of God live in a harmonious relationship.

The Word of God describes the church as the body of Christ and this body has different functions yet works together for the Kingdom of God. Since we are all a part of the church, we are all invited to serve using our gifts and talents. Despite being different from one another, we all serve a common task to

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For many years, I was part of a mission trip that invited

the mission trip, our team had become best friends, and the community was impacted by our unity. We saw many lives come to Christ because of our team serving together as one.

This is what God desires for His people. Oneness.

We may be different, but in Christ we all have the same story: we were sinners that were saved and forgiven by Jesus who gave His life and shed His blood for us. The diversity of our gifts and talents have a part in the body of Christ and can be used to proclaim the Kingdom of God as we serve together.

Let us impact generations for the sake of the Gospel as we serve together. How good and pleasant it is when the church, and WMU of Texas, live in unity.

ub H s a x e T f o U M A New W

in

s a x e T , n i Dubl

STORY BY CHRIS ROWLEY

Upon hearing this idea, Mrs. Brawley jumped into action calling their first meeting on September 14 at Laurel Glen Retirement Home in Stephenville! She hosted the first CWJC WMU meeting at the retirement home because many of the ladies living there are former WMU leaders and members.

The “CWJC/WMU hub” is averaging 15 attendees each month comprised of CWJC leaders, participants, and other women whose churches no longer provide WMU for their congregations. “There is a whole host of displaced WMU ladies in our community. Many of them are hearing about our community-based group and are starting to attend,” says Mrs. Brawley. She is prayerful that the idea of community based WMU groups will spread to surrounding communities.

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Apparently, the women of Dublin agree as they are quickly forming an active and prayerful Women on Mission unit. Mrs. Brawley heard about community-based WMU groups at the Christian Job Corps National Certification Training (NCT) held at the Tri-Rivers Retreat Center on August 22, 2022. Mrs. Brawley catered delicious meals for the NCT and just happened to be in the room when the idea of Christian Women’s Job Corps sites being able to sponsor WMU groups was shared. Her daughter-in-law, Juanita Brawley, executive director of Transformation Pathways (CWJC) in Dublin, is excited to support the group.

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According to Oma Lee Brawley, “Everybody is Thumb-Body Special. They each have their own individual God-given watermark.” She shares this thought at the monthly birthday party for missionaries and those attending the newly formed community based Christian Women’s Job Corps® WMU group in Dublin, Texas.

She goes on to say, “We can identify each other from their external thumbprints and internal DNA. God also sees our heart’s desires. Each person’s birthday is a special event in history.”

Learn more about Christian Job Corps or Women on Mission, contact WMU of Texas at wmutx.org/consult.

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SISTERS Who Care Sisters Who Care (SWC) is a ministry of Woman's Missionary Union that aims to reach women in African American churches for cooperative missions.

The SWC group at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Harker Heights is one example of a group on mission. Through their involvement in community ministry, they provide a number of ministry opportunities for the women in their SWC group. ♦ Last year, they donated shoes to "Walk a Mile in My Shoes", a non-profit organization that provides shoes to students in local schools. ♦ They also partner with a free clinic medical center, and their local Hope Pregnancy Center.

African American churches across Texas are engaged in missions discipleship and meeting the needs of the communities they serve.

If you’re interested in learning more about Sisters Who Care, contact WMU of Texas at wmutx.org/consult.

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A New Generation of Missionaries

STORY BY JASON BURDEN

Every Sunday afternoon our church campus is packed with missionaries. These aren’t the typical missionaries that you

When I stop in to see these groups, I see youth and children

might have in mind. They have not come in from a foreign field.

commission in tangible ways. I see kids that are excited about

They are not seminary trained. This group of missionaries hasn’t

purposefully serving their community in the name of Jesus. I

even graduated high school yet!

see a new generation of workers preparing to bring in a great

That harvest of souls is happening right now. Our children and

Some would say that these groups are “missionaries in training,"

youth missions groups are the fastest growing groups in our

but that is a gross misunderstanding of how these programs

church. These kids are so enthusiastic about their work for Jesus

operate. Sure, there is a lot of missions discipleship that takes

that they are bringing their friends along with them. Every area

place, but missionaries are not developed through listening only;

of our congregational life has been positively affected by the

they are developed through participating in missions activities.

success of our missions programs. The work of these boys and

Our missions groups bring a wholistic discipleship approach to

girls is a point of pride for everyone in our church.

our church program. After our students and their adult leaders

Every church has missionaries, but not every church has tapped

have learned about Jesus in small group Bible studies, and have

into the life and vitality of the missions energies that reside in the

expressed their love for Him in corporate worship, they need

hearts of our young people. I hope your church is finding ways

an avenue to go fulfill God’s plan for their lives. It’s a learn, love,

to experience God’s blessings through the young missionaries

go approach to become a fully-formed disciple.

you have among your members.

Jason Burden serves as the pastor of First Baptist Church in Nederland, Texas. To learn more about our missions-discipleship curriculum for children and students, visit wmutx.org/missions-discipleship.

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in Action® (GA’s), Royal Ambassadors® (RA’s), and Acteens®.

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harvest of souls for the glory of God.

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The missionaries that fill our building are Mission Friends®, Girls

actively living out the great commandment and the great

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Ha Isavel a Mo

an m k c Ri h a n n

z e n nta

Meet Your

2023 National Acteen Panelists from Texas

STORY BY M A R I S O L S A N D OVA L

How is Acteens® different from a regular Bible study?

I S AV E L A M O N TA N E Z : Acteens and Bible study are different things that are still related. Acteens is for a group of teen girls in 7th -12th grades who learn about missions, pray for missions, and give to missions. They learn how to spread the gospel through their surroundings being on mission daily.

A Bible study group is for boys or girls who are learning about God, and learn together with a group. During Bible studies, we have conversations about what the scripture means to us and what the Bible verse is talking about. Each section of the Bible has a meaning. When you read the Bible, you will always find something you don't understand. This is when a Bible study group comes in handy because you can ask questions, hear everyone's point of view, and have a discussion.

How do you use what you learn in Acteens to impact your community?

H A N N A H R I C K M A N : The most prominent thing I have learned in Acteens is using my salvation story as a tool for sharing the gospel with people. I had a desire to share my faith with others, but I did not know where to begin, until my Acteens leader taught us about how to share our testimonies. On a mission trip with the Wyoming Rodeo Ministry, we were telling multiple people about Jesus through our testimonies. After my experience with the rodeo ministry, sharing my faith became easier and less awkward. In my homeschool community, there are a few students who do not know Jesus and are still lost. Through the experience in Wyoming, God has enabled me to approach them and share the gospel with boldness. God has given me the courage to speak with people that I meet whether at the library or a local restaurant. I am always thankful for the boldness God has given me through that experience.

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summer camps Building Blocks in Our Walk STORY BY DERINDA WILLIAMS

HOW I CAME TO KNOW CHRIST Memories that last a lifetime! My earliest memories of summer missions camp are glimpses of swimming, campfire, crafts, worship, fun, friends, and new experiences.

Memories of camp at Floydada in the late sixties embrace one of my favorite camp slogans: “It’s more than just fun, it’s life changing.” As a first grader I experienced the fun and the life changing presence of the Holy Spirit teaching the tender heart of a child. With my dad being a pastor and my mother as my GA leader, I continued to learn and grow, asking Jesus to be my Savior as an 8-year-old. Childhood camp experiences led to camp at Riverbend as a nineteen-year-old taking seven girls to missions camp. Again, experiencing the fun and more than just fun, leading five girls to Christ. Camp changes lives. It changed mine - resulting in years of camp ministry.

Why Camps are important to me Remembering the life-changing impact of camp helps me understand the importance of camp for today’s kids. Today I serve alongside leaders of ADVENTURE KIDS Missions Journey Camp: a camp inspiring kids to follow Jesus through missions discipleship, and adventure. Kids love adventure! Spending a week enjoying God’s creation, kids disconnect from the noise of everyday life. In the quiet, kids connect to the truths of God. Camp is filled with new adventures, making friends, experiencing new and action-packed activities - zipping off a 45-foot platform or jumping on a “Blob” at the waterfront. Fun opens the hearts of kids to hear God’s camp, lives are changed giving camp a special place in my heart.

Why Camps are important for kids

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voice speaking to their hearts. In the adventure, discipleship, and quietness of

The life-changing presence of the Holy Spirit guides and equips for ministry.

God has many ways of using each of us in camp ministry: taking the kids in your ministry to camp, giving to send a kid to camp, praying for kids’ lives to be changed, allowing our life to be changed. That’s the dual life-changing impact of camp. Your involvement in summer missions camp makes a difference in the lives of today’s kids and future generations. Do you hear His voice?

Derinda Williams served as the consultant for Tarrant Baptist Association, Girls in Action Community Group and Children in Action..

To learn more about Summer Camps available for children and students, contact Age-Level strategist Marisol Sandoval at marisol.wmutx@txb.org.

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inspires teamwork, deepens friendships, and provides enriching opportunities.

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Camp can change your life! Camp ministry develops leadership, builds relationships,

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Mary's House A New Home for Stateside Missionaries STORY BY TERI USSERY

M

ary Hill Davis was a woman who served WMU in Texas a century ago. Her legacy, a heart for missions and for discipling the next generation for Kingdom work, lives on in the homes bearing her name.

THOMA S AN D HOLLE Y SIE B E RHAG E N , IMB CHURCH PLANTERS

Many of you have followed the fouryear process of completing Mary’s House on the campus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS).

January 2023 marked the dedication of the homes and celebrated the move-in day for two stateside missionary families.

David and Karla served in pastoral ministry in Texas from 1984 until 2002 and cross-cultural ministry overseas since 2002. Currently, they reside in Europe and focus on displaced Persian peoples worldwide. David also works in formal, informal, and oral theological education, church planting and integration, leading teams in the United States and Canada, South America, Europe, Central Asia, and East Asia. David and Karla are both graduates of Hardin-Simmons University, have been married since 1986 and have four children and three grandchildren.

Karla shares, “We are discovering Mary’s House to be a welcoming and perfectly convenient space to live while serving as Missionary in Residence (MIR) for SWBTS this year. Adjusting to a new place of service, even for a brief time, can be challenging. This home greatly reduces that stress with numerous comforts and access to all we need to find success in our ministries both on and off campus."

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"We are grateful to God for the provision of Mary’s House and thank WMU of Texas for the foresight and wisdom in providing

a beautiful home for missionaries, so in need of a safe and inviting residence during their stay at SWBTS.” Holley Sieberhagen lives and works alongside her husband, Thomas, and their two children in Belgium as church planters among the French speaking Belgians with the International Mission Board (IMB). They met at North Greenville University in South Carolina, married, then attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Two years later they attended language learning school in Paris, then moved to Namur, Belgium where they planted a church. They also helped start an art center where the church now meets. The center is used to reach not-yet-believers in their city.

They host open mic nights, artist soirées, English clubs, and other events for the community. The Sieberhagen’s plan to return to Belgium in June.

Holley says, “Mary’s house has already been such a great place of rest and ministry. In the past three weeks that we’ve lived here we’ve already hosted seminary students and church members to hang out and talk about missions. It’s so nice to have a beautiful and relaxing space to rest from our cross-cultural work overseas and be able to encourage the next generation of missionaries.”

Scan to learn more about Mary's House, or visit wmutx.org/marys-house.

Women's Build Since 2010, countless Women's Build volunteers have traveled to South Texas to offer hope, build relationships, and share Jesus.

The WMU of Texas Women's Build Project is a women-led home build ministry. Each year, 30 women assemble into two teams to build a home for a family participating in the Buckner Family Hope Center program.

This year, we will be building our 13th home in South Texas. Will you join us?

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Scan to learn more, or visit wmutx.org/womensbuild.

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No experience is necessary. Save the date: Third & Fourth Week in October. Application opens in July 2023.

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Learning to LovE MisSIons STORY BY RUTH MENDOZA

When Olga Bonilla began to serve at her church as the women’s leader, she had no idea what God would reveal about her involvement in mission work. While she worked in this area of ministry, she was also growing as a Christian, and eight years later, she would be chosen to lead women at the associational level.

Cuando Olga Bonilla comenzó a servir en su iglesia como líder de mujeres, no tenía idea de lo que Dios revelaría acerca de su participación en la obra misionera. Mientras trabajaba en esta área del ministerio, también crecía como cristiana, y ocho años más tarde, sería elegida para dirigir a las mujeres a nivel de asociación.

It was during this time of growth, Olga realized ministry can go beyond the four walls of her church. So she sought training from the WMU of Texas Hispanic consultant to learn more about the work being done across Texas.

Entonces se dio cuenta de que el ministerio puede ir más allá de las cuatro paredes de su iglesia.

Although Olga heard amazing missionary stories and ways to support missions work in her state, she still didn’t understand her role on the mission field. Determined to get involved more, she sought out additional ministry opportunities through WMU of Texas and found Christian Job Corps®.

Olga had heard about Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC) before, but was unsure of joining because she wasn’t fluent in English. However, when she learned it was one of WMU’s compassion ministries, she immediately signed up. Olga states, “It was the love of these ladies at CWJC, who did not know me personally, that opened my eyes to what missions was all about.

These ladies were showing God’s love and passion, and I was on the receiving end of it. They brought warm meals, they shared their time, they held Bible studies, and they encouraged our success. This is what missions is all about. I had to learn to love missions and how they loved us. Women from all walks of life made me realize that I lacked that kind of love for missions.” A few months later, Olga graduated from CWJC and also received a Certified Nurse Aide certificate.

Now Olga involves her family, church, and association by encouraging them to give to, pray for, and do missions. She encourages everyone to give. “Perhaps we cannot go due to certain limitations, but it is possible to reach the ends of the earth with our offerings. There is no excuse to not help. The Lord will give that offering wings and it will get to its destination.” ♦

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Buscó capacitación de la consultora hispana de WMU de Texas.

Esto abrió su mente al campo misionero. Ella había escuchado historias sobre misioneros y había aprendido sobre la obra que se estaba haciendo en Texas y más allá, pero todavía no entendía su rol en el campo misional. Estaba decidida a cambiar esto y buscó capacitación.

Durante esta búsqueda, Olga había estado pensando en unirse a Christian Women's Job Corps® (CWJC), pero no estaba segura porque no hablaba inglés con fluidez. Sin embargo, cuando se enteró de que era uno de los ministerios de compasión de WMU, se inscribió. Olga afirma: "Fue el amor de estas damas en CWJC, que no me conocían personalmente, lo que me abrió los ojos a lo que eran las misiones. Estas damas mostraban el amor y la pasión de Dios, y yo estaba recibiéndolos. Traían comidas calientes, compartían su tiempo, realizaban estudios bíblicos y alentaban nuestro éxito. De esto se trata las misiones.

Tuve que aprender a amar las misiones y cómo nos amaban.

Mujeres de todos los ámbitos de la vida hicieron que me diera cuenta de que carecía ese tipo de amor por las misiones".

Olga se graduó de CWJC y también recibió un certificado CNA. Ahora Olga involucra a su familia, iglesia y asociación alentándolos a dar, orar y hacer misiones. Ella anima a todos a dar. "Tal vez no podamos ir debido a ciertas limitaciones, pero es posible llegar a los confines de la tierra con nuestras ofrendas. No hay excusa para no ayudar. El Señor le dará alas a esa ofrenda y llegará a su destino". ♦

To connect with WMU of Texas Hispanic Ministries Contractor Ruth Mendoza, visit wmutx.org/consult or call (214) 828-5150. / Para ponerse en contacto con Ruth Mendoza, contratista de los Ministerios Hispanos de la WMU de Texas, visite wmutx.org/consult o llame al (214) 828-5150.

Recursos Útiles PA R A S U S G R U P O S D E D I S C I P U L A D O M I S I O N E R O

WMU ofrece una variedad de recursos útiles para sus grupos de discipulado misionero.

Si está buscando un recurso que le ayude a guiar a su grupo de mujeres, Misiones para la Vida, tiene mucho que ofrecer. Este recurso tiene planes para todo el año. Incluye un estudio bíblico junto con un plan de lección, un artículo de oración, un proyecto de acción misionera para cada mes e ideas para énfasis especiales de WMU. Incluído con este recurso, está el acceso en línea a un estudio completo de misiones y un plan de lecciones. WMU también ofrece un complemento perfecto para este libro, el paquete de carteles del enfoque anual, que se vende por separado.

También encontrará que WMU pone a su disposición una lección mensual en español para Mission Friends y Missions Journey:Kids.

Este recurso está disponible para descargar en

digital de Diga La Historia: Historias Bíblicas para Niños. También puedes encontrar libros digitales bilingües de la serie “Misiones y Yo”.

También encontrará los recursos de la Ofrenda Mary Hill Davis® para las Misiones de Texas en español. Vaya al siguiente sitio web para encontrar la información en español: iamtexasmissions.org/order-materials.

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sus hijos, WMU ofrece la versión impresa o

SPRING/SUMMER 2023

Para animar a las familias a leer la Biblia con

THE BRIDGE

wmu.com/missions-discipleship/espanol.

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®

At the WMU of Texas Leadership Summit, previously named Regional Training, church leaders will be equipped and encouraged to lead children, students, and adults in missions discipleship, missions projects, prayer, and Bible study.

AUGUST 19, 2023 8:30 am – 1:45 pm Scan to register! $5 per person

First Baptist Church, Midland 2104 W Louisiana Ave, Midland, TX 79701

Topics Covered & Christian Job Corps & Mary Hill Davis Offering® for Texas Missions

& Sisters Who Care: Missions Discipleship for African American Churches

& Mission Project Ideas for Churches

& Social Media for Ministries & Churches

& Missions Discipleship Curriculum (all ages)

& Weeks of Prayer for Missions

& Missions Discipleship for Hispanic Churches

& WMU of Texas and National WMU & WMU Associational Leadership

REGISTER

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WMUTX .ORG/LEADERSHIP -SUMMIT

Serving Across Generations STO RY BY J OYC E P O RTO

During the WMU Vietnamese Gathering of 2022, a panel of young adult women spoke about the joys and challenges they face as second generation Vietnamese in Texas and how the church has responded to their needs. One of the panelists was Rebekah Nguyen, a young leader from the Vietnamese church.

Rebekah has served as a Youth Leader in the Vietnamese Baptist Church of Garland and has been an assistant director for Camp Fusion, one of the ministries of Texas Baptists supported by the Mary Hill Davis Offering®. She is the secretary and the vice-committee chairperson in her church.

Rebekah shares that her generation has a unique opportunity as they “have been born in the States so we have great potential and resources to serve God in different ways that our parents may not have been able to.” Like Rebekah, many young adults see the opportunities God has given them to impact their own generation and transform the world for Christ.

Across generations, God is raising up leaders to serve Him and proclaim the beauty of the gospel of Jesus. Rebekah’s life story reveals the urgency of equipping and mentoring the next generation as all ages serve together to share the gospel to all nations.

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Rebekah mentions that her “church has always emphasized the importance of a strong Bible- based foundation and that everything is first rooted in God's Word. Growing up understanding this has helped me as I'm faced with challenges or when I need spiritual guidance to always lean on His Word.” From generation to generation many things may change, but the Word of the Lord remains. It is the Word of God that provides a common ground between generations.

SPRING/SUMMER 2023

The seniors are impacting the lives of the younger generation by sharing their values of unity and faith which makes a difference in the lives of many Millennials and Gen Z who are willing to find community and ways to serve.

For them, spirituality plays a huge part in their lives, and discipleship and mentorship are key to touching their hearts.

It is more than just being a distant role model. Leadership involves being present. They desire leaders who will teach as they walk alongside, and give ownership to the future generation as they grow spiritually and mature in ministry.

THE BRIDGE

For Rebekah, the key spiritual lessons she learned from the senior generation of Vietnamese is the “importance of prayer and how to care for your church family and those who are in need.” She shares that “they are very consistent and committed and I've seen how much it strengthens our church and its ministry. The caring group is amazing at making sure our members and guests have a sense of family and home and that they're not alone.”

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2023 Calendar of Events 16

MAY 2 | Associational WMU Directors Roundtable 4 | National Day of Prayer / Coffee & Friends 13 | World Fair Trade Day 21 | Children's Ministry Sunday (WMU of Texas)

JUNE 1 | Coffee & Friends: Facebook Live 11-12 | WMU, SBC Missions Celebration: Louisiana 20 | World Refugee Day

JULY 1 | Begin Ordering Mary Hill Davis Offering® Materials 6 | Coffee & Friends: Facebook Live 16-18 | Texas Baptists Family Gathering: McAllen

AUGUST 1 | Associational WMU Directors Roundtable 1-5 | Missionary Kid Reentry Retreat, Mississippi 3 | Coffee & Friends: Facebook Live 27 | Global Hunger Sunday

SEPTEMBER 7 | Coffee & Friends: Facebook Live 10-17 | Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions® Week of Prayer 16 | Children’s Missions Day (National WMU)

OCTOBER 1 | Begin Ordering Lottie Moon Christmas Offering Materials 3 | Happy Birthday WMU of Texas: 143 Years 5 | Coffee & Friends: Facebook Live 5-7 | WMU of Texas Board Meeting 22 | Day of Prayer Baptist Associations

NOVEMBER 7 | Associational WMU Directors Roundtable 2 | Coffee & Friends: Facebook Live 6 | Baptist Women’s Day of Prayer

DECEMBER 3-10 | Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® Week of Prayer 7 | Facebook Live: Coffee & Friends

BE G IN N I N G J ULY 1

HOW TO ORDER MARY HILL DAVIS OFFERING® FOR TEXAS MISSIONS MATERIALS Thank you for promoting the Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions in your church.

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PRINTED MATERIALS Place your order for the Mary Hill Davis Offering Week of Prayer resources (posters, prayer guides, and envelopes) online at iamtexasmissions.org/order.

You may also call the office at (214) 828-5150 to request these resources.

Please allow 2-3 week for delivery. We are unable to ship overnight orders.

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DOWNLOAD MATERIALS You may also download Mary Hill Davis Offering Week of Prayer resources for the current and previous years at iamtexasmissions.org/order.

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MHDO VIDEO STORIES Share a Mary Hill Davis Offering video during your next WMU meeting or church service. To view or download over 35 Mary Hill Davis Offering video stories, visit iamtexasmissions.org/stories.

TEXAS BAPTISTS MISSIONARY BIRTHDAY

PRAYER CALENDAR O N E M O NTH I N A DVA N C E , as a group or individually, write an encouraging note or create a birthday card for the missionaries celebrating a birthday in the following month. Mail all cards to the below address:

WMU OF TEXAS

SEND TO: 10325 Brockwood Rd. Dallas, Texas 75238

M AY

JUNE

4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cutberto Ramirez (River Ministry)

13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew Reyes (MAP SEA)

7. . . . . . . . . Alejandro Aurelio Varela (River Ministry MX)

14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jen Sims (TXB Missionary)

8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luisa Karla (MAP Brazil)

17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Millena Nascimento (MAP Brazil)

9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Rocha (River Ministry MX)

18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ella Currie (TXB Missionary Kid)

16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ednardo Neves (MAP Brazil)

21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fabiano Domingos (MAP Brazil)

17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosivalda Lima (MAP Brazil)

22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joyce Lamoso (MAP Brazil)

20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Camila Torquato (MAP Brazil)

23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Márcio Brito (MAP Brazil)

20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nathan Clark (Church Catalyst)

27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katilin Warrington (TXB Missionary)

28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emerlyn Lourenco (MAP Brazil)

27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alicia Lee (TXB Missionary)

28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jonatan Guerrero (River Ministry)

29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elaine Okasawara (MAP Brazil)

JULY

AUGUS T

7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bobby Herring (Church Catalyst)

1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anna Roberts (TXB Missionary)

8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fermín Talamantes (River Ministry MX)

1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marison Fejao (MAP Brazil)

9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emilio Vega (TXB Missionary)

2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yamileth Guzman (River Ministry)

10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tiffne Whitley (TXB Missionary)

6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Núbia Naiana (MAP Brazil)

13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Uziel Grado (River Ministry MX)

6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eleama Franklin (MAP Brazil)

14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janeene Young (River Ministry)

8. . . . . . . . . . . . Amilu Jaime Narvaez (River Ministry MX)

15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Dela Cruz (MAP SEA)

9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gabriela Izaguirre (TXB Missionary)

21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephen Currie (TXB Missionary)

13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gabriel dos Santos (MAP Brazil)

21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lorenzo Ortiz (Church Catalyst)

16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pris Vega (TXB Missionary)

26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alysson Reis (MAP Brazil)

17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zachary Currie (TXB Missionary Kid)

27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Howard (TXB Missionary)

18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rhuan Silva (MAP Brazil) 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tillie Burgin (Church Catalyst) 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . George Solis (River Ministry)

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T O L E A R N M O R E A B O U T W M U ' S P R A Y E R C A L E N D A R S , V I S I T W M U T X . O R G / G E T - I N V O LV E D

WMU OF TEXAS

Staff Tamiko Jones

Beth Campbell

Executive Director-Treasurer Communications Consultant tamiko.jones@txb.org beth.wmutx@txb.org (214) 828-5177 (214) 828-5155

Ruth Mendoza

Joyce Porto

Marketing Specialist brandi.wmutx@txb.org (214) 828-5152

Chris Rowley

Missional Lifestyle Strategist Christian Women’s / Men’s for Multicultural Job Corps State Consultant joyce.wmutx@txb.org chris.wmutx@txb.org (469) 405-1638 (737) 280-8660 THE BRIDGE

WMU of Texas Hispanic Ministries Contractor rmendo7@gmail.com (214) 828-5150

Brandi Jones

Marisol Sandoval

Missional Lifestyle Strategist for Preschool, Children, and Youth marisol.wmutx@txb.org (214) 828-5158

Teri Ussery

Adult Consultant and Special Projects teri.wmutx@txb.org (214) 828-5374

Nayely Vallejo

Office Manager and Administrative Assistant nayely.wmutx@txb.org (214) 828-5150

SPRING/SUMMER 2023

Request a Consultation

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SC A N TO

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WMU OF TEXAS

Board of Directors 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 Belton, TX earlann@rocketmail.com

E X E C U T I V E D I R E C TO R -T R E AS U R E R

Tamiko Jones Dallas, TX tamiko.jones@txb.org

WEST TEXAS

R E C O R D I N G S E C R E TA R Y

PA N H A N D L E

PA N H A N D L E

Jackie Faughn McKinney, TX jfaughn54@gmail.com

Amanda Gay Amarillo, TX ace_gay@sbcglobal.net

Del Lopez Lubbock, TX dellopez1@gmail.com

WEST TEXAS

R I O G R A N D E VA L L E Y

Mary Martinez El Paso, TX marymartinez79936@yahoo.com

Rosie Rodriguez Midland, TX pinkyroseann20@gmail.com

Vanessa Quintanilla-Lerma McAllen, TX rgv.riverministry@gmail.com

R I O G R A N D E VA L L E Y

SAN ANTONIO AREA

SAN ANTONIO AREA

Vacant

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VICE PRESIDENT

Brenda Bourgeois Lubbock, TX brendabou@aol.com

Beverlie Cloud Helotes, TX cloudb16674@gmail.com

Georgia Hobbins Boling, TX gghobbins@gmail.com

Belva Bowers Texas City, TX belva.bowers@gmail.com

CENTRAL TEXAS

Paulette Kirkpatrick Waco, TX bkirktx@sbcglobal.net

DALLAS AREA

HOUSTON AREA

Stephanie Morales Houston, TX stephaniemoralesteacup@gmail.com

CENTRAL TEXAS

Melissa Gould Georgetown, TX majormoo2002@yahoo.com

EAST TEXAS

EAST TEXAS

Susan Green Longview, TX lwstgreen@gmail.com

Lynn Montgomery Tyler, TX lmontgomery50@yahoo.com

DALLAS AREA

FORT WORTH AREA

Diane Marshall Seagoville, TX dianemarshalltx@sbcglobal.net

Mary Lou Sinclair Richardson, TX teachingetc@att.net

Debbie Goulding Alvarado, TX debbie_goulding@hotmail.com

FORT WORTH AREA

M E M B E R S -AT- L A R G E

M E M B E R S -AT- L A R G E

Cathy Johnson Henderson, TX clcjohnson@gmail.com

Suzette Mitchell Mesquite, TX ladysmitchell98@gmail.com

M E M B E R S -AT- L A R G E

Anh Quynh Nguyen Irving, TX aqnguyen18@gmail.com

M E M B E R S -AT- L A R G E

Nayely Vallejo Garland, TX naniiv0802@gmail.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2023

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Jamye Richmond Pilot Point, TX ichyemama@yahoo.com

THE BRIDGE

HOUSTON AREA

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Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Permit 1276 Dallas, TX

10325 BROCKWOOD ROAD | DALLAS, TX 75238

THE B R I D GE I S M A D E P O S S I B L E BY YOUR G I F TS TO T H E M ARY H I L L DAVI S O F F E R I NG ® F O R T E X AS M I S S I O NS .

SAVE THE DATE

April 19-20, 2024

Waco Convention Center

April 4-5, 2025

Waco Convention Center

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