The Bridge Magazine: 2018 Spring/Summer

NATIONAL WMU

WMU OF TEXAS

ASSOCIATIONAL WMU

SPRING I MARCH 2018 I wmutx.org

LOCAL CHURCH WMU

Message FROM TAMIKO After serving the last few months as the new Executive Director-Treasurer of WMU of Texas, I have

quickly come to the realization that Texas is filled with mission-minded servants who do not mind rolling up their sleeves to ensure various needs are met. From recognizing the women serving as mentors with the Thrive 2:7 pilot program to the associational WMU groups enjoying a new season of revitalization and renewal, I am thankful that WMU of TX continues to be a catalyst in missions mobilization. The harvest in Texas alone is plentiful and the number of souls among us needing a Savior is great. Undoubtedly, it will take all of us, working in the name of Jesus, to reach the masses.

We are reminded in Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church that “the body does not consist of one member but of many” (1 Corinthians 12:14, ESV). Paul wrote this letter to correct what he saw as inaccurate views in the church at Corinth. He addressed conflicts in the church by emphasizing the call for unity in the body of Christ. To reach our state, nation, and world for Christ, we must be unified in our efforts. Recognizing that our common denominator is Jesus Christ, we can move mountains if we only believe.

A biographical review of the life of Lottie Moon, the Southern Baptist missionary with the Foreign Mission Board who spent nearly 40 years living and working in China, presents us with a lifestyle challenge. Her written letters challenging the American church to send more workers to China and to support those workers already in the country were a testament to her fortitude in the face of adversity and her hope in a risen Savior. She asked the question, “Should we not press it home upon our consciences that the sole object of our conversion was not the salvation of our own souls, but that we might become co-workers with our Lord and Master in the conversion of the world?”

Today, I encourage you to remember why you serve. Why do you continue to pray for missions, engage in missions, learn about missions, support missions, develop spiritually towards a missions lifestyle, and participate in the work of the local church and Texas Baptists? It is only when we understand our motivation for serving that we are compelled to continue.

I know that Jesus is the answer we all seek. He is the Master unifier.

In His Name,

Tamiko C. Jones WMU of Texas Executive Director-Treasurer

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CONTENTS

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR ASSOCIATIONAL MISSIONS MAY 20-27, 2018

part·ner·ship ˈpärtnerˌSHip/ noun ● the state of being a partner or partners; an association of two or more people (or churches) as partners. Plural noun: partnerships ● Partnerships with Baptist associations are local, national, and international as together we serve others for the sake of the Gospel.

Associational partnerships began in Texas when churches came together to create Union Baptist Association in 1840.

From that time until now, associations have served local churches and met the spiritual needs of their communities.

The 98 associations in Texas vary in size, organizational structure, and ministry focus. But they remain unified as partners with churches for Kingdom service.

May 20-27 is a week set aside to pray for the associations in Texas. Here are some prayer suggestions: ● PRAY for your associational leaders. ● PRAY for volunteers to assist in your association. ● ASK God if you have a role in associational ministry. ● PRAY for specific evangelism projects in your association. ● PRAY for churches in the association without a pastor. ● PRAY for those who lead in children and youth missions education. ● PRAY for partnerships in the association that will strengthen Kingdom service.

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Message from Tamiko...............................................2 Week of Prayer for Associational Missions...............3 A Word from the President.......................................4 Digital or Print...........................................................4 Missions Leader: WMU Annual Planning Guide....4 2018 WMU Missions Celebration and Annual Meeting........................................................5 A WorldCraft Birthday Present..................................6 Project HELP: Refugees.............................................6 WMU of Texas Vision/Purpose.................................7 Engaging with the Mission of God in the Community.............................................8 2018 Week of Prayer................................................9 WMU Endowments..................................................9 Thrive, Making an Impact...................................... 10 Be an Example, not an Excuse.............................. 10 Suds of Love........................................................... 11 National Acteens Panelist...................................... 11 Volunteer Appreciation.......................................... 12 Big Ministry, Little Time.......................................... 13 Thank You notecard................................................ 12 2018 Calendar....................................................... 13 Engage people online........................................... 13 Missions and VBS................................................... 12 Scissors are Scissors are Scissors, Right?.............. 14 Recuiting Volunteers for Next Year........................ 14 Know Before You Go.............................................. 15 Ideas for Recognition Services.............................. 15 Officers, Board of Directors.................................... 16 WMU of Texas Staff................................................ 17 MK Re-Entry Retreat............................................... 18 2018 Women’s Build............................................. 19 Sisters Who Care Breakfast.................................... 20

THE BRIDGE Published bi-annually by WMU of Texas Tamiko Jones 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 3

A Word

FROM THE PRESIDENT Elijah had just had great success against the prophets of Baal. Yet, the death threat from Jezebel panicked him, and he ran for his life. He had reached the end of his own resources and was tired and exhausted. He went to the desert and prayed to the Lord to take his life, then fell asleep. All at once an angel touched Elijah and told him to get up and eat the bread and water prepared for him. He did that and fell back asleep. God took care of Him. He did the right thing by getting alone with God for a retreat.

In February, I had the privilege of attending the Ministers and Wives Retreat of the Minnesota/Wisconsin Baptist Convention that is partially funded by the Mary Hill Davis Offering®. There is a correlation between Elijah and the participants of this retreat. One of the wives wrote this in a thank you letter: “Thank you for a wonderful and much-needed retreat! So many of us have been in the heat of spiritual battle, the valley of death (with family and friends), a few on spiritual mountain tops, or all three. This weekend has become the ‘Elijah get-away’ to draw us closer to God and each other.”

Isn’t it amazing how God always takes care of us? Sometimes He uses others to help us as in the case of the Ministers and Wives Retreat. You helped these participants because of your support of the Mary Hill Davis Offering. Thank you for helping care well of them as they share Christ in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Shirley McDonald President, WMU of Texas

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DIGITAL OR PRINT? How do you prefer to receive information?

Digital or print?

There is good news for you no matter your preference. National WMU will be offering both for Mission Friends Leader, Girls in Action Leader, RA Leader, Acteens Leader, and Missions Mosaic.

Missions Mosiac is already available in both formats.

Check it out at wmustore.com. The other leadership pieces, which come out quarterly, will be available later in 2018.

The price for the print versions will experience a slight increase of $2, the first since September 2007.

The digital versions will be $2 less expensive than the print versions. Both formats are good values as you lead every age in your church to be involved in missions discipleship.

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Missions Leader: WMU Annual Planning Guide A new planning tool is coming in 2018 that will save money in your WMU budget and give you all the necessary helps for planning and implementing WMU work in your church.

Missions Leader: WMU Annual Planning Guide is combining the best of the WMU Year Book and Missions Leader into one simplified planning tool.

For just $12.99 church WMU directors and their leadership teams can have a planning tool for the year and each quarter. Using a password found in Missions Leader, additional digital resources will be exclusively available at wmu.com. Go to www. wmustore.com to order this indispensable resource.

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JUNE 10-11, 2018 ✪ KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON CONVENTION CENTER ✪ DALLAS, TEXAS FAITHFUL. COURAGEOUS. STEADFAST. COMPELLED. BOLD. DEVOTED. UNSHAKABLE. How would you describe your missional journey with GOD? Is it your UNSHAKABLE PURSUIT to know HIM more, show HIS love unconditionally, and make disciples who make disciples?

Join us this June in Dallas for a time of renewal and encouragement to follow HIM with an UNSHAKABLE PURSUIT through inspiring missionary speakers, worship, small-group conferences and missions experiences.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR SUNDAY AND SPACE IS LIMITED! TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WMU.COM/DALLAS THE BRIDGE

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WorldCraftSM door prizes are always a fun way to introduce people to the products and establish a relationship with those that attend the markets.

Games are a way to educate people about fair trade and what the ministry is about.

A WorldCraft Market in Paris, Texas touched a woman deeply. The first door prize was for anyone with a birthday that day. The woman who won the Kyrgyz Advent Tree had lost her husband just six days earlier. She didn’t want to attend but felt like she should. As she received the door prize, she exclaimed, “He would have wanted me to be here.

So here I am, and I got a birthday present! Looks like I will leave this tree up all year as a reminder that God is still in control.”

WorldCrafts blesses the whole body of Christ — those that make the products and those that invest in the products. It’s never about the items in the catalog; it’s always about how God touches all of us.

We are ready to come to your town to tell of His great love for all people through WorldCrafts. To book your 2018 WorldCraft Market, contact Pam Poole at pam.wmutx@texasbaptists.org or call 214.828.5150.

Birthday A WORLDCRAFT

PRESENT

REFUGEES Project HELPSM focuses on a current social or moral issue. Beginning in September, the focus will be on refugees. Over sixty million people in our world today have been forcibly removed from their homes by war or persecution. This is a global crisis which calls for Christ followers to make a difference.

The United States government defines a refugee as “a person outside of his or her country of nationality who is unable or unwilling to return because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution because of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinions.” Many refugees are Christians who face persecution in their homelands.

Many are forced to live in refugee camps for years before they can resettle. The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) determines if someone qualifies as a refugee. The long approval process can take many months or years to complete. A referral is then made to countries that will receive refugees and which have their own vetting procedures.

Refugees coming to the United States do so legally.

They are assigned a resettlement agency that assists them upon their arrival and helps them get established. Texas has nine resettlement agencies working in Amarillo, Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Houston, and El Paso.

A first step in welcoming refugees is to be knowledgeable. Read scripture which has much to say about how God’s people are to treat “aliens”.

Get the facts from the US State Department about the process used to bring refugees to our country.

Read Seeking Refugee: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis by Stephan Bauman, Matthew Soerens, and Dr. Issam Smeir.

In 2015, 6,857 refugees came to Texas. What if you were the first Christian they met? What would they think of Jesus by the way you treated them?

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VISION

PURPOSE

We believe in the restoration of brokenness through hope in Christ.

We make disciples who make disciples

We passionately tell HIS story. ❚ We creatively empower leaders. ❚ We obediently engage the world.

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EUNICE AGUILAR ORTIZ

Engaging with the Mission of God Among the Ngiwas

Meet Eunice Aguilar Ortiz who is finishing her seminary studies at the Seminario Teológico Bautista Mexicano in México City. She is majoring in missions and the Texas Baptists Missions Team has been helping her with a partial scholarship through River Ministry and Mexico Missions. She is from a community east of México City in the neighboring state of Puebla. There are many language groups in Mexico City and the surrounding regions. The Lord called Eunice to work among the Ngiwas in San Juan Zacabasco.

Eunice, with a group of church young adults including members of her family, has been reaching this people group through social ministries. Last year she presented the New Testament in their language through a missions organization called Unión Nacional de Traductores Indígenas. People have responded enthusiastically to God’s Word thanks to the relationships that Eunice and her church friends had already established in the community. They have also offered tutoring classes for elementary and secondary students. But Eunice wants to see the transformation of entire families through the gospel of Jesus Christ and a sustainable transformation of their community.

Eunice wants to establish a training center where women in the community can be trained in computer and sewing classes. Eunice and her mission team are committed to make disciples who make disciples. Her seminary training is equipping her to make disciples among the Ngiwas people.

Thank you, Texas Baptists and WMU of Texas for providing resources that help people like Eunice reach different people groups in Mexico.

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Involucrándose con la Misión de Dios en la Comunidad de Ngiwas Permítame presentarle brevemente a Eunice Aguilar Ortiz quien esta terminando sus estudios en el Seminario Teológico Bautista Mexicano en la Ciudad de México. Eunice se esta especializando en misiones y el Equipo de Misiones a través del Ministerio de Rio/Misiones a México le ha provisto una media beca para costear sus estudios. Conocí a Eunice en el campus del seminario una vez que fui a ensenar una clase intensiva sobre ‘Misiones Urbanas’. Ella es de una comunidad al este de la Ciudad de México en el estado de Puebla. En la Ciudad de México y sus alrededores viven muchos pueblos que aun no tienen la Palabra de Dios en su propia lengua. El Señor llamo a Eunice a ministrar entre el pueblo Ngiwas en San Juan Zacabasco.

Eunice formo un equipo misionero entre sus amigos de la iglesia y su familia y juntos están alcanzando a este pueblo a través de ministerios de acción social. Hace como un poco mas que un ano Eunice presento a este pueblo el Nuevo Testamento en la lengua de ellos. Gracias al ministerio de una organización de misiones llamada “Unión Nacional de Traductores Indígenas” este pueblo tiene el Nuevo Testamento en su lengua. Eunice ha estado distribuyendo el Nuevo Testamento en forma audio a los residentes de esta comunidad.

Es verdaderamente maravilloso el ver como estas personas están respondiendo a la Palabra de Dios gracias a las relaciones ya establecidas por Eunice y su equipo de misiones. Ellas también ofrecen clases de tutoría a estudiantes de primaria y secundaria.

Pero Eunice desea ver la transformación completa de familias a través del evangelio de Jesucristo y una transformación sostenible de la comunidad.

Uno de los planes que Eunice tiene es el establecer un centro de entrenamiento para mujeres de esta comunidad donde reciban clases de costura, computación, y también el emprender una industria textil para ofrecer empleos a estas personas. Eunice y su equipo de misiones están comprometidos a hacer discípulos que hagan discípulos de otras personas. El entrenamiento que Eunice ha recibido en el seminario, ahora ella lo esta implementando para cumplir con la Gran Comisión de ir y hacer discípulos.

Estamos muy agradecidos a los Bautistas de Texas y la WMU por proveer recursos que ayudan a personas como Eunice en el alcanzar a diferentes grupos étnicos en México.

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2018 WEEK OF PRAYER FOR TEXAS MISSIONS & THE MARY HILL DAVIS OFFERING®

But you are the ones chosen

by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for HIM to tell others of the night-an , d-day difference he made for you— from nothing to somethi ng, from rejected to accepted.

1 Peter 2:9-10 (MSG)

September 9-16, 2018 State Goal $3,600,000 wmutx.org/give I 214.828.5150

Give to Your Passion

The eight endowments of WMU of Texas help fund various facets of the work of WMU of Texas. You can extend your legacy by giving to one of the endowments that matches your passion. ❚ WorldTouch: helps with missionary kid ministries, multicultural ministries, ethnic THE BRIDGE

consultants, missional discipleship resources, Missionary Parents Fellowship, Baptist Nursing Fellowship ❚ Touch Tomorrow Today: supports both Texas and national WMU to provide long-term financial stability ❚ Jeane Law Leadership Development: used to develop missions leaders for the church ❚ Joy Fenner Missions Projects: enables people to do hands-on missions ❚ Eula Mae Henderson Memorial Scholarship: provides scholarships for women pursing graduate studies in missions or missions education ❚ Texas Christian Women’s/Men’s Job Corps: used for professional enrichment for site leadership and furthering education for participants ❚ Amelia Bishop Missions Communication: enables creatively telling the missions story in print, on websites, or through social media ❚ Valerio Endowment for Hispanic Ministries: develops missions leaders in Hispanic churches and Hispanic missions efforts Give now by going to wmutx.org/give/endowments.

Live out your passion tomorrow by giving today.

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The model for Thrive 2:7 follows closely the Christian Women’s and Men’s Job Corps® empowerment model with the key distinctives of Bible study and mentoring. Relationships with students are built through small group time with Anchors (mentors).

MAKING AN IMPACT Young people are on a journey to find their place in the world. Research is showing that the journey is not an easy one with the world screaming conflicting values, teen violence, and very worldly viewpoints on spirituality. Thrive 2:7 invests in young people’s lives through a holistic, Christ-centered education and mentoring program empowering them to impact their family and community. The vision for Thrive 2:7 is that young people will leave high school equipped to live godly lives.

Patricia Hudson, Community Liaison at Kimball High School, hosted the Thrive 2:7 pilot program in spring of 2017. Eight students graduated from the program. Patricia tells why she wanted Thrive at her school.

“I wanted to host Thrive at Kimball because I see a need daily within our student body. I see brokenness all around me at our campus. Many of our students are like sponges, waiting for someone to care for them, listen to them, and genuinely coach them through life. Many do not have a strong family support system. After hosting an All Girl’s Assembly and polling the audience for questions for a guest panel, I realized that the students are facing a lot of challenging issues. I do not want them to feel alone with no help.

“Thrive was an answer for my desire to help young people. I believe the most significant value of Thrive is that it is faith-based. We can teach our youth academics and soft skills, but without the spiritual element, they will not be prepared to live an abundant life.”

Kenisha (not her real name) participated in the first Thrive 2:7 pilot program at Kimball High School in Dallas. The fourth week of class, students learned about safe and unsafe relationships. After hearing about the characteristics of unsafe people in relationships, she took her handouts home, showed her sister, and shared that she was living in an unsafe environment with her boyfriend. By the end of the program, Kenisha’s sister moved out of the living situation to a safe environment. IMPACT! Through a grant provided by Texas Baptist Missions Foundation, WMU of Texas is hosting pilot programs to test curriculum and program structure. The Thrive 2:7 curriculum covers topics such as Healthy Relationships, Life Happens, My Life Online, Financial Management, Job Readiness, and College Prep.

The Bible study focuses on identity through Christ.

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Pilot programs were completed in Dallas and Nacogdoches in 2017. WMU of Texas is currently partnering with the Buckner Family Hope Center at Bachman Lake, Dallas for a pilot program with both male and female high school students. CWJC Boerne is scheduled to start a pilot program at their local high school in March. Several more pilot programs are scheduled in 2018.

Be An Example, Not An Excuse Naomi had come to the Hands of Hope CWJC in San Marcos before, but this time was different. She said, “My mind was finally clear, and I was ready for change. In the past, I did not think that I deserved God’s help because of my poor choices, abuse, and drug addiction. I tried attending two times before throughout the years, but the devil kept winning.”

The journey was not easy and took time. Naomi shared that five years ago she was struggling with a drug addiction and knew that her children would lose their mom if she did not stop living in the “fast lane.” In 2013, Naomi’s world came crashing down from drug addiction, a failed marriage, and CPS taking her children. Within a year, she and her children moved into a children’s home, and Naomi began her journey with sobriety. Life was still spinning out of control.

Naomi and Charlotte, site coordinator for Hands of Hope CWJC, reconnected and she joined the classes once again. Naomi proudly spoke of her accomplishments. She graduated from Hands of Hope in December and recently purchased a laptop to begin working on her GED. When she graduated from Hands of Hope, Naomi hung her certificate, tassel, and cap on the wall near her children’s room.

“I want them to know I completed something in my life. I was always a runner when life got hard; now I stay.”

The staff and volunteers at Hands of Hope CWJC helped her understand the love of God and most importantly, did not give up on her. When asked about life now, Naomi smiled and shared that she has been sober for more than a year and attends Celebrate Recovery. “I am pursuing my education, a spiritual relationship with God, and being a good parent. I want to be an example and not the excuse.”

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SUDS OF LOVE, affectionately called

“Bubbles” needs you!

We are looking for volunteers who would be willing to serve with this mobile laundry unit as needs arise across Texas. Through partners like the Buckner Family Hope Center at Bachman Lake in Dallas, we can serve families who might not otherwise be able to afford this basic need.

On a sunny day in October of 2017, several WMU of Texas and Buckner staff members served as volunteers on the unit at an elementary school in the Bachman Lake area of Dallas. We were the launders that day, providing dignity and service to each person seeking help. While stationed on the grounds of an elementary school, the laundry unit was used to wash laundry, at no cost, for families assisted by the Family Hope Center and the school.

Through this one day of service, other elementary schools in the area have requested similar resources for the families in need they encounter on their campuses.

As we continue to develop volunteer teams for Suds of Love, our prayer is that 2018 is a banner year for our use of the laundry unit in blessing families in need. If you are interested in serving, contact WMU of Texas at 214.828.5150.

Congratulations

to our NATIONAL ACTEENS PANELIST!

Congratulations to Allison Agthe from Austin Baptist Church in Austin for being chosen for the 2018 National Acteens® Panel. Allison is one of four girls chosen to represent Acteens nationwide. She will write for The Mag and have the opportunity to share her testimony and serve at the 2018 National WMU Annual Meeting and Missions Celebration in Dallas, Texas in June. She joins a long line of Texas Acteens who have held this role. We couldn’t be prouder.

This is what Allison says about what it means to live a missions lifestyle: “Wherever a person is, they can do missions. Where we live now is not truly our home. We are already away on a mission to a world where we are strangers, if our Lord’s viewpoint is faithfully applied to our lives.

It also means reaching out to the lost who are within our reach as friends, classmates, and neighbors.”

Allison is daughter to Scott and Debbie Agthe and a junior at Hyde Park Baptist High School. She is part of the Acteens group led by Virginia Kreimeyer.

Join us at the WMU of Texas Annual Meeting and Missions Celebration, April 13-14 at First Baptist Church, Georgetown, to hear Allison’s testimony.

Bring your teen girls to Afterglow on Friday night so they can get to know her.

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Volunteer Appreciation Looking for ways to tell your missions education leaders or volunteers how much you appreciate them? As a leader, it is important to remember to show appreciation to your volunteers because they are the lifeblood of your ministry, and their faithful service must not go unnoticed.

The first step toward building a healthy volunteer team is making sure that your existing team members feel appreciated. Here are just a few ideas to show appreciation to those faithful servants.

1. Plan an appreciation luncheon at the end of the year and give out awards. Volunteer appreciation certificates can be found at www.wmutx.org/empoweringleaders.

2. Be intentional about encouragement. Tell your volunteers they did a wonderful job. Share with them how they are impacting your ministry and blessing the Kingdom.

3. Send them a thank you note. Just a small thank you can go a long way. Make copies of the thank you note below, add a personal greeting, and

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hand deliver your message. You can also make a goody bag to give with your note.

Missions and VBS Is your church planning a backyard Bible club, mission trip, or Vacation Bible School this summer? Then you need to know about the new resource kit from national WMU called Tell the Story. This kit contains 40 Bible story sessions with activities, games, craft ideas, and memory verse activities to help kids understand God’s Word and apply it to their lives. Also included is a 5-session plan for mission trips, VBS, and outreach events. This multi-use resource is great for backyard Bible clubs, church plants, small groups, and Sunday School classes, and can be adapted to multiple age levels and audiences.

This kit is a digital download and is sold for $44.99 Purchase includes a Bible storying cloth; shipped separately. To purchase your copy or download a free sample go to www.wmustore.com/tell-the-story.

Make a copy, trim along dotted line. Write a thank you note on the back.

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Big Ministry, Little Time

2018 CALENDAR DATES ➧ JANUARY 26-28—Missions Camp Leadership Retreat, Online ➧ FEBRUARY 17— Children’s Missions Day ➧ FEBRUARY 17— M-JAM (Missions Jamboree for Children in 1st-6th grade) CANCELED ➧ FEBRUARY 28— Texas CWJC®/CMJC® Day of Prayer ➧ MARCH 4-11— Week of Prayer for North American Missions and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering® ➧ APRIL 13— Acteens® Afterglow, First Baptist Church, Georgetown ➧ APRIL 13-14— WMU of Texas Annual Meeting and Missions Celebration, First Baptist Church, Georgetown ➧ MAY 20-27— Associational Missions Emphasis ➧ JUNE 10-11— National WMU Annual Meeting and Missions Celebration, Dallas ➧ JUNE 12-13— Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, Dallas ➧ JULY 29-31— Texas Baptists Family Gathering, Arlington ➧ AUGUST 7-10— MK Re-Entry Retreat hosted by WMU of Texas ➧ SEPTEMBER 9-16— Week of Prayer for Texas Missions and the Mary Hill Davis Offering® ➧ OCTOBER 21-26— 2018 Women’s Build, Team One; Peñitas ➧ OCTOBER 25-30— 2018 Women’s Build, Team Two; Peñitas ➧ DECEMBER 2-9— Week of Prayer International Missions and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®

WMU Social Media

The work of WMU is vital in the life of the church. We have a big vision, six challenging tasks, and many people in our communities, state, and world who need to hear the gospel.

Time is a precious commodity, and involvement isn’t what it used to be. Does this mean you can’t challenge people or lead an impacting WMU ministry in your church? Less time doesn’t have to mean less ministry.

Engage people online.

People who want to get involved but are busy with kids, sports, and school activities which can squeeze out time for missions discipleship. The good news is that they want to know about ministry but when it’s convenient for them. Venture out from meeting times and provide missions education another way.

When you use social media platforms like Facebook, Pinterest, and Zoom, you have the tremendous opportunity to engage more people. Oh, and it’s free. It might just take a little learning.

Create a Facebook group to connect with women throughout the week. FB Live gives you the opportunity to share stories from Missions Mosaic and pray for missionaries in real time.

Make a Pinterest page for your church’s WMU and put ideas for missions projects, global recipes, fundraising, and much more. Use the six objectives for WMU as the titles of your boards to get you started.

M facebook.com/wmuoftexas T twitter.com/texasmissions

Learn more about how you can engage people online at www.wmutx.org/empoweringleaders.

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Scissors are Scissors are Scissors, RIGHT? Scissors are designed for cutting. Some scissors cut paper while others cut cuticles, hair, or metal. Scissors can be blunt, pointed, or multi-bladed. Anyone who cuts fabric has a specific pair of scissors meant only for cloth. The bottom line is that all scissors cut; however, some are designed for optimal effectiveness with a targeted substance.

In a similar fashion, church camps inspire children to focus on Jesus, while the targeted goal of missions camps is to embolden campers to pursue the Great Commission. That’s what sets missions camps apart. Missions camps equip children to purposefully be on-mission in their everyday lives.

God authorizes Christians to be His representative in the world. Scriptures command Christians to go, serve, and witness. Campers at missions camps not only experience fellowship with others and study the Word of God, but also learn to consciously live a missional lifestyle. Through Bible-based activities and missionary interactions, campers strengthen their foundation in Christian principles as well as recognize opportunities to share one’s faith. Campers are challenged to be Christ’s presence to others every day. These are essential skills for Christians to cultivate.

To find a missions camp near you, go to www.wmutx.org/missionscamp.

Written by Cheryl Landon Associate Camp-Director Girls Missions Camp Canyon, TX

Recruiting Volunteers for Next Year Have you ever compared recruiting volunteers to pulling teeth? Does it seem that every year you drag people kicking and screaming to serve? Consider this. Right now, there are people in your church who want to volunteer but are waiting for the right opportunity – or the perfect place to serve that aligns with their gifts. Others are literally just waiting to be asked. The challenge is finding the right time to ask, the right way to ask, and the right people to ask.

Share opportunities in multiple ways Putting an announcement in your church bulletin is a great way to let people know about a need for volunteers, but it shouldn’t be the only way.

People want to know that you are specifically talking to them. Be intentional by extending a personal invitation through a phone call, message, or text. Help them understand the invitation is for them and you want them to respond.

Cast your vision and share your goals There are many reasons people volunteer. Before you get to the job assignment, make sure the people know why you need them to help and how they can contribute to the greater mission – God’s mission.

When we cast our vision for ministry and share why we do what we do, we help them learn about our purpose. By doing this, we can inspire them to join in and find their place in the ministry.

To learn more about recruiting volunteers for WMU go to www.wmutx.org/empoweringleaders.

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Know Before You Go A lot happens on mission trips that you could never expect. You feel stretched to your limits physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But it leaves you with an amazing sense of wonder at all the ways that God was at work. With so much happening that you cannot plan for, it is very important to prep your team in every way you can.

Keep in mind what Jesus said in Mark 12:30. ❚ To prep your heart, inspire teens to connect with God’s Word. Challenge them to read and memorize Scriptures—like the epistles which were written from the mission field. ❚ To prep your soul, encourage teens to get in the habit of journaling about their experiences. ❚ To prep your mind, guide teens to think about what they will say to the people that they will encounter—how they will show God’s love and how they will share the gospel. ❚ To prep your strength, guide teens to decide how they would respond in realistic scenarios that just might happen.

Above all, grow in your love for the Lord and everything else will turn out fine.

You can read more on this topic as well as get step-by-step guidance in Carry On: Prepping and Packing for Successful Missions Trips. Go to www. wmustore.com/carry-on-prepping-and-packingfor-successful-missions-trips to order your copy for $14.99.

Ideas for Recognition Services We all enjoy a good reason to celebrate! And what better reason to celebrate than missions discipleship? A recognition service is a time for your whole church to understand what missions groups have been learning and doing throughout the year.

It’s also a time to present awards, recognize success of each individual missions group participant, and challenge children and your congregation to continue to do missions.

Needs ideas to plan a great recognition service for your church? National WMU has recently released a booklet called GA Recognition: Tips and Ideas for $8.99. This book offers great ideas for awarding badges during your GA® recognition service. It also provides theme ideas as well as formal and informal plans for sharing your GA’s accomplishments with parents and your entire congregation. Much of these ideas can also be tweaked to fit other children’s mission group programming.

Order your copy today at www.wmustore.com/ga-recognition-tips-and-ideas.

Written by Libby Quigg THE BRIDGE

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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

Tamiko Jones Executive DirectorTreasurer 10325 Brockwood Rd Dallas, TX 75238 Office: 214-828-5150 Cell: 817.313.5442 tamiko.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 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

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 16

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WMU OF TEXAS STAFF AND SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT DALLAS OFFICE

TAMIKO JONES Executive DirectorTreasurer O: 214.828.5150 C: 817.313.5332 Tamiko.WMUTX@ texasbaptists.org

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

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

CAROLYN PORTERFIELD Missional Lifestyle Strategist for Adults & Multicultural Groups 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

ERICA ZAMORA Administrative Assistant & Office Manager O: 214.828.5150 Erica.WMUTX@ texasbaptists.org

DIANA MONTOYA Ministry Assistant O: 214.828.5160 Diana.WMUTX@ texasbaptists.org

BECKY ELLISON CWJC/CMJC Consultant C: 254.716.0319 [Based in Waco] Becky.WMUTX@ texasbaptists.org

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

PAM POOLE Special Projects Coordinator O: 214.828.5153 Pam.WMUTX@ texasbaptists.org

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

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

SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT

LOOIE BIFFAR Creative Arts Director C: 214.878.4456 Looie.WMUTX@ texasbaptists.org

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

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MK Re-Entry Retreat WMU of Texas has an incredible opportunity this summer to minister to Missionary Kids (MKs). Children of international missionaries who are entering college in the United States for the first time will be attending the MK Re-Entry Retreat, August 7-10, at Highland Lakes Baptist Encampment.

The annual retreat is sponsored by the International Mission Board (IMB) and hosted on a rotating basis by state Woman’s Missionary Unions (WMU). This year, WMU of Texas will host the retreat. A $5,000 grant from the Vision Fund from the WMU Foundation will help toward the all-expense paid retreat.

HOW CAN YOU BE INVOLVED? PRAY Pray for the MKs as they prepare mentally and physically for their first year of college life and for their parents.

■ Adopt an MK — $150 $150 provides funds for one MK to attend the retreat.

■ Bedding — $15 WMU will provide one twin set, light blanket, pillow, a towel and washcloth for MKs who are unable to travel with their bedding. All bedding will be donated to Highland Lakes Baptist Encampment following the retreat.

■ Case of bottled water — $5 It’s August. It’s Texas. It’s hot! We need to keep the MKs and staff hydrated during their activities.

■ Sponsor a snack time — $50 / $75 / $100 Help sponsor one of five snack times.

■ Funds to be used as needed Items will be needed for recreational activities, meeting space, retreat expenses, etc.

To be involved, simply give online at wmutx.org/give (ADOPT AN MK) or fill out this form and return with a check to: WMU of Texas | 10325 Brockwood Road | Dallas, Texas | 75238 Attention: MK Re-Entry Retreat

MK Re-Entry Retreat Donation Amount Enclosed: _________________ Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________________________________________ State:________ Zip: _____________ Church: __________________________________________ City: __________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ All donations are tax deductible.

For more information, contact Beth Campbell, beth.wmutx@texasbaptists.org 18

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PEÑITAS, TEXAS WOMEN’S BUILD TEAM ONE OCTOBER 21-26 WOMEN’S BUILD TEAM TWO OCTOBER 25-30 Cost is $300 per week (scholarships available), for more information or an application, contact Pam Poole at pam.wmutx@texasbaptists.org or call 214.828.5153

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WOMAN’S MISSIONARY UNION OF TEXAS® 10325 Brockwood Road I Dallas, TX 75238

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

2018 Annual Meeting Arlington, TX July 29 – 31 #TXBFamily texasbaptists.org/ familygathering

Join us for the

SISTERS WHO CARE & AFRICAN AMERICAN FELLOWSHIP OF TEXAS PRAYER BREAKFAST July 31, 2018 at 7:am ❚ Arlington Convention Center

For Information and reservations, contact Texas Baptists, Department of African American Ministries, 214.828.5131.