The Bridge Magazine: 2018 Fall/Winter

NATIONAL WMU

WMU OF TEXAS

ASSOCIATIONAL WMU

LOCAL CHURCH WMU

FALL I SEPTEMBER 2018 I wmutx.org

Message FROM TAMIKO Over the last few months, I have been challenged to pursue God like never before. I long to hear His voice, I desire to be in the center of His will, and I want to please the Lord above all else. In our pursuit of God, I have realized that it is not God who needs to be found, but we, as believers, must be willing to make ourselves available to Him. We must be found spending time with Him, using the gifts that have been loaned to us, and sharing the gospel to all assigned to our missionary hearts.

There is a verse of Scripture that reminds me of our calling to pursue God. Psalm 42:1 (NLT) states, “As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.” Our Savior is the One who establishes the work of our hands, the One who provides for us in that work, and the One who satisfies a thirsty soul. He pursues us as we seek Him and make ourselves available to be found. The work that we have been called to complete in Texas and beyond demands our consistent and fervent approach to the throne of God. Inside this edition of The Bridge, you will see possibilities of how God may choose to work through you or your group in our state. The staff of WMU of Texas has also highlighted some past activities, ways to engage in ministry, and planned upcoming opportunities for you to serve. One of those opportunities is the Women’s Build in October in Peñitas, Texas. Now, I am the first to admit I am no master builder; however, I do serve the Master Builder, and I know He shall provide for me all that I need (including a hammer and nails) to be able to participate and help to bless a deserving family this fall.

Take some time to browse the following pages, reflect upon the possibilities to engage in missions across Texas, and ask yourself... are you willing to be found?

Tamiko C. Jones WMU of Texas Executive Director-Treasurer

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CONTENTS

Join us!

WMU OF TEXAS ANNUAL MEETING & MISSIONS CELEBRATION

APRIL 5-6, 2019 FIRST WOODWAY BAPTIST CHURCH WOODWAY

Message from Tamiko...............................................2 PURSUE WMU of Texas Annual Meeting & Missions Celebration................................................3 A Word from the President.......................................4 2018 Eula Mae Henderson Memorial Scholarship winners named.....................................4 Across the State.........................................................5 Equipping Churches.................................................6 Arise, Shine................................................................6 What a Leader Looks Like..........................................7 WMU of Texas Vision/Purpose.................................8 Plans to Prosper.........................................................9 A New Season............................................................9 To Thrive 2:7........................................................... 10 RA: Men Wanted.................................................... 11 Campout & Missions Mania Save the Date.......... 11 Register Your Group: RA........................................ 11 New Starts & Training............................................. 11 A Glimpse into the Role of an Acteens® National Panelist.............................................. 12-13 Acteens Upcoming Announcements.................... 13 Levels of Missions Learning................................... 14 Register Your Group: GA. CA.................................. 14 New Starts & Training............................................. 14 Kicking Off a New Year in Mission Friends®......... 15 Officers.................................................................... 16 WMU of Texas Board of Directors.......................... 16 WMU of Texas Staff and Social Media Content... 17 WorldCraftsSM......................................................... 18 2018 Women’s Build............................................. 19 Calendar................................................................. 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

10325 BROCKWOOD ROAD, DALLAS 75238 I wmutx.org

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X facebook.com/wmuoftexas Y twitter.com/texasmissions \ pinterest.com/wmuoftexas 3

A Word

FROM THE PRESIDENT I love Leviticus 19:33-34 which says, “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” Doesn’t that speak to us today? My mother’s family came here from Denmark because their country was under Hitler’s rule and her grandfather didn’t want to fight under Hitler. Therefore, they came to the United States, so they could be free from that oppression.

That’s a great reminder for me that we are all foreigners, just as God reminded His people that they were foreigners in Egypt, so we must treat everyone as native-born. We must love them as we love ourselves.

As an ESL teacher for 31 years, I was privileged to work with children from different cultures. I was able to have relationships with their families and learn about their customs and cultures. When I put myself in their shoes, I realized they were very brave to come to America to make a better home for their families. I think that is the key in our world today. We need to put ourselves in the shoes of others. We’ll see that we are all the same, and God loves us all the same. Sometimes, I think if we all closed our eyes, so we couldn’t see differences, we would see only people, just like us, who need to know the love of Jesus.

Just as I got to know my ESL kids and found out about their experiences and backgrounds, we can all engage with people from different cultures. We can develop relationships, so we can share the greatest story ever told of Jesus and His love. A statement in Missions Mosaic about sharing Christ struck home with me, “Concentrate on planting a seed or two, not necessarily an entire garden in one conversation, recognizing that this relationship may take time.” It’s all about relationships.

As WMU focuses on Project Help: Refugees this year, take a moment and look around your community. See those of different cultures through Jesus’ eyes. Look beyond the differences and see how Jesus wants you to minister to these. Let’s do as God commands us: Love them as we love ourselves.

Shirley McDonald President, WMU of Texas

2018 Eula Mae Henderson Memorial Scholarship winners named Each year, WMU of Texas awards scholarships, approved by the Eula Mae Henderson Scholarship Committee, to women who are planning a career in vocational Christian ministry, both in North American or international missions, and in state or national work with Woman’s Missionary Union. Shelia Felicia was one of eight recipients of the Eula Mae Henderson Memorial Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year. Other recipients are Rachel Gillespie, 4

Taylor Irby, Miriam Johnston, Lauren McCoy, Megan Shafer, Alejandra Verastegui, and Julia Wallace. Get to know Sheila a little more through her words of gratitude about being a scholarship recipient.

I am honored to receive the Eula Mae Henderson Scholarship. Words cannot express how grateful I am. If it were not for the financial assistance such as this award, I could not attend Dallas Baptist University. I know that God has called me to pursue higher education to make it possible to obtain a degree in discipleship. However, a good education comes at a high price. This scholarship has helped to relieve the burden that tuition has placed on my shoulders. Your generous gift is helping me to pursue the path that God has called me to with worship and discipleship ministries. Thank you again for blessing me as well as all the other scholarship recipients. May the Lord bless you and keep you in the same measure in which you have blessed others.

Forever grateful, Sheila Felicia THE BRIDGE

ACROSS THE STATE NON-GEOGRAPHICAL ASSOCIATIONS 1. Asociación Bautista Hispana Norte Central de Texas 2. Asociación Bautista Latino Americana ABILENE-CALLAHAN

As spring blended into summer, there was a beehive of activity as WMUs across the state invested in ministry and missions in their communities and beyond. Here are a few snapshots.

RED RIVER VALLEY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION On March 3 at the Southside Baptist Church in Paris, the Red River Valley Baptist Association hosted ASSOCIATIONS a Children in ActionSM (CA) AREAS Day. The theme of the day was missions as 95 children and 70 adult assistants heard the stories of missions and ministries that reach beyond local communities to share the gospel with others. To enhance the missions concept, the children packed boxes for Operation Christmas Child. By packing soaps, toys, school supplies, and other items, the children were participating in their own missions experience. For some of these children, CA will be long remembered as more than just a fun day; it will be part of their calling to continue the missions endeavor in their own communities and beyond. (CA is partially funded through the Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions.)

GALVESTON BAPTIST ASSOCIATION The First Baptist Church Arcadia in Santa Fe hosted the Galveston Association semi-annual WMU meeting on May 15. Tamiko Jones, executive director of WMU of Texas, was the guest speaker at the salad luncheon.

The WMU collected approximately 300 pairs of eye glasses for distribution to those in need. An offering was taken for WMU work with human trafficking and exploitation. For the 75 attendees, this was a day of kingdom service — a day to hear from state leadership, pray for missions, engage in missions and ministry, resource needs, and enjoy the blessings of sweet fellowship.

HARMONY-PITTSBURG BAPTIST ASSOCIATION Praying over table decorations — what? Why? In May, the Harmony-Pittsburg Associational WMU held their annual Prayer Retreat at Lone Star. The WMU leadership was looking for innovative ideas, a deeper understanding of ministries they could support, and new directions to encourage women to engage in missions. Pam Poole of WMU of Texas was invited to bring WorldCrafts to the Prayer Retreat. Instead of the tradition spring tabletop decorations, WorldCrafts items were used to decorate the tables. Pam shared with the group the vision of WorldCrafts, the value of fair trade, and the need to pray for the artisans. After a time of prayer, Edwana Lee, Harmony-Pittsburg associational WMU director, shared that the women were encouraged to do what they do best — shop! The women were challenged to take their items home and pray over them throughout the year. The WMU leadership challenged themselves to find a fresh approach to this event, and the result will have long-lasting effects on the attendees as well as the artisans.

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EQUIPPING CHURCHES One of the objectives of associational WMU work is to equip churches to provide missions awareness and involvement. How do you go about doing that?

First, equip yourself by doing research.

Learn about the churches in your association by going to their websites. A visit with your director of missions or another associational staff person can also prove beneficial. As you attend associational events, talk with pastors and church leaders. Ask them how their churches become aware of missions and ways they are involved. Listen first; talk second.

Next, become knowledgeable about what WMU can offer churches.

We are quick to think of age-level organizations as the place to begin, and they certainly have their place. But not every church will find those a viable option. Spend time reviewing the 2018-2019 WMU Catalog or going to www.wmustore.com.

Sometimes it is a WMU resource that best meets the need of a church.

Educate yourself on missions opportunities for churches, both locally and globally.

There may be a crisis pregnancy center in your city that needs resources for women. Talk with school principals to learn how volunteers can be used to bless children. What about serving as a teacher or mentor at a Christian Women’s or Men’s Job Corps® site in your association? Enlist women to be part of the WMU of Texas Women’s Build in Peñitas, Texas.

Often, churches want to get involved but don’t know where to begin. Have a list of options ready for them.

Equipping churches can occur in a variety of situations. . .

Workshops at an associational event or retreat, oneon-one consultations, the use of social media, ideas in the associational newsletter, and something as old fashioned as a telephone call.

Pray without ceasing.

This is God’s work. Trust Him to show you the path you should take to equip churches for greater missions awareness and involvement 6

The first Tuesday in November is always a special time as Baptist women representing 193 national Baptist women’s organizations in 156 countries join hearts and minds for a day of prayer. This year’s material is written by the women in the Baptist Women’s Union of Southwest Pacific.

Focusing on unity and justice, the program challenges all Baptist women to rise and shine for those who cannot speak for themselves, who live with abuse, are trafficked, and a variety of other unjust situations.

A beautiful picture is painted of unity through the image of woven baskets. The Day of Prayer is a time to weave women around the world together as we carry one another’s burdens in prayer and offer support to ministries through the offering given.

Half of the offering given through the Baptist Women of North America goes to support the Baptist World Alliance Women’s Department. The other half supports the work of our continental union. One project that will receive funding from the 2018 offering is Good Neighbors. This project provides training and leadership development for two women who will live and work in the Good Neighbor Settlement House in Waco. These women will live among the people they are called to serve.

For more information and downloadable resources, go to www.bwawd.org/2018-Day-Of-Prayer.

Send your offering to: BWNA ATTENTION: Corinne Skerritt 22351 LeRhone, #712, Southfield, MI 48075-4060.

Checks should be made out to BWNA or NABWU.

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What a LEADER Looks Like How did we ever get the idea that all leaders look alike? Lead the same way? Have the same skills and abilities? God made us all unique for a reason. Take a moment to meet four women who serve well in their ethnic churches.

REIKO KIRSTEN (pictured top right with her family) grew up in Japan, and her family came to know Christ because missionaries came to her village to share the gospel.

Even though Reiko is Japanese, she uses her studies in early childhood education to lead the children’s ministry at First Chinese Baptist Church in Dallas. She led her church to create missions education organizations for boys and girls. Her own life story inspires others to get involved in missions.

Reiko introduced SEWASEU EGIGOU to missions education. Sewaseu serves as the children’s minister at Ethiopian Evangelical Church in Garland. Sewaseu’s church knows missions is in their DNA because it was missionaries who shared the good news of Jesus Christ with them. She finds ways to creatively infuse missions education into children’s activities at her church.

Not all leaders like to be in front of people. QUYNH-ANH NGUYEN sees herself as a “filler” and “supporter” for others in her Vietnamese church. She became the leader of the Vietnamese WMU planning group in 2017. She sees herself as a bridge between older and younger women. Even as a dentist and first-time mom, she gives of herself because she believes you must have a willingness and desire to serve. Words are often not enough. You must lead by being an example.

Any new leader feels anxious and a bit unprepared. In April, PHONSAVANH XAYKOSEE (pictured lower right) accepted the invitation to be the new leader of Laotian WMU in Texas.

She teaches adults and children in her church. Now she sees involvement in WMU as another way to serve God and share the good news she received with others.

Phon believes that leaders must be obedient to Christ and daily spend time with Him in prayer and reading God’s Word.

Her vision is for Laotian women to build their relationship with Jesus to serve others more effectively.

Four leaders. Four ways of leading. Each one serves out of their gifting and calling.

HOW ABOUT YOU? THE BRIDGE

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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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PLANS TO PROSPER “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

(Jeremiah 29:11)

ing the Bible.

Ms. Flo and Linda study

For the past 20 years, Dallas Christian Women’s Job Corps (DCWJC) has been a place where hundreds of women have found hope and experienced restoration at a time of need. Whether God brought them through the door from a time of incarceration, relational brokenness, a personal crisis, or recovery from an addiction, the little 1,100-squarefoot building on Oates Street has been a place of respite. In that little building, women were greeted by an extraordinary woman, Flo Campbell — otherwise known affectionately as “Ms. Flo.” She had such a presence, showed grace, and spoke the truth in love when needed.

Rochelle Ross was one of the DCWJC grads, and Ms. Flo saw something special in Rochelle. She challenged Rochelle, helping her grow in her leadership and administrative skills. Rochelle now serves as the site coordinator for DCWJC. Flo had to retire in 2016 due to a health crisis, and in August 2017, she went to be with her Lord and Savior.

A NEW SEASON In her memory and in honor of her service, an anonymous donor graciously gave DCWJC an extraordinary gift to construct a new building to fulfill Ms. Flo’s dream of a larger building for the ministry. The new home for DCWJC will be called the Flo Campbell Enrichment Center of Dallas Christian Women’s Job Corps. The 4400-square-foot building will allow the ministry Campbell to expand programs offered, Family with provide workspace for the building plans participants’ Prosper Candles for Flo Campbell micro business, the addition of Enrichment counseling services, and specialty Center training. The Board of Directors was able to purchase two lots just down the Rendering of street and broke ground on May 19, 2018.

Flo Campbell The organization continues to work to raise Enrichment Center $320,000 to complete the project.

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TO THRIVE 2:7 invests in young people’s lives through a holistic, Christ-centered educational and mentoring program. In partnership with Buckner, at Bachman Lake in Dallas THRIVE 2:7 pilot program was completed in spring 2018. Twenty-one high school men and women participated in the pilot program.

Students participated in classes about: ❚ Identity in Christ ❚ Healthy and unhealthy relationships ❚ Teen brain health ❚ Safe and unsafe people in relationships ❚ Life happens Stella (not her real name) shared, “I know that I am in an unsafe relationship with my friend. I am not ready to end the relationship, but now I know how to keep myself safe in the relationship. Set boundaries.” The comment by Stella may sound like a small step, but, on the contrary, it is huge!

During small group time, the students created a poster and public service announcement (PSA) for safe and unsafe relationships. The students described characteristics of safe and unsafe relationships. Of course, we threw in some friendly competition with the groups. The Shining Ladies won with best poster and PSA presentation.

Post-tests completed by the students showed an increase in knowledge, skills, and abilities concerning relationships. Research findings by the Search Institute indicate that students who have strong developmental relationships experience greater success in life after high school. The THRIVE 2:7 program structure includes the elements for strong developmental relationships.

CELEBRATION The celebration was amazing! Nineteen students graduated from the Buckner at Bachman Lake THRIVE 2:7 pilot program. Approximately 80 family members gathered in April to celebrate the students’ accomplishments.

THE PLAN Buckner at Bachman Lake will host a second pilot program. Cleburne CWJC and Nacogdoches CWJC will also host a THRIVE 2:7 program this fall.

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SAVE THE DATE

What do the boys of your church need most? They need the men of your church. Christian men are the best curriculum available to help instruct a boy or young man about how to become a man of God. Boys and young men are constantly looking to interact and receive approval from men. The best way for boys and young men to become men is to spend time doing things with Christian men. They are asking the question: “Do I have what it takes to become a man?”

ROYAL AMBASSADORS and CHALLENGERS are two organizations that encourage Christian men to spend time with the boys and young men doing missions activities and sharing God’s Word while learning about God’s mission and how He invites us to join Him in His activities. Contact me if you have any questions or would like to schedule some basic training for the leaders at your church who will be working with the boys and young men. I, as well as other leaders in Texas Baptist Men, will be glad to assist. Thank you for your prayerful attention in this matter and for all that you are doing to work with the boys and young men at your church.

In Christ’s Service, Keith Mack Texas Baptist Men (214) 275-1123 office Keith.mack@texasbaptistmen.org

ROYAL AMBASSADORS CHALLENGERS® Campout & Missions Mania Event November 9-11, 2018 Visit the following webpage for more information concerning the Campout & Missions Mania event. http://legacy.texasbaptistmen.org/ Ministries/Royal-Ambassadors/ RA-Events/Campout-Missions-Mania

REGISTER YOUR GROUP

As you get ready to kick off your 20182019 year for RA, don’t forget to register your group with the RA state office at Texas Baptist Men. Go to http://legacy. texasbaptistmen.org/Ministries/RoyalAmbassadors to register your group online.

FREE RA LEADER KNIFE for every RA Leader who registers their group (1 per group)!

NEW STARTS & TRAINING

Looking for some ideas or getting a Royal Ambassadors group started at your church?

Visit the link below: http://legacy.texasbaptistmen.org/ Ministries/Royal-Ambassadors/RAResources/RA-Materials If you would like to schedule some basic training for the RA Leaders at your church, contact Keith Mack with Texas Baptist Men at keith.mack@tbmtx.org or call 214-275-1123 office.

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A Glimpse into the Role of an Acteens National Panelist

By Allison Agthe It has been such an honor and a blessing to participate as an Acteens National Panelist for 2018. It has been even more special being the representative from Texas since the National WMU annual meeting was in Dallas this year.

th missionaries

Allison on stage wi

Allison with State President and Staff

My experience as a panelist has given me many speaking and writing engagements. This is a great honor for girls like me who love to write and speak. I’ve written 15 articles for the MAG over the span of five months and have received an honorarium each month. It feels good to be paid to write something and to be able to say you are a published writer. I loved being invited to speak at the WMU of Texas general session on a panel about cross-cultural and cross-generational missions. I was so honored as Liz Encina asked me to help with the Acteens Afterglow at the Georgetown conference. I had a blast moderating an interview with Ali Corona, Texas Baptist Hunger Relief Specialist, participating on teen panel discussions and just talking with the younger Acteens girls who were so excited to be there. They were an inspiration.

The National WMU Conference in June was nonstop, sunrise to sunset, with activities with my three fellow national panelists. I was honored to share my testimony in the general session based on WMU’s theme to “Stand Firm and Pursue God.” The other panelists and I had a great time at the SBC convention hall, enjoyed attending the WMU workshops, and attended the North American Mission Board (NAMB) lunch, which was huge. I also participated in the Idea Rodeo at the National WMU Conference, which was an exhibit hall of ideas on different ways to get involved in missions.

I spoke about how I’m launching a podcast called “American Culture Talk — in Chinese!” This is part of my newly launched nonprofit organization — the American Chinese Intercultural Friendship Society.

Through these two outreach efforts, I’m seeking to create a platform Acteens Panelists for learning, the development of personal friendships, and introducing the values and tenets of Christianity in the context of learning about American culture. Many English language learners are motivated to understand more about American customs and word choice. To understand America, you need to understand the influence of Christianity.

miko

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Allison with Ta

During my time at the national meeting, I loved getting to know the WMU leaders. During an ice cream social for the panelists, I got to spend more time with Sandy Wisdom-Martin, the executive director of national WMU, and Linda Cooper, the national WMU president. They were so friendly and encouraging to us. They also liked to joke around and have a little fun even though they were working hard all weekend on WMU business. It was great to spend time with my Texas leaders and the other panelists’ state leaders. My favorite experience of the trip was getting to know the woman who prayed for me after I gave my testimony at the general session. Janet Hoffman, a former national WMU THE BRIDGE

president, took a genuine interest in me and took the time to invest in our relationship. She didn’t have to do that, but she did because she knew the importance of “passing the torch” through encouraging the next generation of girls to live a missions lifestyle. Mrs. Hoffman was so kind to insist on being my prayer warrior and didn’t hesitate to give me her contact information.

My time as a National Acteens Panelist has been a great experience. It has been a lot of work, almost like a parttime job to keep up with my national panelist duties.

I can tell you that national panelists don’t do a lot of standing around. As Paul said in I Corinthians 15:58, we are always “keeping busy working for the Lord.” Although it has been tiring at times, it has been well worth it. It Allison with Allison with Linda former President has given me so many wonderful skills and experiences and Sandy Janet Hoffman that I will use for life. It has also created a network for me of women who are passionate about the Great Commission, wanting to invest their time and efforts into encouraging the next generation. Being around WMU members and leaders has inspired me and deepened my commitment to follow in their footsteps as God leads me.

I’m already planning for Bloom 2020 in Orlando —what a meeting that will be!

ACTEENS® UPCOMING ANNOUNCEMENTS NATIONAL ACTEENS® PANELISTS NOVEMBER 1, 2018 Texas Acteens have established a great reputation — because we have the most amazing teen girls involved in missions discipleship! For the last several years, we have had not just one but multiple Acteens selected for the National Acteens® Panel. Of course, we want to be careful when tooting our own horn, but “Toot, toot!” Our girls are awesome.

It’s that time of the year again to get ready to apply for the national panel. Encourage your juniors and seniors to apply. Here is the criteria: ■ Regularly participates in Acteens® activities ■ Participates regularly in missions projects, activities, experiences, etc.

■ Is involved in other ministries of the church besides Acteens® ■ Is an overall good student ■ Is involved in school and community activities.

Go to wmu.com/?q=article/acteens/ national-acteens-panelists to access the application. Contact the WMU of Texas office to let us know about your potential applicant before October 15.

Application deadline is November 1.

ACTEENS AFTERGLOW APRIL 5, 2019 SAVE THE DATE! Make plans to join Acteens from all over the state for Afterglow & the NextGen track at WMU of Texas Annual Meeting! Acteens registration is free. Acteens Leaders & myMISSION participants pay the registration price for Annual Meeting.

See you at First Woodway Baptist Church

While we encourage girls to be regular participants in Acteens®, keep in mind that girls who serve as Acteens staffers at GA Camp or those who are wholly committed to missions but do not have Acteens® at their church are also welcome to apply.

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LEVELS OF MISSIONS LEARNING: A MISSIONS DISCIPLESHIP PLAN If you are like me, I remember hearing people say, “If you want people to go to church, you have to start them young.” Although it is good to surround yourself with a body of believers who can encourage you, we know that true transformation goes beyond church attendance. I remember the days when we had good ‘ole Training Union on Sunday afternoons and missions groups every Wednesday. I’m always grateful for the leaders who took the time to invest in my future spiritual development.

While the structure of church may have changed, we still need leaders who are resilient and courageously obedient to teaching kids how to live out their faith. We need leaders to pass down their love for missions and show the next generation practical skills they can use to fulfill the Great Commission here and now.

As kids grow, their understanding of foundational truths grows with them. For example, how can a nineyear-old grow to learn the truth that “missions is an everyday choice to live like Jesus – it’s not just a behavior that happens on mission trips.” It begins with teaching missional truths as a little one that “God loves me, When I show kindness to someone, I am showing them God’s love.” Notice how the concepts build upon one another as a child grows.

PRESCHOOLERS (MISSION FRIENDS): God loves me and God loves people.

CHILDREN (GA, CA, RA): Learning about missions, growing in Christlikeness, and telling about God’s love YOUTH (ACTEENS, YOUTH ON MISSION, CHALLENGERS): Recognizing needs and obediently following after God Each missions group builds upon the group before. This missional discipleship process enables children to understand more about their Great Commission calling, and with each passing year, challenges them to take steps to live out their faith. In this example, kids grow each year in their understanding of God’s purpose for their lives.

REGISTER YOUR GROUP As you get ready to kick off your 2018-2019 year for GA or CA, don’t forget to register your group with the WMU state office.

To register your group online, go to https:// form.jotform.com/82146276899170.

FREE GIFT for every GA/CA leader who registers their group (1 per group)!

NEW STARTS & TRAINING Looking for some ideas to get a Girls in Action/ Children in Action group started at your church? Visit the link below: http://wmutx.org/ missions-discipleship/ preschool-children/ girls-in-action 14

If you would like to schedule some basic training for the GA Leaders at your church — contact WMU of Texas at wmutx@ texasbaptists.org or call us at 214-828-5150.

SAVE THE

DATE

WMU OF TEXAS ANNUAL MEETING & MISSIONS CELEBRATION APRIL 5-6, 2019 Calling all Age-Level leaders to join us at the 2019 annual meeting; more details to come.

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KICKING OFF A NEW YEAR IN MISSION FRIENDS® Mission Friends are happy.

Mission Friends have fun.

Mission Friends can share God’s love with everyone.

This is OUR song! We sing it every week and believe every word. We want our first encounter with our preschoolers to be so “ZOWIE!” for them that they will want to come every time we meet. You know about first impressions. You only have one chance to make a first impression. Here are some ideas for you to incorporate into your first session that hopefully will thrill their souls and create the desire to want more. Of course, this is not your whole first session. These ideas will make preschoolers happy, and they will definitely have fun! Be sure you “do your own thing” in teaching how they share God’s love with everyone. You know your group better than anyone else! *SCAVENGER HUNT — Prepare clues to guide preschoolers on a walk through your church to discover different areas. Examples: They wear diapers here (nursery); They practice singing praises to God here (choir room); They cook food here (kitchen).

*BALLOON GAMES — In advance, fill balloons with air. Play games. Examples: tap balloons and keep them in the air; carry the balloon without dropping it on a paper plate or large spoon across the room; put the balloon between your knees and hop across the floor.

*CRAFTY CREATIONS — Provide a variety of materials and supplies that allow preschoolers to create/construct whatever they want. *COMMERCIAL GAMES — Set up areas with commercially-produced games appropriate for preschoolers and let kids experience playing games together.

*CARNIVAL — Set up games around the room similar to those in a carnival and let kids experience playing. Examples: bowling (roll a ball and knock down plastic drink bottles); golf (use kiddie clubs and hit balls into a plastic drink cup); basketball (toss a ball into a laundry basket from different distances); pick up colorful pom balls with tongs and place in a container in 30 seconds; see how many blocks can be stacked without falling; and guess what is in a bag by feeling and not looking. *BUILD YOUR OWN ____ AND EAT IT — Choose a food (cookie, cupcake, ice cream scoop, pizza slice, sandwich, taco, etc.), bring items to personalize it, and build it. Then eat it up!

Wishing you a most marvelous Mission Friends year!

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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

Elida Salazar Vice President 302 E. Nueces Street Crystal City, TX 78839 Home: 830.538.7026 mseli2@aol.com

Susan Morgan Recording Secretary 10527 Minturn Lane Houston, TX 77064 Home: 281.807.4537 Cell: 281.728.5397 susan.morgan@ sbcglobal.net

Tamiko Jones Executive DirectorTreasurer 10325 Brockwood Rd Dallas, TX 75238 Office: 214.828.5150 tamiko.wmutx @ texasbaptists.org

WMU OF TEXAS BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGION 1

Brenda Bourgeois Lubbock, TX Earl Ann Bumpus Graham, TX

REGION 6

Donna Trusty Dublin, TX Barbara Springer Salado, TX

REGION 7 Lydia Nowell Longview, TX Frankie Harvey Nacogdoches, TX

REGION 8 Charlotte Wright Cedar Hill, TX Maria Saavedra Dallas, TX

REGION 2

REGION 9

REGION 3

MEMBERS AT LARGE

Martha Lay El Paso, TX Kay Kolb Midland, TX

Dalia Morin Jourdanton, TX Vanessa Quintanilla-Lerma Mission, TX

REGION 4 Ruth Hiner San Antonio, TX Edna Ramos Pharr, TX

Frankie Falkner Fort Worth, TX Naomi Key Fort Worth, TX

Pamela Loftis Houston, TX Marsh Saucier Round Rock, TX Libby Quigg Ponder, TX Ruth Nguyen Plano, TX

REGION 5 Elaine Mason Texas City, TX Pam Davis-Duck Houston, TX 16

THE BRIDGE

WMU OF TEXAS STAFF AND SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT DALLAS OFFICE

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

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

CAROLYN PORTERFIELD Missional Lifestyle Strategist for Adults & Multicultural Groups O: 214.828.5374 C: 214.668.4458 Carolyn.WMUTX@ texasbaptists.org VACANT Missional Lifestyle Strategist for Preschool, Children & Youth Groups O: 214.828.5158

ERICA ZAMORA Administrative Assistant & Office Manager O: 214.828.5150 Erica.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

THE BRIDGE

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

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

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

SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT

FACEBOOK facebook.com/wmuoftexas facebook.com/childrensmissionstx facebook.com/texasacteens facebook.com/maryhilldavis facebook.com/ufmdetexas TWITTER twitter.com/texasmissions VIMEO vimeo.com/wmuoftexas PINTEREST pinterest.com/wmuoftexas INSTAGRAM instagram.com/texasacteens WMU OF TEXAS APP

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

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You and your church can sign up to host a WorldCrafts benefit for your local CWJC/CMJC sites and your state Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministry.

Each Benefit lasts for one month.

At the end of the month, 20% of all sales generated by the benefit will go directly to your selected ministry.

Learn more at WorldCrafts.org/share.

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THE BRIDGE

PEÑITAS, TEXAS

WOMEN’S BUILD TEAM ONE I OCTOBER 21-26 WOMEN’S BUILD TEAM TWO I 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

THE BRIDGE

2018

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

OCTOBER

13 WorldCrafts Market at FBC, Burnet 14 WorldCrafts Market at FBC, Imperial 20 WorldCrafts Market at FBC Granbury 21-26 Women’s Build - Week 1 25-30 Women’s Build - Week 2 27 WorldCrafts Market at FBC, Vernon

NOVEMBER 4-5 14

WorldCrafts Market at Gregg Baptist Association WorldCrafts Market at Mobberly BC, Longview

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

WorldCrafts Market at Austin BC, Austin 14 WorldCrafts Market at FBC, Amarillo 16-18 WorldCrafts Market at FBC, Perryton 20 WorldCrafts Market at Amarillo Association 22-23 WMU offices closed for Thanksgiving holidays

FEBRUARY

DECEMBER

APRIL

2-9

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and Week of Prayer for International Missions 26-Jan 1 WMU offices closed for Christmas and New Year holidays

11-17 Focus on WMU 16 Children’s Missions Day

MARCH

3-16 Annie Armstrong Easter Offering and Week of Prayer for North American Missions 5-6

WMU Annual Meeting and Missions Celebration. FBC Woodway, 101 N. Ritchie Rd, Woodway, TX 76712