A Woman Destined for God's Purpose

Sheroes - My Liberian Sisters

2012-01-22T20:23:00.000-05:00

Greetings Sisters,

I have just finished reading the book, "Mighty Be Our Powers, How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Change a Nation at War" and the documentary, "Pray the Devil Back to Hell" the story of Leymah Gbowee and her Liberian Sisters. These women have become my sheroes. Their faith, actions and courage are amazing and they have become role models for women around the world. They endured through hardships I can't even imagine, saw and experienced death all around them, they were victims of violence that no woman or girl should have to experience, yet they never lost their faith. When they came together to demand peace, they knew they couldn't do it alone and enlisted their Muslim sisters. They put their differences in faith aside and worked together to save their families and their country.

I believe that when women come together, they can become peace builders and build bridges of peace around the world. Our Liberian sisters have proved that when they used their voices for peace in their country. This is why I encourage all women and girls to find their voice and use it to make a difference in their community and our world.

I use my voice to bring awareness and educate others about the issue of Human Trafficking. How do you use your voice? Leymah Gbowee says in her story that, "Sometimes, the biggest changes in your life begin in moments you barely notice while they're taking place." I believe that is true and that God has plans for women who answer his call and do all things through him who gives us strength.

I challenge you at this moment as you read my thoughts that this may be the moment where a big change will begin in your life and you will stand up for the oppression of women and girls in the United States and around the world. Use your voice for women's health issues, education for girls, economic empowerment, ending violence against women - whatever the issue might be.

As women find their voice in this world and as we come and stand together, we will be the peace builders around the world and one day all of us may experience peace and use our voices for the nicer things in life, like singing and laughter.

I encourage you to read Leymah's story and see the documentary.

Until we connect again, let us remember that we are woman, destined for God's purpose.

Blessings,

Barbara

Changes

2011-09-05T21:33:00.000-04:00

Quote for the Week: "Be the Change you want to see in the World." Mahatma Gandhi

Dear Sisters,

It has been too long since I have blogged. Well, I am back and have missed sharing my thoughts and adventures with you. I am hoping this year that my daughter (now in high school) will be a guest blogger from time to time also. I pray that you have had a wonderful summer and you are ready for a new season. I love Labor Day. I take this time to organize myself and prepare for the new year. Instead of just organizing my calendar and my to-do lists and my closets, I have put special time in organizing myself. That's right..... myself. I am one of those that tends to have a "Martha" personality and I do, do, do and because of this, I don't pay much attention to myself. Now that I am over 50, I need to take time for myself. If I am to Be the Change in this world that God wants me to be - I need to be healthy and in good physical condition. So that I what I am trying to do... I am eating healthy and exercising every day. It is hard to be disciplined but I am working on it one day a a time. By making personal changes, it will help me to be the change.

I am so excited about the opportunities that God has given me to be in leadership and ministry. I have learned so much about the issues of women around the world and in the U.S. I urge all women to learn about issues affecting women in their part of the world and to be the "change" in their neighborhood and community. I believe that women working together can make a difference and be the change. Let's reach out and extend a hand to women everywhere.

Looking forward to reconnecting again through this blog. Until we connect again, let us continue to be Women, Destined for God's Purpose.

Barbara

Count Your Blessings - February 8, 2011

2011-02-08T14:09:00.000-05:00

Dear Sisters,

How many of you grew up as a child hearing that song, "Count Your Blessings" and probably still here it today being sung at church. Count your blessings name them one by one; count your blessings see what God has done!

Life passes us by so quickly each day that I quite often don't stop and take the time to count my blessings. I am so fortunate and God takes such good care of me and my family and I am so thankful for the daily blessings he gives me each day.

This song reminds me of our sisters in Haiti. No matter what continues to happen to them, they continue to praise God and count their blessings. They are such an inspiration to me as they continue to shine their lights for Christ in Haiti. This weekend the women in my church held a Prayer Service for our Haiti Sisters and took an offering to give to the Haitian Baptist Women's Health Education Project. Women from some other churches attended and some of our Haitian Sisters in Massachusetts came out to prayer with us also. It was such a blessing to be together and to life our Haitian Sisters up in prayers. Here I was praying for them but yet I feel so blessed.

As women destined for God's purpose, let us not forget that our Haitian Sisters are destined for God's purpose too and let us lift them up so they can continue to be the beacons of light that shine brightly in Haiti.

I invite your local woman's group to have a small fundraiser and be a part of our Mission Possible Challenge to raise $30,000 for the Haitian Women's Health Education Project. Donations will be accepted by AB Women's Ministries, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA.

May you continue to count your blessings as each of you are a blessing to me.

Your Sister in Christ,

Barbara

How Do You Use Your Freedom?

2011-01-24T19:31:00.002-05:00

January 24, 2011

Dear Sisters,

This month has given me alot of time for reflection on the freedoms that I enjoy in my life. On Human Trafficking Awareness Day I was reminded of the many women and girls that have been forced or tricked into sexual exploitation against their will and who are still in bondage as they have not been rescued. On Martin Luther King's Birthday I was reminded about those who struggled for freedoms that I take for granted. I continue to read about the oppression of women and girls and how many freedoms are denied them because they female.

Yesterday was Youth Sunday at my church. Our youth shared in many ways what freedom meant to them and they challenged us how do we use our freedom? They shared with us
Galations 5:13, "It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; thats how freedom grows. (The Message).

As women destined for God's purpose, I challenge each of you in this new year of 2011 to use the freedom God has given you to serve others. Take this opportunity to educate yourself and others about one of the many issues that face women and girls in the 21st century. Whether it is giving girls an opportunity for an education, economic empowerment for women, maternal health issues, violence against women - use your freedom to give freedom to women and girls around the world.

As Christian women, God empowers us to be leaders and lights in the community. Let's put our lights together to be one bright shining light and bring our sisters out of the darkness so that they too may be part of the light.

As Women, Destined for God's Purpose - Shine Your Light Today and use your freedom wisely.

Blessings,

Barbara

Giving Thanks for Girls Around the World

2010-11-23T20:10:00.006-05:00

I am blessed to have a beautiful 14 year old daughter named Carrie. Carrie is a kind, gifted and smart young woman who gives of herself for others.Carrie received her report card today and received straight A's. Did you know that there are more than 600 million girls living in the developing world and at least 1/4 of these girls are not in school. I am thankful that my daughter is able to receive an education and has many choices for her life.

If a girl does not receive an education, she is married off at a young age, she is illiterate, isolated, pregnant and stuck in the cyle of poverty. One girl in 7 in developing countries marries before age 15. If a girl in a developing country receives an extra year of primary school it will boost her eventual wages by 10 to 20%. An extra year of secondary school 15-25%. If you give a girl an education she will have a better chance of being healthy and not having HIV. She will marry later when she chooses and raise a healthy family. When women and girls earn income they reinvest 90% of it into their families, as compared to only 30-40% for a man.

Women need to invest in giving women and girls an education. It will change their life - it will change the world. I encourage you to visit The Girl Effect website and become educated and become involved. Together, let's change the world - one girl at a time.

Visit other blogs about the girl effect at: http://wiselivingblog.com/the-girl-effect-blogging-campaign/

Blessings,

Barbara

Destination.....Home

2010-11-21T12:01:00.003-05:00

Dear Sisters,

I can't believe it has been a couple of months since I last posted a blog. From the summer into the Fall has been a worldwind of activity and travel. I write this as I sit in a hotel in Pennsylvania waiting for the shuttle to take me to the airport. This is my last trip for the season and won't be traveling again until spring.

As this is the season for giving thanks, I want to say that I am truly blessed by all of you and having the opportunity to meet so many women in my travels. A special trip for me this Fall was traveling to Salt Lake City, Utah to be with the American Baptist Women in Utah for their conference. What a wonderful group of women who give so much of themselves to make a difference in their community and around the world. Thank you Utah women for your love and hospitality. I had an awesome time.

Many of my trips this Fall were to various board meetings for ABC and AB Women. Although by the end of the meetings I am usually tired, I am also uplifted by the spirit and fellowship of others.

I am also blessed for a family who supports me in my ministry endeavors and will keep the "Home Fires" burning while I am away. I am feeling blessed to be going home today and to begin to prepare for Thanksgiving this week. God has truly blessed me and my family this year and I am thankful for all that he gives to me and my family.

May we continue to pray for our sisters in Haiti as they still struggle to have a roof over their head, have food to eat and keep healthy as disease spreads.

I wish each of you a blessed Thanksgiving and thank God for all that you do to shine a light in your part of the world. May you continue to be Women, Destined for God's Purpose.

Blessings,

Barbara
A Woman Destined for God's Purpose and to be Home....... "Home Sweet Home"

In Step With the Spirit - Walking with my Sisters

2010-08-15T13:22:00.004-04:00

Greetings Sisters,

Well, I am no longer on Hawaiian time, have lost that vacation glow and we have eaten the last bit of pineapple. Memories from a wonderful trip but God has blessed me with so much more from this experience.

As I sit and ponder about my adventure to the BWA Women's Leadership Conference in Honolulu, I have been reflecting on what did I learn and why did God give me this awesome opportunity. I was proud to represent American Baptist Women at this conference and honored to partcipate (along with our 4 lovely AB Women Scholarship recipients) in praying for our Asian Sisters. It's hard to put into words how I feel but hearing and meeting women from around the world make's feel like I am part of something bigger beyond my backyard.

I will always remember the women from Africa and their beautiful outfits and head dresses. Although we may live halfway across the world from one another, we are connected as sisters through our love of Christ and our call to empower and encourage women. I will continue to feel connected to my Asian Sisters as we lifted them and their ministries up in prayer. I celebrate with my South American Sisters as one of their own, Raquel Contreras has become our new Women's President. I will continue to lift up my Carribean Sisters and their ministries in prayer, especially my Haitian Sisters as they continue to rebuild their lives after the earthquake. As I continue to be involved in the ministry fighting human trafficking in the US, I will pray for my Eastern European Sisters as I know they are working hard in the fight also. Our new prayer partners are our sisters of the South Pacific and I will lift them up - particularly the prison ministry in the Fiji Islands and the birthing huts in Papa New Guinea.

Lastly, it was wonderful to meet and be a part of NABWU - North America Bapist Women's Union. These women were awesome and I enjoyed our day together in board meetings and learning about the work and ministries of NABWU. I look forward to my continued work with these dedicated Christian women.

So, here I am a woman destined for God's purpose walking with my sisters all over the world as we are in step with the spirit. I pray that the spirit continues to walk along side each one of you and your ministries over these next 5 years. Thank you for all that you shared with me at BWA Women's Conference and I look forward as we continue to walk together in the spirit to meet up again in South Africa in 2015.

Blessings my sisters,

Barbara

A Woman In Step With the Spirit - Kihomi Nwgwemi

2010-08-06T14:10:00.002-04:00

Dear Sisters,

One of the best parts of the BWA Women's Conference was being able to meet women from all over the world, hear their stories and build relationships with them. I
had the opportunity to meet ABC missionary to Haiti, Kihomi Ngwemi and to hear her own personal story as well as the many stories she shared about the women of Haiti.

My heart went out to her as tears came to her eyes over her love for the women of Haiti. Kihomi has not been back to Haiti since before the earthquake, as she and her husband have been on home assignment this past year. She is getting ready to return in August and has asked for prayers for her and her husband, Nzunga; and for the people of Haiti, especailly the women.

She has been in touch with women in Haiti and knows the need is great. In something so huge, where do you begin? Prayer! I promised her that American Baptist Women would be praying for her return and for her strength, wisdom and guidance in the days ahead. When she is able to access the situation and the needs upon her return to Haiti, I have asked her to let us know and that we would find a way to assist our sisters in Haiti. As the Chinese proverb states, "Women Hold Up Half the Sky" and as Christian women we are called to lift up our sisters in Haiti.

I am so glad that God gave me the opportunity to meet Kihomi - a woman with a sweet spirit and love for the Lord that she puts into action as she serves as a missionary in Haiti. She is Woman, Destined for God's Purpose.

Let us as Women, Destined for God's Purpose continue to be in step with the spirit and lift up Kihomi and the women of Haiti in our prayers.

Blessings,

Barbara

Women In Step With The Spirit

2010-07-31T03:42:00.002-04:00

Dear Sisters,

I finally have computer access while I am still vacationing in Hawaii. Attending the
BWA Women's Leadership Conference has been truly a blessing and a gift from God. To have
the opportunity to be with over 750 Christian women from all over the world has been
amazing. Sitting next to a woman from Latvia and across from a women from Spain one day at lunch. As we sit and talk and ask each other what is a major issue their women are dealing with and all of us say "Human Trafficking" shows what a huge and global issue this is but also shows what a small world it is at the same time. The issues women deal with in the
U.S.A are similar to women all over the world. Oppression of women and girls is worldwide.

The creativity and dedication of women worldwide is also amazing. Hearing stories of the ministries that women are involved with in their own communities. In Papae New Guinia women raise money to build birthing huts in the villages so women will have a safe place to go and give birth. Women from the Fiji Islands have a prison ministry that extends not only to inmates but to families and the staff of the prisons. To hear the stories of women who are destined for God's Purpose is amazing.

To experience singing and praying with women speaking many languages is truly being in step with the spirit. This opportunity has been an enriching and growing opportunity for me.
I look forward to sharing more of my thoughts and observations from the conference but for
now I will sign off as a Woman Destined for God's Purpose reflecting in Hawaii.

Aloha and Blessings,

Barbara

In Step With the Spirit

2010-07-21T20:19:00.002-04:00

Dear Sisters,

Tomorrow I am about to step out on a new adventure in Christ. I leave for Hawaii to attend the Baptist World Alliance Women's Leadership Conference, "In Step with the Spirit." Over 800 women from around the world will be in attendance. I can hardly wait to see what God has planned for me over the next several days as I make connections
with Baptist Women Leaders from near and far.

I am eager to learn and hear first hand issues facing women and girls and what I can do to make a difference in a woman's or girl's life. I look forward to new friendships, fellowship with women, and praying together to lift up women's ministries around the world. Representing American Baptist Women, I look forward to sharing how we have been involved in the issue of human trafficking, support an awesome ministry for girls and utilize the technology available to us today for ministry with women and girls.

I am ready to be "In Step With the Spirit" and be open to all that God has waiting for me in Hawaii and beyond. Please pray for me, my American Baptist Sisters attending with me and all the other Baptist Women from around the Globe as we travel to be, "In Step With the Spirit".

I hope to blog several times while I am in Hawaii to share what I am experiencing at the conference. Please visit my blog regulary over the next week to learn more about my Christian Sisters as we come together in step with the spirit to be Women, Destined for God's Purpose.

Blessings,

Barbara

Being a Woman Destined for God's Purpose and Loving It!

2010-07-12T14:52:00.002-04:00

Greetings Sisters,

As I write this post, I am with over 300 women and girls at the AB Women's Ministries Natonal Conference and AB Girls National Gathering. There is nothing better than being with a wonderful group of Christian women and girls studying the word, getting excited about mission, and just having fun and fellowship together.

I am so blessed to be the National President of this organization and to have a wonderful support system of so many great women. As I sit and chat with women from Washington State to Rhode Island, I am amazed of the stories that they share of their faith journey, what they have been called to do and their willingness to do more when they see a need.

I blessed the bus this morning as our girls left for a day mission experience to the Judson Retirement Village in Ohio. The excitement and eagerness of the girls as they were ready to leave and go out and serve. Praise God!

I have had several opportunities over the past week to share about the issues facing
women and girls who are oppressed around the world challenging women to think of how as individuals, groups and a national organization, we can reach out and bring encouragement, economic empowerment and education to women and girls. If you haven't read the book, "Half the Sky" by Nicholas Kristoff, I encourage you to do so to learn more about these issues and how you can join in the growing movement to make a difference - one woman at a time.

Thank you to all my sisters who have been so encouraging to me this week as I continue to serve as your President. As I said in my report, it is an honor and a privledge not only to serve you as President, but to be an American Baptist Woman Destined for God's Purpose.

Blessings,

Barbara

Thank You Phil

2010-06-21T18:49:00.002-04:00

Although it is the day after Father's Day - I want to dedicate this blog entry to all the Christian men out there who support the women in their lives who are doing some kind of ministry. I could not do all that I do without the encouragement and support of my husband, Phil. He is always right there beside me with encouraging words and supporting me every step of the way. I am thankful that God brought the two of us together and we have been married for 28 years.

So often I write about the importance of empowering women that we need to remember as wives, mothers, grandmothers, and friends to empower men to use their gifts in ministry too. They need to be role models for young boys and men as women do for girls.
We need to partner with men in ministry too in order for us to make a difference in our church, community and the world.

So, thank you Phil for all that you do for me to make it possible for me to be a woman, destined for God's Purpose and thank you to all the men out there who support and encourage the Christian women in their lives who are Women, Destined for God's Purpose.

Until we connect again, remember to thank the men in your life.

Your Partner in Ministry,

Barbara

Use Your Voice

2010-05-09T17:18:00.002-04:00

Dear Sisters,

Life has caught up with me since I have turned 50 and I have been busier than ever.
Great times of fellowship and opportunities to serve have been around every corner and trying to keep ministry, work and family all in balance. Not always an easy task but I know that God will see me through and give me strength to accomplish what he has called me to do.

This past week, I had the opportunity to go to Washington, DC with other AB Women from across the country and use my voice for those who do not have a voice - victims of human trafficking. I also had the pleasure of bringing my daughter Carrie with me on the trip. We had time to visit a couple of art galleries and take a duck tour around DC. Our nation's capital is such a great place to be.

Carrie and I met our American Baptist Sisters on Monday afternoon for meetings that focused on the issue of human trafficking and preparations for our meetings Tuesday on Capital Hill. We heard from a representatve of the Polaris Project, met other denominational advocates and had the pleasure of meeting our own Home Mission Society DC Director who hosted us and was so helpful. Thank you Curtis. In addition we met with the counsel from the Baptist Joint Committe who also guided us in our preparations.

Tuesday morning AB Women met briefly and then off we went to Capital Hill to meet with our senators and representatives. My friend Judy, Carrie and I met with Senator Scott Brown and a member of his staff. What a great meeting and special opportunity to share with our Senator personally the issue of human trafficking. We also had a meeting with a staff member from Senator Kerry's office who was also very helpful and knowledgeable on the issue of human trafficking.

I learned that I had a voice and that our lawmakers our interested in what we have to say. As Christian women, destined for God's purpose, we need to remember that not only do we have a voice - we must use our voice to make a difference in this world.
I urge you not to stay silent but to use your voice for what call's us to be passionate about.

Thank you to my American Baptist Sisters who made this a fabulous opportunity for me and Carrie. Thank you to Peggy for organizing the event and mostly, thank you to God for giving me a voice and giving me the courage to use it.

Until we meet again, let us share our voice with those who do not have a voice........

Your Sister in Christ,

Barbara

Life begins at 50

2010-03-21T21:45:00.003-04:00

Dear Sisters,

This week has been a wonderful and special week in my life. On St. Patrick's Day I turned 50. Many people wish to be younger and are unhappy when they hit the big
50. At 50, I feel that I have finally come in to my own, that I am fulfilling the purpose that God has been preparing me for all my life. I feel complete.

On the evening before my birthday I had a wonderful dinner celebration in Maine with my brother Billy and his wife Dawn which included two of his kids, Sara and Ben along with Devon, Ben's girlfriend. Of course my hubby Phil, Carrie and my mom were there also.

After dinner I had the priviledge of leading a Break the Chains celebration at the Court St. Baptist Church in Auburn, Maine. The women made and sold over $2500 worth of aprons to support the BTC project assisting victims of Human Trafficking. What a wonderful and inspiring group of women.

Today, my church, Trinity Baptist Church, voted to accept my proposal and today we launched a new ministry, "All Hands In" a ministry that will be working on human trafficking issues and it's first project will be to provide a safe house in Boston for trafficking victims. I am so blessed that God would use me and allow me to be a part of this ministry. I ask for your prayers during this time of start-up and preparation of "All Hands In"

So here I am at 50 feeling that God's windows of opportunities are endless and can hardly wait to see where he leads me next. I thank God for the past 50 years and all the events and experiences that have made up my life to date. That make me the person I am and I am proud to continue to be a Women of 50....Destined for God's Purpose.

Blessings,

Barbara

International Women's Day

2010-03-11T21:54:00.002-05:00

This past Monday was International Women's Day and I could not pass this opportunity to say that I am thankful for all the women in my life. Women who have been mentors, friends, pastors and family members. You are all so special.

I am particularly thankful to my AB Women's Ministries and AB GIRLS families. These two ministries lift up and empower women and girls. Each has challenged and stretched me to be a woman who is destined for God's purpose. To every Christian woman and girl, I want to challenge you on how can we make a difference in a girl or woman's life who is oppressed. How can we partner with Christian sisters in other countries to support educaton for young girls, give women economic empowerment or provide better health options for women.

Read Nicholas Kristof's column http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/08/three-proven-steps-to-advance-the-worlds-women-on-international-womens-day/ or read the book, Half te Sky. Think and pray about it.

We are creative and innovative women and if we work together, I believe we can be a part of a larger movement in assisting women out of oppression while modeling the love of Christ.

Step out with me and let us continue to empower women and girls.... destined for God's purpose.

Your Sister in Christ,

Barbara

Stepping Out in Faith

2010-02-20T12:53:00.003-05:00

Dear Sisters,

How often as Christians when we are at a crossroads or in a time of turmoil do we use the phrase that we need to "Step Out in Faith". Having a personal relationship with God, I know how important my faith is not only in times of crisis but in my daily Christian walk.

Over 2 years ago, through AB Women's Ministries, I was introduced to the horrible, violent crime of human trafficking. God has laid a burden on my heart that I need to be a voice for those who have no voice - the victims. I have become active in bringing awareness of this issue to women's groups, churches and to my community. Through my education and travels, I have learned the need for safe houses specifically for human trafficking victims and met women who want to make the vision of a safe house in Boston to become a reality. God is now telling me that it is time to take the next step and I need to "step out in faith" to begin a human trafficking ministry that will make this safe house a reality.

Tomorrow, I am meeting with my pastor and other church members to begin to write a proposal for a new ministry, "All Hands In" which for now will reside under the wings of my church (via passing board and church approval)until such time we will become our own organizaion . I envision "All Hands In" to be a ministry of ecumenical/interfaith hands coming together to bring awareness and assist victims of human trafficking through the formation of a safe house.

"Stepping Out in Faith" is easily said but my humaness brings out a fear of the enormity of this task. Can this be done? Can we raise the money? Will others commit themselves to the project? All human fears.... however, I know my God can move mountains, "For if have faith even as tiny as a grain of mustard seed, you can say unto the mountain 'move' and it will, nothing shall be impossible unto you."

As a Woman Destined for God's Purpose, I step out in faith to answer the call
God has placed on my heart to reach out to women in need, who do not have a voice, who are victimized every single day- those who are victims of human trafficking. I ask my sisters to keep me and the vision for this ministry and a safe house in your prayers.

Until we connect again - let us step out in faith together as Sisters....Who are Destined for God's Purpose.

Barbara

Enlarging our Circles......

2010-01-31T21:55:00.006-05:00

As National President, I am fortunate to have opportunities to step out of my ABC circle and attend ecumenical events. Last week I attended the Massachusetts Council of Churches Annual Meeting and yesterdayI had the pleasure of attending the board meeting of the MA/RI Church Women United. At these events I had the opportunity to share the work of American Baptist Women's Ministries.

If you know me well, you know one of the first words out of my mouth was the issue of Human Trafficking. It was good to hear what other women's ministries were advocating and human trafficking has been an issue that many of them have been involved in also. It was exciting for our circles to connect and discussions of how we possibly might join our circles together to enlarge it so we could make a greater difference in the fight against human trafficking. Can you imagine the possibilities?

This week I also started reading the book, "Half the Sky" by Nicholas Kristoff . It is about the oppression of women and how women around the world are uneducated, abused, raped and trafficked. The stories shared are of oppressed women who have risen out of their situation and have assisted other women in their circles in providing education and economic opportunities so that they may become empowered. What if we enlarged our circles to connect across the waters to assist circles of oppressed women? Christ has given us so much. We need to use the gifts he has given us to support and empower women who are oppressed. We need to show the love of Christ to them by giving them the opportunity for an education and skills for economic independence. I ask that you pray for God to show us how to connect our cirlces and make a difference to women around the world.

As Christian women, could we be destined to touch the lives of women and girls half way around the world who we have yet to meet? With Christ, the possibilities are endless - just like a circle!

Until we connect again, let us continue to be Women.... Destined for God's Purpose.

Barbara

Bless God and Take Courage

2010-01-24T21:38:00.002-05:00

I just finished reading the book, "Bless God and Take Courage, The Judson History and Legacy" by Rosalie Hall Hunt. What an inspiring and empowering story of our first Baptist missionaries. Although we always seem to focus on Adoniram Judson, after reading this book it is quite clear the important role Ann, Sarah and Emily (the 3 wives of Adoniram Judson) had in brining Christianity to Burma. All different but all had a strong faith and were willing to use the gifts that God had given each of them. They were all Women, Destined for God's Purpose......

These are the women whose shoulders we stand upon. We need to share their story, sing their song so that their legacy will not be forgotten. They were women of discipline and determination who suffered loss, endured hardships and yet had joy in their hearts to share the love of God with the Burmese people.

What can we learn from them? As Women Destined for God'sPurpose they followed their heart and their faith and it was their faith that sustained them through the good and the bad. "Bless God and Take Courage". As we follow the pathways that God leads us on our faith journey, we need to remember to Bless God along the way for good and the bad and to Take Courage as we step out in faith to new opportunities and new challenges. The pathway we take may not be the way we envision or their may be detours along the way but as I have learned, it is a part of the journey. It is not always easy to remember to "Take Courage" when we are in the midst of a detour or land in a pothole but that is when God surrounds us with his loving arms to guide us on our way.

So, as we step out tomorrow, another day on our journey as Christian women, let us remember our sisters Ann Hasseltine, Sarah Boardman and Emily Chubbuck who left us a legacy of determination and faith and they traveled the pathway to being Women, Destined for God's Purpose.

Until we connect again, Bless God and Take Courage

Barbara

All Hands In!

2010-01-16T19:30:00.003-05:00

"All Hands In" is a phrase my daughter Carrie came up with one day in the car when we were discussing what to name a possible future ministry in human trafficking that we would start. She explained that to end "Human Trafficking" everyone must lend a hand in order to be successful. After reading and watching the media for the last several days on the recent earthquake in Haiti, the phrase "All Hands In" is exactly what is needed now more than ever
to bring assistance to everyone in Haiti.

When AB Women's Ministries sent out the word that Church World Service needed Hygiene and Baby Kits - women have stepped into action. I belong to a small American Baptist Church and I immediately shared this with our Pastor and Moderator. We put a plan into action that not only
would we ask our congregation to collect the items needed, we would open this to our community and others to invite them to become involved. We have sent out emails, facebook postings, updated our website and have placed an article that will appear in our local newspaper next week. Already the response has been amazing and we have barely just begun. Collection sites and drop-offs have been put into place. Volunteers from the community have asked if they can collect items and bring them to us and teenagers have asked if they can assist in assemblying the kits and packing them.

I know that our world is filled with good but somehow we never get to see ourselves at our best. It is only the bad that comes to media attention. Why does it take a natural disaster and so much devistation to bring out the good in people?

Matthew 35:25 states, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in." As Christian women, we need to follow this message every day of our lives as Christ has taught us. Maybe the rest of the world will catch on that giving to others is much better than receiving. I have come to learn and experience that by giving out of love, God blesses me with so much more than I ever gave.

As we continue on our pathway seeking God's purpose, let us place "All Hands In" to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Let us continue to keep them in our prayers. Let us keep our hands moving in service to God and bring glory to him with giving and loving hands.

Until we connect again, let us continue down the pathway together as Women.... Destined for God's Purpose.

Blessings,

Barbara

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

2009-12-20T18:24:00.003-05:00

For the past two weeks, the chaos of Christmas had arrived in my home. In addition to our everyday schedules of work, school and Carrie's extracurricular activities, I have been working hard to meet deadlines for AB Women and preparing information to send out for our church's human trafficking events in early January. In addition, there has been cookie baking, holiday parties, presents to buy, Christmas cards to address and decorations to put up. We finally purchased a tree the other night and we decorated it yesterday. Where was the reason for season in all of these activities these past 2 weeks?

Christmas means different things to people. At 3:00 am this morning, the feeling of Christmas had finally arrived within me. I was sitting up in bed, listening to the wind and snow hit the windows. It was dark and quiet and I felt an inner peace inside of me. Although the weather was wild outside, I felt safe and secure in my bedroom. I imagine that is how Mary and Joseph felt the night Jesus was born. After traveling a great distance and Mary giving birth, they were safe and secure in the stable with baby Jesus knowing that God was watching over them. It is that inner peace that God gives me that is my Christmas present. The time I spent at 3:00 am this morning with God was special. I prayed and I listened. Wonderful memories of the past filled my head. The chaos of Christmas was finally gone and the true season has begun for me.
Jesus is truly the reason for the season.

As Christmas day draws near, I pray for each of you that you will find the true meaning of Christmas inside your heart and you will feel an inner peace amongst all the chaos around us in the world. As Women Destined for God's Purpose, let us take this time to reflect and be thankful for the gift of Jesus, born in a manger, Savior to the world.

Christmas blessings and Peace on Earth,

Barbara

A Cry for Freedom: Let Freedom Ring for Victims of Human Trafficking

2009-12-13T20:57:00.002-05:00

The title of my blog today is the theme my pastor and I have selected for our services for Human Trafficking Awareness Day in January. You are probably wondering why in the middle of the Christmas season I have decided to write about Human Trafficking. Human Trafficking Awareness Day is January 11th. It comes so quickly after the holidays that I want to alert everyone now so they can think about what they can do to bring awareness on that day.

I am so lucky to have a supportive pastor and a church who supports my passion for this ministry and has become involved in my desire to bring this issue to our community. On Sunday, January 10th our morning worship will be devoted to this issue and that evening, we will have a prayer service and candlelight vigil on our front lawn. We will be decorating our church on New Year's day with purple lights, purple ribbons and a banner for our community to see. We will follow-up with flyers, and articles in our town newspaper so that the community will learn about the issue and understand as Christians, we have taken a stand to become involved.

What can you do to bring awareness on this issue to your church and community? I don't expect everyone to go to my extreme with purple lights, but can you imagine how cool it would be if we could get all the churches across the country to place purple ribbons on their doors and pray for this issue? How powerful that would be! Go to the AB Women's Ministries, Break the Chains website, www.abwmbreakthechains.org and you will find a variety of ideas that you can do with your church to make a difference and bring awareness on a variety of different levels.

During this season of giving, let us remember the victims of human trafficking who are still enslaved waiting to be rescued? Let us continue to work towards bringing freedom to all of them so that they too may enjoy the season of giving. God gave us his son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Let us, as Christian Women, bring the love of Christ into our community and the world, and break the chains of human trafficking, one link at a time.

May you continue to shine your light for Christ this Christmas season as we continue to be Women... Destined for God's Purpose.

Blessings,

Barbara

Telling the Story this Christmas Season!

2009-12-06T20:14:00.003-05:00

Well, I have started bit by bit putting the Christmas decorations up around the house. It is beginning to look alot like Christmas at the Anderson house. Looking through the decorations can bring back many memories. As a child, one of the most favorite parts for me was to set-up our creche. As I look through my decorations, I come across my first nativity, all the figurines were ceramic and done in mother of pearl. I made it in ceramics when I was first married. This creche has been with me now for almost 28 years.

After we brought Carrie home from China, I knew that our family needed a new creche so she would be able to touch it and set it up like I did when I was a child so we purchased a new family creche with figurines made of sturdy wood. A good creche for little hands.

Through the years, I have continued to add to our family creche collection. I have a small handmade one from Mexico and a small hanging nativity ornament from South America both purchased at Green Lake. A special friend gave me a beautiful Mary and Joseph made by Jim Shore as a gift when I graduated with my Masters. That same friend gave me a beautiful nativity scene music box when I became President. I am still looking for an Asian creche in honor of Carrie's heritage and culture that she brings to our family.

Each creche is unique and holds special memories for our family but yet they all tell the same story of the most important event - the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ and that is the reason for the season.

It use to be that you would see the creche in each community, usually somewhere in the center part of the town. It's a shame that most communities have stopped displaying their creches, afraid of offending those who are not believers.

As Christians, we need to tell the story now more than ever. We need to compete with all the TV ads, Christmas specials (that don't tell the story) and more that this time of year has become to remind those around the world the true meaning of Christmas - to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

So as we set-up the creche in our homes and churches this season, let us remember the creche is the center of it all - it tells the story of that night, how Mary and Joseph traveled by donkey to Bethlehem and because there was no room at the Inn, Mary gave birth in a stable and on that night, our Lord and Savior was born. As Women, Destined for God's Purpose, let us continue to tell the story not just at Christmas but throughout the year.

Blessings until we connect again.

Your Sister in Christ,

Barbara

Humbleness

2009-11-29T14:58:00.003-05:00

Dear Sisters,

Sorry I have missed a few weeks of writing and sharing. Two weeks ago, I was in Valley Forge at the ABC General Board Meetings and then the Thanksgiving holiday was here. I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday with family and friends that also provided a time of relaxation and restoration.

Over the holiday weekend, I was relaxing at home and watching TV. On Friday, I tuned into the CBS Morning Show and stopped to listen to Susan Boyle sing her signature song, "I Dreamed A Dream". Less than a year ago, Susan Boyle was a nobody, singing in her church choir, and today everyone knows her story of stardom. When being interviewed, Susan was asked, "How do you feel now that you have achieved your dream?" She quietly looked up and said,
"I feel humbled". It was the last thing that I expected her to say. This woman of faith was certainly was not a "nobody" in Christ's eyes and is living out Ephesians 4:2, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

God has given Susan an incredible gift which she has used for his glory for many years in church and at the age of 48, God decided to use Susan in a new and big way and she is humbled by this.
She has been patient and waited upon the Lord and look how this quiet, unasuming faithful woman has reached a new destination for God's purpose. What an example she is for myself and others.

I am also truly amazed at the opportunities that God has given me and am humbled by the way he has utilized me for his ministry. It was no accident that God placed the issue of human trafficking in my heart and as I stepped out in faith, he has used me in ways I would have never dreamed. I am also humbled to be National President of AB Women's Ministries and I am grateful for all the challenges and blessings that come with it. As we humble ourselves before Christ, we will receive the dreams that he has planned for us which continue to mature us as Christian leaders who are, Women... Destined for God's Purpose.

Blessings to you and your ministry until we connect again,

Barbara

What Kind of Leader Are You?

2009-11-09T13:42:00.005-05:00

Dear Sisters,

Fall is flying by and the holiday season is soon upon us. On Saturday I attended my local AB Women's Association meeting being hosted at my home church. It was nice to fellowship
and chat with friends and not have to lead a meeting. At the end of the meeting, I instinctively headed to the kitchen and started drying dishes and cleaning the kitchen. Something I am sure that is familar to all of us. As I was chatting with a friend who was washing dishes, someone came in and commented that the National President was drying dishes. I just smiled and laughed but the comment stuck with me throughout the day and made me think about what a leader is and what kind of a leader I want to be.

When I think of Christ, his life and leadership style modeled being a servant. He washed the disciples feet at the last Passover meal. This is the type of leader that I strive to be. It is natural for me to want to serve others and when you need a hand in the kitchen, then that's where you will find me. As Christian leaders, we serve wherever God calls us to serve - no matter what the task may be. Granted, some tasks are better than others but all are equally important. We lead by example and I hope that as I lead AB Women's Ministries I will be a good example for others, especially to my daughter and other AB GIRLS who are on the pathway to becoming leaders themselves.

As National President , I have many opportunities to grow and serve others using the gifts that God has given me. In addition, I will also experience many challenges along the way. When my term as President is completed, I will hopefully be a more skilled and confident leader but I also know that being a servant leader will always be at my core and at the end of the day, when I have finished drying dishes at church, I will still continue to be a Women, Destined for God's Purpose.

I pray that God will be with you as you lead this week and continue down your pathway of being a Women, Destined for God's Purpose.

Blessings,

Barbara

The Power of Prayer across the Waters

2009-11-03T14:39:00.003-05:00

Dear Sisters,

Yesterday was Baptist Women's World Day of Prayer. I have never participated in this event before so I decided to have a prayer service this past Sunday evening on the eve of this event. What a special and powerful evening. I hosted the event at my church and about 18 women attended, mostly from other churches. The youngest attending was thirteen and the oldest was in her nineties.

I had women pray for specific prayer requests from our Baptist Sisters around the world. An Asian Sister and friend prayed in chinese for our Asian Sisters. I set-up a prayer walk in my church sanctuary, one station for each of the 7 Baptist Women's Unions, and as music played in the background, we walked around the sanctuary praying for our sisters. We created a paper prayer chain with our prayer requests that we held at the end of the service when we closed in a prayer circle. I was so moved praying with my sisters but also to know as we were praying for Baptist women around the world, they were also praying for us. I realized that prayer not only connects me to Christ but it also connects me with women around the world that I do not even know but we are bonded through the love of Christ.

As I prayed for our Sister Unions, many of them had the issue of human trafficking on their prayer list - a horrible and violent issue that bonds us in sisterhood as we work together to break the chains of human trafficking one link at a time. Another issue that was similar to our concerns was women and children in poverty. It's clear that no matter where we live in this world there is always a need and Christian women unite to answer God's call to assist those in need wherever they call home.

I want to continue to feel the connection of women praying for women so I have decided that every Sunday evening at 9:00 pm - wherever I may be - I will be praying for my American Baptist Sisters around the country, for our Region Presidents and Officers and for our National Board and Staff. I invite you to pray with me during that time also and feel God's presence but also know that I am praying for you - Women.... Destined for God's Purpose.

Your Sister in Christ,

Barbara

Communication in the 21st Century

2009-10-26T19:28:00.003-04:00

This weekend I moved further into the technological age as my family updated our cell phones and data plan. It used to be just called a telephone bill.... I now have the capability to text, check emails and update my status on Facbook mobile. Notice that I said, I have the capability of these communication options but I am not actually using them yet. I am at the mercy of my 13 year old daughter to teach me how to use these new communication tools. Do these tools actually keep the lines of communication "open" or is it just another way to avoid connecting "one on one" with people in person? With almost everyone having an email account, does anyone write personal notes anymore? Have we lost the personal touch?

I must admit that I am a Facebook groupie and I enjoy connecting with all my ABW Sisters across the country. In the 21st century having may forms of communication is important to reach women and girls in a variety of ways but we need to make sure that we do not lose those who are not connected electronically and we do not forget the importance of the personal touch in building and maintaining relationships in ministry.

Fortunatley, some things in life remain constant and communicating with God remains the same - PRAYER. We do not need any fancy phones, computers or other gadgets to talk with our Lord and Savior. We can pray any time of day wherever we are. He is always there to listen and hear our prayers. The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing or we can sing our prayers as in the Psalms. However, we need to remember that God is waiting for our call and wants to be in daily conversation with us.

As Women...Destined for God's Purpose let us remember the personal touch in building relationships with women and girls and in our busy lives, God is just a prayer away - no electronic gadgets required.

Blessings until we connect again.

Your Sister in Christ,

Barbara

Seeds of Friendship

2009-10-21T16:31:00.001-04:00

Sorry it has taken me so long to return to the wonderful world of blogging. The mid-Fall crunch got the best of me and hopefully, I am back on track. My first AB Women’s Executive Board meeting was a wonderful experience. I could feel the presence of God with us throughout the weekend. I felt exhilarated, tired, energized, drained, and happy during the time we shared together. The best part - the relationships. It was wonderful being with my sisters in Christ who are so gifted and have so much to share. I feel that I have become so much closer with them and we have begun to build lifelong friendships. We had team building opportunities throughout our time together and at one point during the weekend, I was the bacon in a submarine sandwich and the next day I was Queen of Abolition – how awesome is that!

Relationships are a vital part of any ministry, organization, or whatever we do in life. Whether it is the people you are reaching or those you are serving with, you need to connect with one another and build relationships. Christ was relational in his ministry and shows us that we need to reach out to one another because of the love he has for us.

I passed on “Seeds of Friendship” to my AB Sisters at our board meeting and I left knowing that many seeds were planted that weekend and some were taken home to continue to plant and grow more relationships within AB Women’s Ministries. So, in closing I challenge you to continue planting seeds of friendship and we will continue to build, grow and harvest relationships with women and girls and together we will be Women/Girls…. Destined for God’s Purpose.

Your Sister in Christ,

Barbara

Fall is Here!

2009-10-07T16:22:00.002-04:00

Dear Sisters,

You can tell when Fall has arrived. Everything that stopped over the summer has started up again and you are now in full swing with a full calendar of meetings and events and there is no rest for the weary.... That is how I am feeling right about now. I leave tomorrow for my first
National Executive Board meeting. I am very excited to be with my AB Sisters and know we have much to do. I ask prayers for me as I lead this meeting and prayers for my sisters as they travel to Valley Forge. I ask for God's guidance as we discern, plan, and strategize for the future of AB Women's Ministries.

Blessings to all of you and the ministries that you are a part of this Fall season as we continue
Women...Destined for God's Purpose.

Until we connect again (and I will have more time to write....),

Your Sister In Christ,

Barbara

SOS - Saving our Sisters

2009-09-28T09:40:00.002-04:00

Dear Sisters,

How I love being an American Baptist Woman and enjoyed the fellowship with my sisters in Massachusetts this past Saturday. Our theme for the day was "Mission Exploration" and it was awesome to see and hear about the many ways women are involved in and support missions.

As I read about the history of our Sisters who have come before us, I realize that our strong commitment to missions stems from them. According to the September 2001 edition of the American Baptist Quarterly, as far back as 1861 women from various denominations formed the Women's Union Missionary Society of America for Heathen Lands. During that time period, "Women in other cultures could not receive medical treatment from a male missionary, and U.S. mission agencies wouldn't send single women as missionaries. Women were dying unnecessarily, both physically and spiritually."

For years women have answered God's call to reach out and help women. As I would call it, S.O.S. - Saving our Sisters. Through women raising funds to send women out into the fields as missionaries and also through collecting supplies, we have connected with our sisters locally and around the world.

Whenever there has been a need, American Baptist Women have stepped up to answer the call. White Cross and Love Gift are two great examples that still continue today through the involvement and support of American Baptist Women.

We continue to have the vision and compassion as our earlier sisters did for women in need and this has certainly been demonstrated through our Break the Chains Project - raising funds and awareness about the issue of Human Trafficking. To date, over $402,000. has been raised surpassing our goal of $250,000. Many women have heard God's call to speak out for women and children who are victims of trafficking and do not have a voice. Currently it is estimated that there are 27 million enslaved worldwide, 75% are women. Human Trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world, second only to drugs.

Women need to continue to become involved in this issue and get our churches and communities involved too. It is up to all of us to respond to the cry of women and girls (SOS - Saving our Sisters).

I ask that you remember to pray for women and girls who are victims of human trafficking and for the opportunities that God may be leading me and you, and like our sisters before us, to respond to the needs of women and girls across the street and around the world.

Remember, I am praying for you as you continue on your journey as Women... Destined for God's Purpose.

Blessings,

Barbara

Standing on the Shoulders of Those That Came Before

2009-09-20T17:12:00.000-04:00

September 20, 2009

Dear Sisters,

Through the years I have been fortunate to have many mentors in my life. My mom has been a mentor to me and has been there for me in all stages of my life. My friend Judy was the one who invited me to participate in AB Women and she has also been another important mentor to me. However, one mentor that I fondly remember is my second grade Sunday School teacher, (from the FBC of Peekskill, NY) Mrs. Pidgeon. Mrs. Pidgeon always took a special interest and caring in me and it is with her that I accepted Christ as my Savior. She has always continued to have a special place in my heart although I haven't seen her in almost 40 years. I wonder if she had any idea the important role she played in my christian journey?

I wonder if Helen Barrett Montgomery or Alma Noble ever realized their vital role in our denomination, especially their influence on women and girls? They have been an inspiration to so many and have paved the way for many of us to live out God's Call. As Rev. Betty Wright-Riggins puts it, we are "Standing on the Shoulders of Those that Came Before" and I am thankful for each one of them and the role women have had in our American Baptist denomination. Because of many faithful Christian women through the years, we have a strong and empowering AB Women's Ministries today.

At my church this morning, Trinity Baptist in Arlington, MA, we celebrated American Baptist Women's Sunday. We celebrated and lifted up Trinity women leaders who have been an inspiration to us; we empowered Trinity women of the present to continue their journeys as they are Women....Destined for God's purpose; and lastly, we encouraged our young women and girls, promising to mentor them as we have been mentored so as they step out and begin their faith journey, they will be able to stand on our shoulders.

As women, we need to remember to tell the stories of Christian Women leaders that have come before us so that their memory and legacy will continue for future generations. We also need to say thank you to the women around us who have been an inspiration and faithful Christian servants. Lastly, we need to look around us and reach out to our young women and girls who are our future. They are looking to us for guidance, wisdom and strength as they prepare to step out into the world answering God's call.

There is a lyric from a song by Ray Boltz that says, "Thank you for giving to the Lord, I was a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am so glad you gave" and as I end this post, I want to say "thank you" to all the women that have touched my life. Because of you, my life was changed.

Until we connect again, let us to continue to "Stand on the Shoulders of those we came before" as we continue to strive to be Women, Destined for God's Purpose.

Blessings,

Barbara

The Start of the Journey

2009-09-14T20:24:00.000-04:00

Monday, September 14, 2009

Dear Friends,

On July 30th, I was installed as National President of AB Women's Ministries. I am so proud to represent a ministry that is dedicated to providing vision, training and resources to women and girls in American Baptist Churches across the country. I have been active in AB Women's ministries for 15 years, first serving on the AB Women's region board in Massachusetts and then becoming the President of Massachusetts in 2001. Through the years, I have been mentored by AB women and made so many friendships along the way.

As I embark on this new pathway as National President, I thought I would share my journey with all of you as I meet women from across the country and around the world. I hope to have great stories to share, information that I have learned along the way, and also a place to ask for your prayers as I become challenged and stretched striving to fullfill the purpose God has for me.

In addition, I also hope to use this blog to continue to bring awareness to the issue of human trafficking. This has become a ministry priority for AB Women across the country who have raised over $402,000 to fund grants for ministries that are working in the area of human trafficking.

So, let us begin together the start of the journey as we all strive to become
Women... Destined for God's Purpose.

Blessings until we connect again.

Barbara