SPRINGFIELD – The Missouri Woman’s Missionary Union (MWMU) celebrated 125 years of the National Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU), 100 years of Girls in Action, and 90 years of MWMU during their Missions Celebration and annual meeting, April 4-5.
Nearly 500 people from across the state attended the celebration, which was hosted by Second Baptist Church, Springfield. During the Missions Celebration, MWMU ladies connected with like-minded women to serve in mission projects, pray for missionaries and enjoy warm fellowship with one another.
During the event, Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Director John Yeats presented MWMU with $1,964.94. The check represented just one-tenth of the amount collected over and above the goal of the Missouri Missions Offering (MMO), which MWMU serves to promote in churches across the state.
Additionally, ladies enjoyed a breakout session led by Shirley Andrus, entitled “Celebrating the History of WMU,” which highlighted WMU artifacts collected over the last century. MWMU honored emeritus missionary Veda Locke, former MWMU President Joan Dotson and retiring MWMU Board Members for their years of service.
Throughout the year, MWMU has connected with WMU nationally through our new WMU online registry program. National Ministry Consultant Jean Roberson attended the Missions Celebration and spoke on the theme from the past few years, “The Story Lives On.” Hearts connected in worship, led by Kevin Hawkins and the Second Baptist Worship Team. Ladies raised voices together, singing, “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations,” during the time-honored International Flag Processional.
MWMU ladies were also able to connect with IMB missionaries Helmer and Shannon Jensen of South Africa and Charles and Jamie Ruede of Peru. They also reconnected with retired MWMU Executive Director Alberta Gilpin, for which a special offering for MWMU is named.
The MWMU Missions Celebration always includes a commitment to pray for and give to missions as well as serve in missions. As a matter of fact, MWMU President Cherri Crump recognized 49 new MWMU groups who committed to meet in their churches.
Also, MWMU made a commitment to a new Project Help: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) awareness. During the past few years, MWMU committed to raising awareness and help for the “Human Exploitation” initiative.
To encourage MWMU in their commitment to missions, Rick Hedger and Mark Snowden, both part of the MBC’s evangelism/discipleship team, shared their vision for reaching Missouri for Christ.
The next MWMU celebration will be held April 10-11, 2015, at the First Baptist Church of St. Charles. The new theme will be “All for You, Surrender-Sacrifice-Serve.”