“Ripples”

Fall 2004

American Baptist Women's Ministries

Great Rivers Region

American Baptist Churches

PRESIDENT

Marilyn Oaks 217/ 632-7248
327 Elm Lane N68GD71@aol.com
Petersburg, IL 62675

Dear Sisters in Christ:

Again, I was blessed to be your representative on the National ABWM Board at the Green Lake Conference Center, July 19-23 and to be a delegate at the National Women's Conference July 24-31. I served as Hospitality Chairman for the board and led their “Mixers for Fun”. I led a workshop of four sessions during the conference and served as an “Auctioneer” for the AB Girls auction fundraiser. We netted $5,479.50. WHAT FUN!

Nat'l Confernce was WONDERFUL, with Carolyn Gordon bringing our Bible Studies, and a talented dramatist Teri-Bell Peacock, portraying the comedic “Viney-Rae”, a moving depiction of Mary, Mother of Jesus and the Woman at the Well.

The good news at board meeting was that we are now operating “in the black”, having overcome a huge deficit, but I was dismayed that they annual report showed only SIX Vital partners for Vital Ministry in the whole GRR! Surely some of you dedicated ladies could pledge at least a small amount monthly to National support. I even have coupon books to facilitate sending in your monthly amount. ANY AMOUNT HELPS!! Please consider this!! (The national board alone gave $1949.25 to Nat'l support during their July meeting.)

During the LOVE GIFT luncheon, GRR was awarded a certificate and a “love angel” for having an increase in giving over last year. A PROUD moment! I hope we can do even more in 2004 and make our $55,000 goal. However, we were NOT on the recent ABW list that showed regions who have increased giving in the first 6 months of this year. Something you MIGHT do is to put all the dollar bills you get with the letters “L” or “G” on them in the Love Gift box! Isn't that where they belong ?? We're sure to go “Over the Top!”

As you know, our new theme countries are Spain and Portugal. Rosa Salcedo and Isabel Sanchez were our international guests at Nat'l Conference. They told of their work in Spain. Hilda Smith and I also sat in on their workshop to gain more information. An attractive book on these countries is available free through www.international ministries.org or by calling 1-800-222-3872. There is also a display kit for $25 and a video will soon be available.

God bless all of you wonderful AB Women, as you continue “Keeping Balance While the World Turns”. FIND YOUR FOCUS!

COOR. OF CHURCH & COMMUNITY MINISTRIES:

Marlene Andoe 630/ 552-8791
701 East Prairie
Plano, IL 60545-1261 ma55@prairienet.com

I am at the Region Board meeting at Springfield planning for GRR Convention, Oct. 8-10 at Bloomington. The ABWM Breakfast is planned and please make every effort to come.

I was at Green Lake this summer and was able to meet Carole Moore, National Coordinator. She is going out of office and our new National Church and Community is Rev. Betty Rae Taylor, 1721 W. Glendale Ave., #1064, Phoenix, AZ 85021, e-mail- pastorgettyrae@msn.com .

More and more we see great growth entering every community. It reminds me of Matt. 9:37. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. We all have work to do in our hometowns and at each church.

Keep faith and help to bring your community and church together.

COOR. OF PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRIES:

Joan Leitzen 309-827-347-1309
1309 Blackstone
joan.leitzen.H8F2@statefarm.com
Bloomington, IL 61701

IT'S COMING!

Yes, Fall is coming and it is my favorite time of the year. Area III is hosting the GRR Convention at the Radisson here in Bloomington, October 8,9 & 10. Check your Mainstream. Don't forget the AB Women's Ministry breakfast on Sunday morning at 8:00 AM. Hope you can attend.

I know you are all planning or have underway your programs for your AB Women's Ministries for 2004-05. If you may need any assistance in program planning please contact your Personal Development Coordinator of your area as they have ideas and are willing to assist. They are:

Area I Sharon Farral, 3413 4 th St., East Moline, IL 61244-3475 sharonwant2ry@aol.com

Area II Edna Scoggan, RR#1, Box 104, Timewell, IL 62375 ednas@adams.net

Area III Joyce Cannon, 1255 Greenbush Rd, Avon, IL 61415 cantrop@avonil.net

Area IV Shirley Rogers, 619 Sunrise Dr., Sullivan, IL 61951

Area V Joan Biciocchi, 906 Illinois Ave., South Roxana, IL 62087

You're A Doll

After she had given him a drink, she said, “I'll draw water for your camels too, until they have finished drinking.” So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels. Gen. 24:19-20 Nothing makes you like other human beings so much as doing things for them. Zora Neale Hurston

I often respond to those delightful ladies who always seem to live with a spirit of excellence with the words, “you're a doll!”

You're a doll when you deep peace in tumultuous situations – when you're cheery and helpful to others. When you actively seek to do good. Dolls are not necessarily delicate, as are some of their miniature playtime counterparts, but rather hardworking kind spirit. Dolls are pleasantly supportive, generating positive energy. They are constant a source of encouragement. Dolls stand out because of their commitment to create a bright and cheerful atmosphere. They are always noticeable, like beams of bright sunlight in dark spaces.

Dolls have sunny dispositions, and their optimistic attitudes are the composition of their foundations. Dolls have generous spirits and do for other people without wanting anything in return. They are charming and delightful, innocent and easygoing ladies.

Do you see what being a doll is distinctive goal. All of us are dolls sometimes. But the challenge is to live the life of a doll all the time. It is a worthy goal. The next time you see a lady who fits this description just smile and say, “You're a doll!” Then try to be just like her.

Associate for White Cross

Barbara J. Dorsey 217-742-5883
22 S Maple St. waas@irtc.net
Winchester, IL 62694

Greetings,

Isn't it exciting to be a vital partner in ABW Ministries! I hope the enthusiasm is still there from conference in June, it was a great one. Thank you all for the wonderful response for the White Cross workshop supplies. Art from Hudelson and Barbara from Friendship House were overwhelmed wit the materials they were able to take home with them. Thanks also to all those who sorted and bagged the items.

By now, most of you should have received your requests for 2004-2005 White Cross. We have 3 new recipients this time: Broderick United Christian Center, West Sacramento, Ca, Edna Martin Christian Center, Indianapolis, In. and Curtis Park Community Center, Denver, Co. All these will accept cash. Haiti and Congo will be receiving our Overseas cash quota. Remember, you do not have to have an active ABWM group to do White Cross. Our churches reporting were down to 24 and the requests are large. Every church should consider accepting some requests, all you have to do is contact your Area White Cross Associate. Get all your members involved, men's groups, youth, and Sunday School classes. It can be great fun when we work on projects together. You can get information about the centers from the website ( www.abc-usa.org ), then go to NM and INM. It is always more interesting when we know about where our supplies are going.

Thank you for your dedication to our missionaries and their work through White Cross! STAY POSITIVE and REMEMBER, WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE, WE CAN DO IT!

Associate for Love Gift and Project Promotion

Dorothy Middleton 309-692-5006
913 W. Broadmoor St middkees@cs.com
Peoria, IL 61614

Love Gift

Over half the year is over for our Love Gift offering and unfortunately we are not half way toward our goal of $55,000 for 2004. I am sure that after the summer break in most of our ABW groups, that we shall increase our giving for these last months and meet our goal. Remember to get all money for 2004 into your church treasurer so that it can be forwarded before Dec. 31 st . There has been a problem with Love Gift funds not being reported correctly, so check with the local church treasurers so that it is reported on line 2 of the “Monthly Mission Support” form.

Our Love Gift is a gift over and above our regular offering to God's mission and our denomination is looking for us to show that extra care.

Regional Project

Our Special Regional Project will aid two areas in our International Ministry. We are hoping to raise $20,000 with $10,000 going to a health center in the Congo and $10,000 to a Conference Center in Haiti. Both of these projects are extremely important as we reach out to our sisters in situations where our money can provide the hands, feet, and heart for the needed support of women in trying circumstances.

In the Congo, a much needed ministry to women suffering from AIDS, rape, and victims of brutalization is being carried on by Bill and Ann Clemmer. In Haiti, Mabudiza and Kihomi Nzunga are working with women at the Haiti Conference Center to make them self sufficient and better able to serve their families.

I hope it is possible for a video to be available about the work the Clemmers are doing in the Congo. I will notify each Area Associate for Project Promotion when it is completed.

Be sure that all offerings for this project are sent to your Area Treasurer so she can send it to Sharon Wear our ABW GRR Treasurer, 13217 Copper Kettle Ct., St. Louis, MO 63146 before April 31 st .

COORDINATOR OF CONFERENCE

Rebecca Davis 618-251-5812
425 Illinois Ave. hazelcat@charter.net
South Roxana, IL 62087

“Walking Life's Tightrope” – 2003

“Don't Fall Off Life's Merry-go-Round” – 2004

“Is Your Life a Juggling Act?” – 2005

Do you see a pattern? In working with our National theme “Keeping Balance…” the conference committees for the past two years have taken us across life's tightrope & encouraged us to hang on to life's merry-g-round when it slows down or spins out of control.

In 2005, we will complete this theme with the focus on juggling the many aspects of our lives – children, husbands, jobs, church work, volunteer projects, friends, parents….time for ourselves.

We're hard at work planning the 2005 conference while still enjoying the blessings & excitement received this year. From Bible study to special music to our guest speakers, the ice cream social, old time camp meeting & nite owl activities, the 2004 conference is now recorded in the history books as a great time. A special note of appreciation is sent out to those who stepped in & provided last minute assistance when June Hamblen, our National Officer (Midwest coordinator) was unable to be with us. God has certainly blessed the GRR with a wealth of talented, willing to serve ladies. Thank you all.

Next year? Just look at what we already have lined up: Bible study leader will Rev. Francine Stark. Many of you will remember Francine attending conference for several years as the chaplain from Maywood Retirement Village. Francine now serves as Associate Pastor at 3re Baptist Church, Chicago. Our National Officer will be President Lois Chiles from Kansas who will present our installation service & morning devotions as well as other programs. Maybe most 4exciting of all – Kihomi Nzunga, missionary to Haiti & recipient of one-haof of the 2004-2005 special project will be with us for the weekend. Those who know Kihomi love her to pieces & we are sure you will also.

Along with our favorites, the swap corner, ice cream social, nite owl activities, special music, exciting Friday night program, World Wide gifts, old friends & new, this promises to be a GREAT conference. Prices remain the same as 2003 - $130 for 5 meals & 2 nights lodging. Mark your calendars (June 17 – 19, 2005) & save your nickels – you don't want to miss this conference. See you there!

COORDINATOR OF MISSION AND SERVICE MINISTRIES

Sharon Farral 309-755-7516
3413 Fourth St sharonwant2ry@aol.com
East Moline, IL 51244

Our new National Special Interest Missionaries list was sent to your church in April. International missionaries remain the same for 5 years. However, the Ross family serving in Poland, has volunteered to return home.

Our missions financial needs are great. Please promote World Mission Offering this fall. If each person would give just $5.00 more the monetary problems would be solved. Out of financial problems has come a plan for Missionary Partnership Teams. Over the next 7 years each missionary family, with the help of IM, will develop their own personal support system (a church, group of churches or region). This is a great opportunity for our churches to become more connected with our missionaries.

Please print and post missionary journals where your congregations will see them.

Our geographic study this year is Spain and Portugal. National Ministries has a good introductory booklet. General study theme is ‘HIV/AIDS', Learning to Love. Leaders' Reader and ABC web sites have good information.

In April I participated in a Home Mission Active Team trip to Deyo Indian Baptist in Oklahoma. Such a blessing! I urge you to be a volunteer when you have opportunity.

In July I was part of the ABW Ministries National Ministries Mission Encounter to Alaska. We visited our Christian Centers in Cordova and Kodiak and worshiped with our ABC church families in Fairbanks and Anchorage. I would love to share this blessing with your women's groups or churches. Please contact me.

ASSOC. FOR STUDENT AID

Jean Livingstone 217-546-7781
341 South Durkin Dr.
Springfield, IL 627904

Our scholarship goal of $10,000 was not reached. The grand total for student aid, from 2003 to July 2004 was $8,559.06.

Brochures and applications have been updated and sent to all area association for their convenience and information. NOTE: I have an address change. Be sure the old ones are updated or destroyed. If requests are made in your area – Xerox applications (saves on mailing).

ABW Ministries in GRR are urged to support scholarship recipients. Inform everyone in your church of the Sally Peck's scholarship fund.

Any money for scholarships, send to area treasurer who will send the money to the regional treasurer. Remember that application forms must be in by April 1, for the following year. The new goal is $10,000.00.

Seminary Students	College Students
Area 5 – CBT Seminary Erica R. Ashburn 3833 NW 85 th Terrace, Apt. K Kansas City, MO 64154	Jeffrey A. Maulding C P O 543 11 51 N. State St. Elgin, IL 60123 Judson College – Area 3
Area 1 – NBT Seminary Cheryl Henson 963 N Etnyre Terrace Oregon, IL 61061	Nancy Hubbs 1039 W. State St. Jacksonville, IL 62650 Judson College – Area 2
Area 1- NBT Seminary Marjorie Huffstutler 412 Bradshaw Dixon, IL 61021	Jami Dyke 105 Welton Ct. E. Peoria, IL 61611 Judson College – Area 4

ASSOCIATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS

Carol Garver 217-446-0995
1815 Syrcle Dr. artzycarol@aol.com
Danville, IL 61832

This summer 12 adults from my church had the privilege of serving as Short Term Missionaries in Thailand. We learned many things about our mission work there. We also feel in love with the people, the missionaries, and their families. Our ABW Ministries theme for the year is HIV/AIDS. Thailand has been deeply touched by this terrible illness. Our missionary work has responded to the needs. We would love to come and tell you their stories. It is exciting but heartbreaking. We also brought back crafts made by Ahka women and girls at the New Life Center. Their handiwork is beautiful. If you would like for some of our group to give a special program at your church or group, please contact me.

While we were in Thailand, communication was a real problem. We wanted to get to know the people but were limited by language barriers. Even when we speak the same language, real communication is a challenge. Do we get the word out about our meetings? Do women feel welcome when they do come? Do we look at what we do from a new person's perspective? Are we user friendly?

You can help by getting these articles into the right hands. Email your officers. Use the missionaries' emails as openers for your meetings. Put up colorful posters. Take pictures of events and post them so that the whole church knows what wonderful things our AB Women are doing. Begin now to talk about conference in June.

TREASURER:

Sharon Wear 314-878-8287
13214 Copper Kettle Court
St. Louis, MI 63146

As the first item of business for me as region treasurer, I'm happy to report the amount of money we collected at the ABW Ministries Conference in June.

Rainbow Acres $745

Special Project $639

Student Aid $601

General Fund for Region $876.75

Love Gift $645.25

I think we did fantastic and all concerned parties are grateful! We did not reach our goal of $15,000 for the special project. We divided the $13,000 collected all year. According to the percentage of the original goal.

Professional video camera for Central Baptist Seminary - $6,370

Internships for women ministry students at Northern Seminary - $4,290

Balance on computer at National office of ABWM $1,040

Used book depository for shipping books $1,300

Kihomi Nzunga, missionary to Haiti along with her husband, will be our special guest at the ABW Ministries conference in June 2005. One-half of our special project ($10,00) will go to help with a conference center. Some are already sending her items that are needed so badly to help her ministry. Later, information will come on how we can all help at conference time. But here are some ide as:

French-English dictionaries, French Bibles, new and good used clothing and shoes for men, women and children, school supplies, health and beauty items, feminine hygiene items, empty prescription bottles (label removed), fabric for her sewing classes, (2-3 yard length, but enough for dresses, etc.) sewing machines, new toys and easy English books.

Nzunga, Kihomi and Mabudiga
AGAPE Flights, CAP 10266
7990 15 th St. East
Sarasota, FL 34243

For every box sent, send an additional $3/pound to Agape in Nzunga's name, for flight down to Haiti. The missionaries meet them at the airport so things are received by the right people.

A note to local churches: Please keep up paying your dues, student aid, project money and especially National Support. The ABW Ministries office has had to let one employee go because of lack of funds. We need to continue all support to keep ABWM alive for future girls and women. THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!

SECRETARY

Hilda Smith 815-284-6156
566 Wolverine Lane jhsmith@coiinc.com
Dixon, IL. 61021-8713

As secretary I don't have much to report. I do, however, want to take this space to bring something to your attention. You have heard it before and will be haring it often this coming year. International Ministries is facing a $1.5 million shortfall just to sustain the existing programs. Many cuts have already been made. Unless the World Mission Offering increases by 36% some missionaries will have to be recalled from service. Please be aware of this when you bring your mission offering to the Lord.

Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is there will your heart be also.”

NOTE TO AREA SECRETARIES :

Please forward directory changes and corrections to both Marilyn Oaks, Region President, and Carol Garver. Thank you.

“Ripples”

a publication for

AMERICAN BAPTIST WOMEN'S MINISTRIES

of the

GREAT RIVERS RIGION

Marilyn Oaks - President Carol Garver - Editor

“Ripples” is the newsletter by which officers of the ABW Ministries of the Great Rivers Region communicate with their counterparts in the local church. It contains information which should assist each officer in the performance of her job.

“Ripples” is distributed either by mail or handed directly to each area officer and each local president/contact person in the Region.

EACH LOCAL PRESIDENT/CONTACT PERSON RECEIVES ONE COPY. Please make copies and distribute to your local officers and other interested women in your church.