“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
- Philippians 4:4 NIV
We are grateful for all of you who support Women’s Ministry in your local churches and in our wonderful Upper Midwest Conference!
We’ve been sharing some stories from the Conference Mission Trip to South Africa, written by Upper Midwest women. The April story comes from Darcy Rubenking. Enjoy!
“In November, I was privileged to go to South Africa on a mission trip to Blessman
International. Jim Blessman grew up and graduated in a small town about 10 minutes from my hometown. He wanted to be a physician from age 14. He became a physician, but long hours and commitment cost him his marriage. Through Promise Keepers and his second wife, God called him into the mission field. Through no fault of his own, God closed the doors on his physician practice and opened his life for full time ministry.
During our time in South Africa, we washed children’s feet and gave shoes; we provided eye screening and glasses; we gave young girls reusable menstrual supplies and a way to stay in school; we helped feed children in an after-school program; we visited preschools, an orphanage, schools, and churches where we played with and prayed with children. We watched water wells be drilled, helped plant drip irrigation gardens, and saw the changes in sanitary bathroom facilities. No matter what we were doing, Jim always reminded us that the children’s first need was Jesus Christ.
Some of my favorite memories include dancing, singing, and playing with the children at church and at the after-school program. I cherish the time I was able to pray with several children after church, to hear their concerns and to take their concerns to God. It was an awesome experience, and I would encourage anyone to go on a mission trip with Blessman International.” - Darcy Rubenking
Want to hear more stories and get connected? Check out Rejoice! Women’s Ministry on Facebook (link below). We need all of you to help make this a place to show what God is doing through your women’s group. Share announcements and photos of your events. Post discussion topics, your favorite Bible verses or songs, questions about how to improve your women’s ministry, etc. Check back often to see what other women are doing around the Conference.
Our goals are to connect and resource Women’s Ministries across the Upper Midwest GMC. We are eager to engage with your questions, dreams, hopes, and success stories of women’s ministries in your setting. We’d love to hear from you!
Rejoice!
Becky Heeren,
Upper Midwest Conference Coordinator for Global Methodist Women’s Ministries
