The Women’s Ministries Department’s purpose is to inspire women to reach their potential in Christ; to train them to deepen their spiritual life and to put their faith in action by employing their valuable talents in His service. All this is to play a significant role in hastening the return of Christ. The Women’s Ministries journey began in the year 2000 which saw Sister Shirline Henriques named as the Women’s Ministries Director. She held this position from the year 2000-2012, where the administration appointed Sister Sheila Woods as the new director.
Over the 20 years, the department has observed the special days set out by the General Conference. They’ve conducted training sessions for the Leadership Certification, Women’s Conventions, Initiatives such as Prayer Partnerships & Prayer breakfast, Prayer & Fasting sessions, Healthy Cooking Seminars, and they’ve also had a Prayer Conference. The ladies have held several Bible studies, including the entire Faith of Jesus Bible Lessons broadcasted via our local radio station Praise 87.9 FM. The Women’s Ministries Department has also organized several evangelistic series, all geared towards ladies. Through all of these activities, each year, we see the Kingdom of God growing, as the department witnessed baptisms as persons committed to Jesus.
After this, Jesus travelled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod’s household: Susanna: and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
For community involvement, some of our ladies served as mentors to young women, and most churches had programs where the women regularly distributed clothing and food items. There have also been instances where churches arrange babysitting services to assist working moms. And taking it a step further the Women’s Ministries have helped with several celebrations, including birthdays, baby showers and Weddings.
I have found it immensely rewarding to work with such excellent teams, all guided by the Holy Spirit, and be part of programs that were uplifting and spiritually enriching. I encourage everyone to grasp any opportunity to be a co-labourer with Christ in winning souls. He is looking for committed women to make a difference in our homes, Churches, Communities and ultimately our World. – Sheila Woods, Women’sWomen’s Ministries Director 2012- 2020 (Current).
Always remember that the Lord does not always choose for His work people of the most extraordinary talents, but He selects those whom He can best use.
Thriving Women’s ministry is more about the process than a program or event. It is about healthy teams helping women build healthy relationships. It’s also about knowing how to teach God’s Word in relevant, life-changing ways. It’s about searching and assessing the needs of women, and then meeting them.
