Seeking wisdom
Caring
Touching
lives
Findingfellowship Passing it on
SPECIAL CONVENTION ISSUE 2015
globally
Volume 16, Issue 2
Introducing the...
The membership of Alabama WMU voted in July 2015 in support of the creation of a new state missions offering which would replace the current Alabama WMU statewide offering. On November 17, messengers to the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Alabama Baptist State Convention finalized that process as they unanimously approved the creation of this state missions offering, named the Myers-Mallory State Missions Offering. The newly-created offering will replace Alabama WMU’s Kathleen Mallory Mission Offering, as well as the state’s disaster relief offering. Monies collected through the offering will be distributed to several areas of ministry throughout the state including Alabama WMU, Disaster Relief, Mission Partnerships and Church Planting/Revitalization, with Alabama WMU receiving the first $550,000 collected through the offering. The offering is meant to complement vital Cooperative Program giving in changing lives around our state and to the ends of the earth. Named jointly for Dr. Martha Myers and Kathleen Mallory, the inaugural Myers-Mallory State Missions Offering will be collected in 2016. Dr. Martha Myers grew up in Montgomery in an Alabama Baptist church where she heard the Gospel and learned about our role in the Great Commission at an early age. As an adult, she used her intellect and skill as a physician to follow the Great Commission to the other side of the globe. Dr. Myers, or Dr. Martha as she was known, spent more than 25 years in the land she grew to consider the home of her heart, the country of Yemen. Though her medical practice was based in the city of
In this issue... Meet the New Digital Media Specialist Alabama WMU Elects New Officers Christmas Backpacks Update
Jibla, Dr. Martha spent countless hours walking tirelessly village to village where her vehicle couldn’t go. Dr. Martha gave her life in pursuit of bringing Christ to Yemen. In 2002, a member of al-Qaida stormed the hospital in Jibla and killed her and two other missionaries. Dr. Martha Myers knew the dangers of her ministry setting and gave her life willingly for the cause of Christ. Kathleen Mallory, known as “The Sweetheart of Alabama Baptists”, was born in 1879 near Selma, Ala. She, too, felt the urgency of the Great Commission and lived her life in selfless devotion to missions. She became corresponding secretarytreasurer of Alabama WMU in 1909. She then became executive secretary of National WMU in 1912, a position she held for the next 36 years. Her tenure at the helm of WMU, SBC is the longest to date. Mallory traveled by horse and buggy, car, train and ship as she promoted and supported missions worldwide. She lived frugally and sold the souvenirs of her travels so she could give more financial support to missions. Kathleen Mallory thought of prayer as a Christian’s deepest joy and the highest form of Christian service. More information about these women, along with a video to help introduce the offering, are available at the offering’s official website, myers-mallory.org. We thank you for your many years of faithful financial support of Alabama WMU through the Kathleen Mallory Mission Offering. We ask for your continued support as we begin this new era of the Myers-Mallory State Missions Offering.
Alabama WMU Welcomes New Digital Media Specialist Join us in welcoming Janella Griggs Martinez to Alabama WMU. Janella recently joined the team, filling the role of Digital Media Specialist. Some of Janella’s responsibilities include: • •
UPDATE: •
for Mississippi River Ministry We are excited to report that, at the time of publication, we have received 2,762 backpacks for the Christmas Backpacks project with Mississippi River Ministry. Thank you to all who participated in this effort. The Christmas Backpacks project is part of LOVELOUD with the North American Mission Board. Mississippi River Ministry works with compassion ministry sites and church plants in eight states along the Mississippi River. These backpacks will help bring the Gospel to many in our own part of the country who have never heard.
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maintaining Alabama WMU websites managing Alabama WMU’s social media presence on Facebook (Alabama WMU and WorldSong Missions Place) and Twitter (@alwmu) developing content for and directing the release of Alabama WMU’s monthly e-mail newsletter assisting with statewide events, focusing on social media coverage assisting in the development of new missions and ministry work.
Janella Martinez Digital Media Specialist
“I have been in and around Alabama WMU since before I was born. I attended the “night circle” with my mom the whole nine months before I was born,” said Martinez. “Then Mission Friends, GA and Acteens. My first-ever mission trip was as an Acteens Activator. To say I believe in our purpose would be an understatement. I am overjoyed to be full time here and know this is exactly where the Lord has me in His perfect time.” Janella comes to Alabama WMU from Vapor International, a non-profit organization based in Sylacauga, Ala., where she served as the vice president of communications. Janella obtained her bachelor of arts degree in journalism/mass communication from Samford University and her master of arts in integrated marketing communications from the University of Colorado. She has more than 15 years experience in marketing, communications, advertising and public relations, including extensive agency experience. She also served two years in Guatemala with the International Mission Board. “Janella’s vast experience in marketing makes her a great fit for the Digital Media Specialist position,” said Alabama WMU Executive Director Candace McIntosh. “She has the ideal combination of expertise in her field and a passion for missions that will be of great benefit to Alabama WMU.” Janella is married to J.L., and they are expecting their first child in January. She can be reached at jmartinez@alsbom.org, 800.264.1225 ext. 338 or 334.613.2338.
Ways to Stay Connected with Alabama WMU Six churches and the Christian Service Center from Covington Baptist Association filled and donated 197 backpacks for the Christmas Backpacks project.
Alabama WMU WorldSong Missions Place Candace McIntosh
@alwmu @CandaceWMU
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Message from
Candace McIntosh
This year, on the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving I quieted my spirit for a moment and prayed, “Father, please do not let me miss the beauty of this season.” When January arrives, I want to have celebrated my Savior, deepened my relationships with family and friends and shared the love of Christ with those around me. Candace McIntosh Maybe, like me, you find yourExecutive Director self caught in a flurry of doing good. Today, I invite you to pause life for a moment and do a little of your own quiet reflection to consider how God wants to use you and your family during this season. In the midst of your busy schedule, ask Him to help you be mindful of His spirit at work. As you prayerfully reflect, would you consider… 1. Praying intently for all our missionaries as they use this season to share the Hope of Christ with those they have been called to serve. 2. Praying for the IMB missionaries who have chosen to take the voluntary retirement package. Ask the Lord to help them finish well and set their hearts toward the new paths in which God will lead them. 3. Increasing your gifts through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering as the IMB finds themselves in the midst of financial challenges. Ask the Lord what He would have you give. I also encourage you to take time to visit myers-mallory.org to learn more about and watch a short video about the creation of the Myers-Mallory State Missions Offering. I am grateful for your continued support as we embark together on this new endeavor in Alabama.
Touching Lives
Alabama WMU Elects New Officers From left to right: Anna Speir of Selma, President
Mark your calendar January 15-16 Student Missions Weekend, WorldSong 30 Executive Leadership Team Meeting, Baptist Building, Montgomery
February 5-6 Acteens Activators Training, WorldSong 8-14 Focus on WMU Week 12-13 Parish Nurse Training, Session 1, Shocco Springs Conference Center 13 Children’s Ministry Day, statewide 27 Renew, a day away with friends, Westwood Baptist, Alabaster 29-Mar 1 State Evangelism Conference, First Baptist, Montgomery
March 1 Ministers’ Wives Luncheon, First Baptist, Montgomery
Michelle Wise of Mobile, Vice President
4-5 COMPLETE, a gathering for girls in grades 7-12, Eastmont Baptist, Montgomery
Kay Stewart of Bay Minette, Recording Secretary
4-6 Parish Nurse Training Session 2, Shocco Springs Conference Center
New Alabama WMU Officers were elected during the July 2015 Biennial Meeting held in conjunction with Alabama WMU’s training and enrichment event, Equip. During the meeting, Anna Speir of Selma was elected president. Anna has been involved in the work of Alabama WMU for many years and has previously served as a trustee. Michelle Wise of Mobile was elected vice president. A graphic designer by trade, Michelle has previously served as a trustee for Alabama WMU, as well. In addition, Kay Stewart of Bay Minette was elected to serve as recording secretary. Kay is on the Baldwin Baptist Association Leadership Team and has previously served as an Alabama WMU trustee. We are excited about the future of Alabama WMU as we move forward under the leadership of these outstanding women.
6-13 North American Missions Emphasis and Annie Armstrong Easter Offering
Non-Profit US Postage PAID Montgomery, AL Permit No. 945
Panorama Editor-in-Chief: Anna Speir Managing Editor: Brittney Gardner Contributors: Candace McIntosh, Pat Ingram, Malory Green, Hope Stephens, Cindy Wilson Panorama, issued four times per year, is published by Alabama WMU. Send address changes, editorial suggestions to: Alabama WMU Attn: Brittney Gardner P.O. Box 11870 Montgomery, AL 36111-0870 Telephone: 800.264.1225 Email: bgardner@alsbom.org Visit Alabama WMU on the Web at www.alabamawmu.org This resource is made possible by gifts given through the Kathleen Mallory Mission Offering and the Cooperative Program.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Spotlight on the 2015 MK Reentry Retreat Ninety-three Missionary Kids from around the world took part in the 2015 MK Reentry Retreat hosted by Alabama WMU. A big “Thank you!” to all who helped support the 2015 MK Reentry Retreat hosted by Alabama WMU at WorldSong Missions Place in August. Your prayers were felt throughout the weekend and beyond! Read one missionary mom’s letter (at right) to hear first-hand the impact of the weekend. MKs were greeted with their own sleeping bags and memorabilia from their chosen universities, along with a pillowcase signed by campers who attended Missions Adventure Camp at WorldSong this past summer. Because of your generosity, they each also received a gift card to WalMart to help with incidentals as they settle into college life. If you adopted an MK, we urge you to continue to send notes of encouragement and care packages to them during their freshman year, and, most importantly, to pray for them.
A Note from a Missionary Mom: Dear Alabama WMU, I wanted to write you and thank [Alabama] WMU for the MK Reentry Retreat. Melissa* came home from the retreat joy-filled and ready to launch!! Thank you all for the amazing work you do to provide for our MKs. What a privilege - what a gift!! As Melissa noted, not even her American Embassy friends were treated as well as she was. She was blessed to reunite with friends from her lifetime of STAS conferences, MK conferences and the like. It was a HUGE blessing!! I brought her to college two days ago. The first person she saw when we went to get her student card, was an MK she had just met at the Reentry Retreat. It was not a coincidence. The Lord knew she was a little nervous and needed a little familiarity. Again, THANK YOU!!! Much love, Anita* *names changed for security purposes