RICHMOND, Va. — Since its beginning in 1872, Woman’s Missionary Union of Virginia has had a heart for those who needed to hear the gospel of Christ. But last month WMUV attained a new level of global partnership when it launched Woman’s Missionary Union of India. The occasion marked the first time WMUV was directly instrumental in establishing an international WMU — one of only 48.
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More than 70 Indian Baptist women attended the official launch in Kottayam, India where Virginia Baptists have worked in partnership with Kunjamin Chacko to build the Precious Children International Village and the India Baptist Theological Seminary. The launch of India’s WMU was part of a women’s leadership conference that emphasized the ministry gifts of the spirit and the five languages of love.
On Feb. 26, Laura McDaniel, WMUV executive director/treasurer, and Ann Brown, the current president, represented WMUV in signing a covenant of partnership along with Divya Asish, who represented the Indian WMU. Asish, an extremely capable pastor’s wife, is a graduate of the seminary there and holds a master’s degree in chemistry as well.
Divya Asish (center), WMU of India coordinator, signs the partnership agreement between her organization and WMU of Virginia. Also signing were WMU of Virginia leaders Laura McDaniel (left) and Ann Brown.
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In speaking to the women attending the launch, Asish said, “This is rather a great remarkable occasion of signing an historic partnership between WMU of Virginia and WMU of India. This is the first stepping stone to where we will wipe off the existing social evils, injustice, poverty, unemployment, exploitations, and disease among the women’s community of this nation.”
More than 70 Indian Baptist women attended the signing ceremony which launched Woman's Missionary Union of India.
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Then, referring to the Virginia women present, she continued, “Realizing all of the situations the women in India face, WMUV leaders came to India to create a partnership with us, and to empower the women. We welcome everyone to this auspicious occasion of signing this partnership agreement through which we can spread the love of Jesus Christ and strengthen each partner’s ability to address the needs of women and children.”
Symbolizing the partnership between the two WMU organizations are their logos, which are almost identical, except that India’s uses the colors of its national flag.
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India ranks second in the world’s population and, according to business estimates, at the rate at which its economy is growing, will soon boast the world’s third largest economy. Some predict that within 50 years, India will be one of the world’s superpowers.
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Currently, 80 percent of Indians consider themselves to be Hindu, 13 percent Muslim and only 2 percent Christian.
“What better time than now to sow Kingdom seeds for a Kingdom harvest through women and children — the future leaders?” McDaniel asked. “We heard many stories and prayer requests of the ministries taking place in over 10 states [in India]. As great as the work is that is going on, there is so much more to be done.”
Jim White is editor of the Religious Herald.