Recently I was invited to the 2013 Shine Conference for Acteens, sponsored by Woman’s Missionary Union of Virginia. I was asked to share my experience of having malaria. I was also asked to sit in on a session that was being led by a 12-year-old who had served as a missionary in Kenya, a country I have served in many times. I was there to make sure the young speaker did not get stuck. What a privilege. I was also asked to be a Bible study leader.
I was not surprised that the Bible study was well-written and that leaders were given everything that they needed. I was not surprised at how well the schedule worked, or how great the leaders were.
I was pleasantly surprised at how cutting edge the topics presented to the girls were. The breakout sessions were innovative and included issues on modesty and even self-defense. There was a lot of creativity that went into this weekend.
I was especially pleased at how the girls were challenged with the topics of modern-day slavery and malaria. The technology used, especially the video on trafficking were, again, cutting edge.
I have to tell you that “cutting edge” was not the first thing that came to my mind when I heard WMU. I could not have been more wrong. I don’t know when the change came along, but the change has come. As a pastor, as a Virginia Baptist and as a former Acteen, I am proud of our current WMU.
I was also pleased to see the many changes that Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center has made. That campus looks sharp and the changes, such as the coffee shop, are great. The gift shop needs some drastic changes, but it was great to see that Eagle Eyrie is staying current in all other areas.
In a time when I don’t always identify with our local, state or national Baptist association, I can say without of doubt that the current WMU team changed my mind. Keep up the great work!
Elise Bell, Centreville, Va.