Woman's Missionary Union of Virginia has added three persons to its staff.
Kristen White joined the staff as youth missions coordinator on Jan. 17. Kristen graduated with a bachelor's of art degree in religion from the University of Mary Washington and earned a master of divinity degree from Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond.
As youth missions coordinator, White will be responsible for promoting missions learning and involvement among youth, with an emphasis on teenage girls. She will serve as statewide coordinator for youth, including Acteens and Activators; will develop new strategies for local church involvement using the World Missions Unlimited initiative; facilitate conferences and training sessions; assist in planning the Weekender; work with CrossRoads Summer Camp director to promote summer camp; and network with WMU of Virginia partners to identify opportunities for ministry and missions.
WMUV has “played a role in my spiritual development,” said White. “Through Mission Friends, GAs, Acteens and CrossRoads, I developed a deep appreciation for missions as a lifestyle.”
White is married to Nathan White, who works with the Marine Corps Association in Quantico and operates Bridge Vision Web Ministries to provide quality, affordable websites for churches.
Maria Lynn will become adult missions coordinator in Feb. 1. Lynn graduated from Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond in 2001 with a master of divinity degree, was ordained to ministry in 2001 and earned a Certificate in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2007.
Prior to teaching in Chesterfield County public schools, she served as minister of education at Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church in Richmond, being an active volunteer there before stepping into that role.
In her new role, Lynn will promote missions learning and involvement among adults, with an emphasis on engaging younger adults; develop new strategies for local church involvement using the World Missions Unlimited initiative; assist new church starts, local churches or associations; facilitate conferences and training sessions; and network with WMU of Virginia partners to identify opportunities for ministry and missions.
“Through missions people come to know the Lord, discover their spiritual gifts and passions, find a place of service, and grow spiritually,” said Lynn. “Nothing unites and revitalizes a church like being on mission together!”
Lynn and her husband of 22 years, Randy, have three children in high school and college. Randy serves full-time as media director for Bon Air Baptist Church in Richmond.