LYNCHBURG — Despite weather forecasts predicting that Hurricane Hanna would reach Lynchburg simultaneously with the scheduled election of Laura McDaniel as the eighth executive leader of Virginia's Woman's Missionary Union, by midday the sun was shining brightly. The election and celebration took place on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Lynchburg's Rivermont Avenue Baptist Church, where McDaniel is a member.
An estimated 300 Virginia Baptists from all parts of the Commonwealth gathered to vote, worship and celebrate as McDaniel was unanimously elected executive director/ treasurer of WMUV.
Photo by Jim White
Laura McDaniel greets well-wishers after her election as executive director/treasurer of WMUV.
Included in the program were McDaniel's son, Patrick, who played a cello prelude, and her husband, Henry, who read Scripture.
WMUV president Becky McKinney welcomed attendees and introduced special guests before calling the assembly to order in a business session.
Lucianne Warren, who had chaired the search committee, presented McDaniel's name, saying, “After much praying and much searching, we come to you today to unanimously and whole-heartedly recommend, along with the endorsement of the board of trustees, Laura Shannon McDaniel as executive director/treasurer of the Woman's Missionary Union of Virginia.”
After voting, the assembly rose to its feet, giving ovation to the new WMUV leader, who had served as the interim following the retirement of Earlene Jessee. In April of 2005, McDaniel became associate executive director of Virginia's WMU.
Margaret Wayland, a former president of the WMUV, led in commissioning McDaniel to her position. Speaking to McDaniel, Wayland said, “You have made yourself available in answering God's call to serve as executive director/treasurer. You have already manifested unique ability, a deep and abiding faith, a compassionate spirit and a willingness to labor with all believers and God.” Then, turning to the assembly, she continued. “So today I hope that each of you will join me as we officially commission Laura to this position.”
In her commissioning prayer, Wayland addressed the Lord: “We rejoice that today we can join together in this very special moment of commissioning Laura as she answers the call to serve as executive director/treasurer of Woman's Missionary Union of Virginia. You have endowed her with many, many gifts that will enhance her ministry. So our prayer this day is strengthen her with your Spirit, daily increase in her your manifold gifts of grace, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of knowledge and true godliness. May she remain faithful to serve, ready to lead and steadfast in advancing your kingdom. Father, we ask that your grace will continue to shine upon her life, may she always have the assurance of faith, may she abound in hope and may she remain rooted in love. May each of us present this day be more intentional in our serving you as we seek to follow the example of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.”
Taking her place to speak for the first time as the leader of Virginia's WMU, McDaniel said, “You know, this day is not really about the WMU of Virginia and it is not about me. It is truly a celebration about Jesus and his transforming love.”
Offering words of challenge, she referred to Nehemiah. “A seemingly impossible situation became possible when the people had a heart to work with enthusiasm.” She continued, “So who are we and what is it that God is telling us to do for this day?”
She answered, “Within the WMU of Virginia, we create opportunities for women and children, regardless of age or background, where they can discover their gifts and passions as they live out the call that God has uniquely placed upon their lives. We are about prayer, relationships and developing leaders to be on mission for God. We're going to continue to find avenues to get connected, get involved, get equipped and get going! We've got to get out of the pews and into the streets. It is our goal to lead people to a sustainable, missional lifestyle. So as we look to the future, I ask you to join me in a call to prayer, and a call to action.”
Exhorting her listeners to leave behind preconceived notions of the past, she said, “We live at a pivotal time in the church and the WMU of Virginia because so much is happening so rapidly; and if we are going to be a part of it, instead of being apart from it, we have to act with urgency and purpose …. What we do now defines what's going to happen in the future and every single one of us is responsible.”
A reception was provided in the church fellowship hall following the service. Guests offered their congratulations and commitments to pray for McDaniel as she assumes her new responsibilities.
Prior to her work with the WMUV, McDaniel was a corporate attorney working in Washington D.C. She has been a licensed attorney since 1987, concentrating in the fields of corporate, insurance and employment law.