THE 2012 WNAC CONVENTION brought 838 attendees from 22 states and several international regions together to explore the wonders of God’s Mighty Hand. The one-day event, July 17, convened in Memphis, Tennessee at the Cook Convention Center in conjunction with the National Association of Free Will Baptists. Leaders utilized results from an extensive survey recently conducted among WAC state leaders to custom-design this event for addressing current needs and topics of interest. Main sessions and seminars were taped for those who could not attend. (Email for taping information and pricing.)
Business
The WNAC Convention business session attracted a sizable crowd, and the new early morning time slot met with overall positive response. WNAC provided every attendee/delegate a packet with reports and information concerning the day’s items of business. In her first year at the gavel, WNAC President Diana Bryant guided the body through discussion as delegates voted on these items.
- CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES: Women approved proposed changes to the WNAC Constitution and By-Laws. (However, By-Law Article 2 and Article 7 were referred back to the Executive Committee for further study and clarification, to be revisited at the 2013 Convention in Tampa, Florida.) The new approved document is now available.
- SCHOLARSHIPS: Delegates voted to give Cleo Pursell Foreign Student Scholarship funds of $1,389.29 to these students at the Chame Bible Institute in Panama: Elisa Niz, Cynthia Urriola, Stephanie Concepcion, Baderlin Casteneda and Liz Gonzales. The money will pay tuition costs, and provide each with a devotional book and a basket of needed toiletries and personal items. Funds will also purchase women’s ministrybooks, essential to the Chame library.
- GRATITUDES: Attendees expressed gratitude and appreciation to the women of Tennessee for their hospitality in hosting the convention and thanked national members for attending.
In her annual report to the convention body, Executive Director Elizabeth Hodges thanked women for their generous gifts to the Lord and His work but expressed concern for office finances. While outside gifts totaled more than half a million dollars, supportive giving for the office decreased by nine percent.
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Download Convention 2012 presentation script
WNAC editor Sarah Fletcher presented an overview of the coming year’s theme and Treasure Bible study topics, encouraging women to utilize online resources and share Handprints—testimonies and photos of God’s hand at work in their lives.
Worship
Susan Forlines and the combined voices of Rejoice led attendees in worship, accompanied by musicians Dawn Wenning and Jacob Frady. Rejoice also provided special music during the service. Guest speaker Terri Roberts of Strasburg, Pennsylvania, shared a wealth of Scripture as she related her story of God’s Hand in Adversity. “Everyone goes through storms in life,” she stated, noting the huge difference between showers and tsunamis. She shared the accounts of her life’s tsunamis—breast cancer and the loss of a son whose life ended tragically in the taking of innocent children’s lives. “Praising Him through your sorrow,” affirmed Mrs. Roberts, “is the key to getting through adversity. “ She encouraged women going through trials to read and memorize anchor Scriptures, utilize a good devotional resource, and journal.
Morning Seminars
Three morning seminars gave women options and provided resources and information on three identified needs of Women Active for Christ. Dr. Neil Gilliland offered women help in understanding and dealing with depression. Amy Johnson and Jonda Patton shared tips and tools for time and money management. Janie Campbell and Debe Taylor (along with Pam Hackett) tackled the subject of parenting.
Fellowship Luncheon
Tennessee Women Active for Christ highlighted God’s handiwork as they hosted the annual Fellowship Luncheon. Tables displayed pearls and irises—Tennessee’s state flower and gem. Michael Kear, violist, and Susan Forlines, keyboardist, provided music during the meal. Speaker Ruth Bivens, longtime missionary to Mexico, shared snapshots of God’s hand of protection upon her life. God steered her from bad relationship choices, brought her through illness, spared the life of her son in a diving accident and miraculously rescued her and husband Bud from a car tumble over a mountainside cliff. Weaving threads of humor throughout her presentation, she also emphasized the importance of praising God and challenged listeners to call 911 (speak Psalm 9:11) in times of trouble.
Afternoon Sessions
Healthy attendance at two afternoon sessions, “You Spoke…We Listened,” and “Creative Idea Exchange” echoed the growing sentiment that women want a voice and reinforced the organization’s commitment to more effectively serve. Women listened as Diana Bryant and members of the Executive Committee reported findings of the recent survey and invited women to share their thoughts and concerns. The Creative Exchange provided feedback concerning current WNAC publications and online offerings and gave women an opportunity to share ideas and concerns for local groups.
Leader’s Reception
A late night state presidents and field workers reception provided leaders time for fellowship, interaction and reflection. WNAC staff and officers engaged attendees in a wrap-up session and informal evaluation of the Convention. This input provides information for on-target planning of next year’s event, July 23 in Tampa, Florida.
how do I purchase Terri Roberts’ message?
Barbara,
There’s an email link now on the website (Email for taping information and pricing.) Mike Anderson, who handles all the taping, does not have an online order form, but is happy to provide any session or seminar you want to purchase.