For the past five years, every May, when strawberries start to ripen in the area, the WAC at First Free Will Baptist Church in Gastonia, North Carolina, has hosted a churchwide household shower for the Provision Closet. President Carol Falls utilizes her strawberry dishes and accessories for this “Berry Shower for Missionaries.” Women plan a smorgasbord of fruity foods: cakes, pies, salads, cheeseballs, sandwiches and even homemade strawberry ice cream. The event offers a wonderful time of fellowship and fun for the entire church family who have embraced the cause with much enthusiasm. Adult Sunday school classes contribute big ticket items while families and individuals provide smaller housewares. One men’s Sunday school class helps with transporting the goods to the WNAC office. Each year, the Gastonia Church family collects close to $2,000 worth of merchandise and gift cards. This year’s shower exceeded expectations and netted   $2,481.50 worth of provisions ($2,111.50 in purchased items, $335 in gift cards, and $35 in cash).

The 2012 Berry Shower proved even more special as Elizabeth Hodges, WNAC’s executive director, and Phyllis York, WNAC administrative assistant, joined this growing, enthusiastic, missions-minded group in their festivities. The two women spoke Saturday evening and again Sunday about the work and ministry of WNAC.

North Alabama District Women Active for Christ met March 17 at the First Free Will Baptist Church in Decatur. Stacie Compton, pastor’s wife from Florence Free Will Baptist church shared the morning devotion. Ladies from the host church presented the skit, “Leftovers” to the meeting attendees. After a time of special prayer, WNAC’s administrative assistant Phyllis York challenged ladies with a message from Matthew 11:25-30. Women collected over $1,000 worth of items for the Missionary Provision Closet, yet no one went home empty-handed. Every woman received a door prize, prepared especially for the meeting.

WNAC offers these downloadable resources for partnering and participating in this annual observance for individuals, women’s groups and churches.
PreEaster Prayer Guide
PreEaster FAQ sheet
10 Ways to Stretch Your Missions Giving
Stretching Into the World  (Flag Presentation)

Download additional materials from FWBIM.

Angie Riggs, Kellie Penn, Suhey and Jose Correa and Holly Weaver select items from the Provision Closet.

Over a dozen home missionary families visited the Provision Closet last week while attending the Home Missions Summit in Nashville, Tennessee. Thanks to the generosity of Women Active for Christ, each of them left with usable items for their homes and ministries. For over 30 years, the Provision Closet has provided bedding, linens, small appliances and other home needs (free of charge) for Free Will Baptist missionaries, international Bible institutes and other Free Will Baptist missions related efforts. Praise the Lord for His goodness and the willingness of His people to give. For a list of current needs, contact the WNAC office.