Women's Participation in Global Mission

When we study the Bible we discover that women are present at any moment of decision for God's people and for the Nations.

Meibel is the Shepherdess Coordinator and Women's Ministries Director for the Central Brazil Union. Her husband, Arlindo Guedes, is in charge of Evangelism in the Union. They have two adolescent girls, Simei and Gosinha.

For 15 years Meibel worked for Women's Ministries in different places in Brazil, She also taught physical education and Bible in various Adventist schools and was the principal in two elementary schools.

She likes to work for her family, be with her husband in evangelistic campaigns, and help in the church. Through her personal witness and testimony, she has brought many people to know Jesus.

When we study the Bible we discover that women are present at any moment of decision for God's people and for the Nations.

Jochebed's courage, facing her slave drivers, made her save her son Moses, whom God used as an instrument in restoring freedom to His people (Exodus 6:20).

The humble little orphan Hadassah reached the highest position in the kingdom of Ahasuerus as queen. In that position, bearing the name of Esther, she was used by God in order to save His people from death (Esther 2:7).

In the great plan of salvation, God chose a woman to be the Savior's mother!

Both the Old and the New Testament are full of noble actions accomplished by women.

At the beginning of the Adventist Church a distinct woman, Ellen G. White, was used as an instrument in God's hands in order to give this church the needed orientation for the accomplishment of its mission.

Today the church counts on the dedicated service of its female population:

  • At home—As wives and Christian mothers, we endeavor to make home a center of peace, love and light, we Lead our children in the good path, making them useful to country, church and God, and we prepare them not only for this life but for eternity.

  • In schools—We devote ourselves to the shaping of men and women with a vision for leading the church to final victory.

  • In offices of our denom­ination—We help our leaders successfully accomplish the programs of this church.

  • Inhospitals—We help relieve the pain and suffering of physical and spiritual patients.

  • As pastoral assistants—We spread the message of salvation to those who have never heard of Jesus.

  • In church—We use our talents in the various departments in order to make its program advance.

In order to accomplish this mission we need to be, first of all, true Christians. We have to be Christ's friends, transforming our lives in His image by loving Him, imitating Him, and totally trusting Him.

How do we become like Christ? How can we be worthy of the name of Christ? Using this name involves a great responsibility. We need to show the world the true character of God; we need to follow Christ's example.

Alexander the Great, the Greek leader who conquered the world in three years, was told of the improper conduct of one of his soldiers. He gave orders for the soldier to be brought to his presence.

"What is your name?" he asked.

"Alexander," the soldier answered.

"Young man," the commander asked again, "what is your name?"

"Alexander," the boy answered once more.

"Young man," the commander said in a threatening tone, "either you change your attitude or you change your name."

As Christians our lives must honor that wonderful name.

We need to take hold of God's Word. We need to spend more time studying the Bible, partici­pating in morning worship, reading Spirit of Prophecy books, and studying the Sabbath School lessons.

An elderly German teacher led a very Christ-like spiritual life. He was an example among his colleagues and his students, who tried to discover what the secret for this life of kindness, under­standing and love was. One day, some students decided that one of them should hide in the Professor's apartment, as this was the only place where they had not yet observed him. The teacher arrived late that night. The day had been long and tiring. He put the books on the table, took off his coat, and sat down. Then he took his Bible and read for almost one hour. He then bowed his head, joined his hands on the Bible in an attitude of prayer, and stayed like that for a long period of time. Then he closed his Bible, stood up and with eyes lifted up, said, "Dear Jesus, you and I will always be friends!"

If we are intimately linked to Jesus, we will wish to have:

  • the tone of His voice and His words—using kind words, never criticizing others.

  • the truth—speaking always the truth. In Proverbs 12:22 we read: "Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are His delight."

  • respect—real Christianity makes people polite, refined, and kind. Let us praise the Lord with our tongues and let us help those who suffer with words of comfort. With our tongues, let us advance the Lord's work and prepare for His Coming.

Let us build not destroy. Let us proclaim this message.

A missionary was preaching to an heathen tribe about the love of God. He told them that God had sent His Son to live among men. He described how kind, gentle, and polite Jesus was and how he helped to cure sick people. He mentioned the beautiful stories told by Jesus and, finally, said that Jesus had died for us.

"We know him!"

"That is not possible," answered the missionary, "he died many years ago."

"Yes, we do," insisted the Chief. "He lived among us and died here. His grave is here!" Then he took the missionary to the grave of a previous missionary, the first one ever to work and die in that land. His life had been so similar to that of Christ that the natives thought he was the real Son of God.

What a wonderful witness!

Hearing facts like this we certainly wonder "How can I be more Christ-like?"

We can be like Christ by:

  • living a life of prayer, having our minds constantly turned towards Him..

  • keeping daily contact with the Holy Scripture.

  • working for others.

If we practice this we will be witnessing for Jesus:

  • in our homes: "The mother's work is a solemn and important one, to mold the minds and fashion the character of her children. . ." Evangelism, page 676, 677.

  • with our neighbors: "Visit your neighbors in a friendly way . . ." Christian Service, page 115.

  • through letters: we can write missionary letters to people who are weak in their faith and to those who have not heard the Message of Christ.

  • in hospitals, hospices, orphanages: by spreading the message of hope as well as our literature.

  • in any place: "The Lord desires that the truth shall come close to the people, and this can be accomplished only by personal labor" Evangelism, page 436.

We are to obey the order of the Master who said, "Go. . ." We should participate in Global Mission in a more active and involved way.

"If we can arrange to have regular, organized companies instructed intelligently in regard to the part they should act as servants of the Master, our churches will have a vitality that they have long needed" Testimonies, volume 2, page 401.

AFAM presents the following projects that can be accomplished by any Christian woman.

1. Christian Home series—Study in family groups

a) Divide children into small groups according to age. They are more likely to participate and enjoy group worship if it is on their level.

b) Choose one coordinator per group.

c) Invite non-Adventist mothers to participate in these studies.

2. Happy Hour—Encourage children to participate in evangelization through Affiliated Sabbath Schools.

3. Plan to mark the Bible

1st step—Mark your Bible 23 studies printed in self adhesive paper.

2nd step—Understand your Bible

3rd step—Share your Bible

a)  Create Adventist and non-Adventist family groups.

b)  Teach others how to mark the Bible.

c)   Study the texts with everyone's participation.

4th step—Lead the people to make a decision for Christ.

4. Missionary Purse—Use your purse to carry brochures to be given away like fall leaves.

These are some simple, practical ways to witness. Through faith and prayer, together we can do a great work with positive results for the Lord. Then, very soon, we shall sec the return of our Savior in the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory.

Dear sisters, let us use our hands to finish the work. Let us be an instrument in Jesus' hands to make that day come sooner.

Meibel is the Shepherdess Coordinator and Women's Ministries Director for the Central Brazil Union. Her husband, Arlindo Guedes, is in charge of Evangelism in the Union. They have two adolescent girls, Simei and Gosinha.

For 15 years Meibel worked for Women's Ministries in different places in Brazil, She also taught physical education and Bible in various Adventist schools and was the principal in two elementary schools.

She likes to work for her family, be with her husband in evangelistic campaigns, and help in the church. Through her personal witness and testimony, she has brought many people to know Jesus.