From the Field

News from around the world.

Editor's Note: See the PDF for the accompanying pictures (p. 30):

http://cdn.ministerialassociation.org/cdn/ministerialassociation.org/assets/spouses/sij-archives-en/2015/sij-en-2015-1.pdf?201510131500

Inter-American Division

In November 2014 IAD held their second Shepherdess congress for pastors’ spouses. Cecilia Iglesias, IAD Women’s Ministries director, presented a seminar, along with Heather-Dawn Small, General Conference Women’s Ministries director. 

Inter-European Division

(See PDF for pictures)

North American Division

Erika Laughton reports that about fifteen pastors’ wives met in January 2014 at Camp Hope, British Columbia, to share their stories, experiences, hopes, passions, and prayer requests. Some of their ministry success stories:

• One church has forged great community connections by working with others at the local food bank.

• Another congregation put up a bulletin board to share prayer requests and praise. This connects church members with each other and provides a conversation starter for people who don’t know each other.

• Another idea is to start a bulk organic food order for community members (orders can be picked up at the church).

• One congregation provides government-sponsored programs at their church, such as Food Safe and training for flag jobs on highway projects.

• And one church remodeled an old trailer and abandoned porch to provide a livable home for a needy person.

Spouses left the meeting humbled, inspired, and praising God for His work in British Columbia

Northern Asia-Pacific Division

The Korean Union Conference spouses training pilot program held a graduation for 25 participants in July 2014. One spouse shared that her pastor-husband had been discouraged and planning to quit. She shared with him what she learned in class about positive attitudes during difficult trials. On a recent Sabbath he shared with his congregation how his wife had helped him. Praise the Lord!

Another spouse shared how she had struggled with insomnia and discouragement. She learned skills to help sleep better and have more joy in her life.

Hong Kong-Macau Conference held meetings for pastoral spouses in July. Choy Leng, Hong Kon-Macau Shepherdess coordinator, led a time of fellowship, learning, and prayer. Attendees learned how to positively approach the difficulties and joys of being a pastoral spouse, how to understand their own characters, and how to work effectively with different personalities.

Trans-European Division

Pastors’ spouses from Serbia met for a retreat in July 2014. This was their first retreat, so they were excited about getting together.