July 29, 2008 – Miami, Florida…[Libna Stevens/IAD]

Women undoubtedly play a vital role in the life of the church and community. In support of that fact, the church in the Inter-American Division recently held a women’s ministries and children’s ministries conference to equip women leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to balance the mission of the church.

’s ministries and children’s ministries conference to equip women leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to balance the mission of the church.Some 20 women from Inter-America’s vast church territory met at the church’s headquater office in Miami, Florida from July 22-24, 2008.

The training conference was organized so that leaders can have a more unified presentation of their ministries, says Gloria Trotman, Women’s and Children’s Ministries director for the church in Inter-America.

’s and Children’s Ministries director for the church in Inter-America.

In addition, the conference was organized “to hear from the leaders, the experiences that are peculiar to their geographical areas as well as the challenges and triumphs,” says Trotman.

“to hear from the leaders, the experiences that are peculiar to their geographical areas as well as the challenges and triumphs,” says Trotman.With an active force of more than 8,000 women leaders working in the women’s and children’s ministries throughout Inter-America, it was important to touch on issues that affect women and children.

The conference included seminars by Dr. Rene Drumm, chair of the Department of Social Work at Southern Adventist University on understanding abuse dynamics and the need for proper church response, as well as parental guidance for understanding children, applying discipline, by Dr. Kay Kuzma, Adventist educator and author on child development and president of Family Matters ministry, among other topics.

The three-day training brought leaders together to network in putting effective programs into place in different corners of the church territory.

Trotman, who has led women's ministries since 2005 and travels extensively, says the strength of women in leadership in Inter-America is strong.

“Women are growing in leadership, their strength is phenomenal, not only in women’s and children’s ministries but in other areas of the Seventh-day Adventist church. Women are treasurers, university presidents, church elders and more,” Trotman says.

Highlighting the possibilities and leadership of women in the church is important for the finishing of God’s work, she adds.

’s work, she adds.

“Women are extremely important in molding the shape and texture of society in the church and in the community. If they start to exercise their influence in their families, their positive influence will be felt in every sphere of life,” she says.

“I like to think of the importance of grooming our young ladies so that they blossom into women ‘polished after the similitude of a palace.’ Their speech, the dress and the passion to pursue spiritual and educational excellence are essential in making a difference in the church and the community,” says Trotman.

For information and resources on Inter-America’s Women’s Ministries and Children’s Ministries, visit www.interamerica.org

Image by Image by ANN. Edwin Rivera/IAD
Image by Image by ANN Libna Stevens/IAD

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