The inaugural Malaysia Union Mission Women’s Ministries Convention, held from July 26 to 28, 2024, at the Palace Hotel in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, was a monumental gathering, uniting nearly 800 women across the region. With the theme “Flourish for Mission,” the event brought together a diverse group of participants eager to deepen their spiritual lives and enhance their service in the church and community.
The convention lined up renowned leaders, including Pr. Abel Bana, President of MAUM; Mrs. Virginia Baloyo, Women’s Ministries Director of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD); and Mrs. Raquel Arrais, Women’s Ministries Director of the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD). Their messages focused on the importance of spiritual growth and the vital role women play in the mission of the church.
The opening of Friday evening featured the MAUM President, Pr. Abel Bana. In his address, he encouraged the attendees to embody the resilience and beauty of the palm tree, a metaphor he used to describe the flourishing Christian life. “May God enable each of us to flourish like the palm tree – beautiful in the Lord, useful in His service, bearing good fruit to His glory, even into old age!” he exhorted, drawing enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
Meanwhile, during her Sabbath message, Mrs. Raquel Arrais passionately declared, “There is no flourishing for mission without Jesus! He is the one who sees you, He is the one who heals you, He is the one who touches you, He is the one who prepares you to flourish and serve. Flourishing for mission is with Jesus, for Jesus, and to Jesus!” Her words resonated deeply with the audience, setting the tone for the entire convention.
In the afternoon session, Mrs. Virginia Baloyo shared her insights on the role of women in the mission, emphasizing the need for continual growth and commitment to God’s work. She urged the participants to embrace their unique gifts and use them to further the mission of the church.
The convention’s program was composed of inspiring messages that were designed to equip the women with practical tools and spiritual insights, empowering them to return to their communities with renewed zeal for service. The messages covered various topics, including leadership development, mental health, and community service, offering participants a holistic approach to ministry.
Participants left the convention deeply impacted, many expressing how the event had transformed their perspectives on ministry and personal growth. Dulina Runggam, attending her first full Women’s Convention, described the experience as a great blessing. “The Convention was not only eye-opening, but also informative, instructive, and inspiring. Mrs. Raquel Arrais’s extensive leadership experiences, fired up by her dynamic presentations, led all the other speakers to keep the audience on its toes,” she said.
Another participant, Serimah Usek from Petaling Jaya English Church (PJEC), shared how the convention inspired her to be more confident and loving in her service to God. “I had a wonderful experience meeting great women in service for God’s work, giving me inspiration on how to be more confident, loving, caring & kind. Love the convention so much & hopefully can attend another one in the future,” she enthused.
The success of the convention was evident not only in the high attendance but also in the vibrant energy and enthusiasm that filled the venue. The event was marked by a sense of unity and purpose, as women from different backgrounds came together with a shared goal: to “Flourish for Mission.”
As the first of its kind, the MAUM Women’s Ministries Convention set a high standard for future gatherings, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. The participants departed with hearts full of joy and determination, ready to apply the lessons learned and to flourish in their personal lives and ministries. The success of this event is a testament to the power of collective worship and the importance of providing women with opportunities to grow spiritually and serve effectively in the church. With plans already in motion for future conventions, the women of MAUM are poised to continue flourishing for mission, bringing light and hope to their communities and beyond.
Reported by Hazel Ginajil, MAUM Communications
03, September 2024, Tuesday.