From July 26 to 28, 2024, the Palace Hotel in Kota Kinabalu buzzed with fresh energy of women coming together for a cause greater than themselves. The Women’s Ministries Convention, themed “Flourish for Mission,” brought together a diverse group of 665 delegates – 473 from Sabah, 33 from the peninsular Mission, and 159 from Sarawak. Over three days and two nights, these women experienced the power of unity, inspiration, and empowerment.
The convention kicked off on Friday afternoon with registration from 1 to 4 PM. The hotel lobby was flooded with hundreds of enthusiastic women, excited for the event. The opening ceremony started with Sabbath Worship at 7 PM followed by welcome remarks from Mrs. Faridah Lausin, Director of Women’s Ministries, MAUM. The opening gimmick by Pr. Abel Bana set the tone for an eventful weekend, emphasizing the theme of flourishing together in faith and mission. The program was also blessed with special musics and choirs by the women from the various places.
The value of togetherness was evident from the very start. As the delegates gathered, there was a palpable sense of community and shared purpose. This convention was not just a series of sessions and worships; it was a celebration of the collective strength and resilience of women dedicated to their faith and mission.
The second day began with a Sabbath service in the morning, grounding the delegates in worship and reflection. The afternoon featured three powerful plenary sessions that resonated deeply with the theme of the convention.
The first plenary session was delivered by Mrs. Virgie Baloyo with the title, “Made to Flourish.” She emphasized that women are inherently designed to flourish, independent of their husbands. Drawing from Biblical examples like Mrs. Noah and Mrs. Lot, she highlighted the unique contributions of women and their capacity to thrive in their own right.
“Flourishing for Mission: the “Go”” was the title of the second plenary session delivered by Mrs. Raquel Arrais. She focused on the actions that drive us to move forward in mission. She clearly outlined what women can and cannot do, empowering them with the closing remark, “Go and Flourish.” Her session was a call to action, motivating the delegates to actively pursue their mission.
The third session title was “GLOW 2024 Christ!” by Mrs. Virgie Baloyo. In her second session, she inspired the attendees to shine brightly for Christ in all their endeavours. Her message was one of encouragement, reminding the women of their potential to impact their communities positively.
The sessions left a profound impact on the delegates, sparking discussions and reflections on their roles and capabilities.
“We learned a lot from the three sessions. I like how they show us that women can do a lot of things and even the things the men cannot do,” shared Ms. Jessica Dennis and Ms. Elmryano Rao from Kota Kinabalu SDA English Church.
The convention also celebrated the rich cultural diversity of the delegates. Mrs. Mala from Seremban SDA Church expressed her joy, saying, “Coming from the Peninsular, I feel blessed and happy to watch all the amazing cultural dances and costumes from Sabah and Sarawak.”
The theme “Flourish for Mission” resonated on a personal level for many attendees. “What ‘Flourish for Mission’ mean is to keep growing in our personal mission. We need to help the men in their mission as well so we can win more souls for God,” reflected Mrs. Latifah Bajok from Kuching, Sarawak.
The presence of distinguished speakers like Pr. Abel Bana, MAUM President, Mrs. Virginia Baloyo from SSD, and Mrs. Raquel Arrais from NSD added significant value to the convention. Their insights and guidance helped shape a vision of unity and collective mission, empowering the delegates to flourish together.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Faridah Lausin, MAUM Director of Women’s Ministries, inspired the delegates with her heartfelt message: “You are all strong, extraordinary women of God… I know each one of you is very active in your church service and it is my dream for every woman to have an intimate relationship with God. I hope everyone was blessed throughout our program this weekend.”
The Women’s Ministries Convention 2024 was more than just an event; it was a testament to the power of togetherness. The delegates left with renewed energy, ready to flourish in their respective missions. As they returned to their communities, the message of “Flourish for Mission” resonated deeply, promising a future where women continue to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
Reported by Addonea G. Gabu