18 June 2009

Women’s goal: In-reach for Outreach

A nation-wide gathering of women in Bangladesh, June 18-21, created impact to 175 participants as they envisioned themselves potent members of a church community that will reach out to the world through its in-reach programs, empowering them and their families to serve the Lord.

Held at Dhaka Seventh-day Adventist Church, the delegates represented all fields and institutions within the territories of the church in Bangladesh (BAUM).

Organized by Ms Lucena Chambugong, BAUM women’s ministries (WM) and Shepherdess International (SI) director; the convention had, for its presenters Ms Helen B Gulfan, WM/SI director for the southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD) and Ms Shirley C Aguinaldo, director for the church in southern Philippines (SPUC). They were assisted by four others, namely: Ms Sweetie Ritchil, BAUM treasurer; Pastor Isaac P. Bairagee, Adventist Mission Director; Mr Benjamin Raksham, Bangladesh Children’s Sponsorship director; Dr. Rongten P Bala, education director; and Dr Douglas D Roy, chairperson of the Religion Department of the Bangladesh Adventist Seminary and College.

The opening ceremony was highlighted with the parade of delegates donning their costumes signifying the territories they represent. Ms Chambugong, welcoming the guests with bouquets of flowers, also welcomed the participants to this 4-day affair.

Pastor Bibek Halder, president of the church in west Bangladesh (WBM) delivered the welcome remarks while Pastor Edward P Chambugong, BAUM executive secretary keynoted the event.

The topics presented included the following: Are you emotionally healthy?, Partnership in Mission, Connectedness, Preventive Health Care, 10 Ways to Improve Spiritual Life, Never Good Enough, and From Powerless to Powerful.

On vespers, Ms Aguinaldo shared her message on ‘Touch a heart, Tell the world’ and Ms Gulfan at Sabbath worship, “Do not get tired of doing well.” The Saturday evening cultural and social program brought the delegates to a moment to remember as they drowned themselves with laughter.

“We are so glad conventions like this are held for us. It equips us with ways to share the gospel to the people in our village; and we thank the Lord for this kind of meetings,” delegates said. “We also thank our Church for such an uplifting convention for women and we hope we shall have more of this often to enhance our spiritual growth,” concluded Priya Mondol. [Milton Das]