One changed life for Christ can change the world, Kaye Miller said.
Miller, president of Woman’s Missionary Union, gave the challenge to nearly 1,200 attendees on the second day of WMU’s missions celebration and annual meeting, June 22 at St. Matthews Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky. The Monday sessions focused on changing lives across America and around the world.
Kaye Miller, left, national president of WMU, presents the Martha Myers Girls in Action Alumna of Distinction Award to Margaret Brown of Mountain Rest, S.C., June 22 during the Woman’s Missionary Union awards luncheon at St. Matthew’s Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky. Brown is WMU director at Mountain Rest Baptist Church.Also, during the meeting, a South Carolina woman was recognized for missions work in her church.
Miller, an MK (missionary kid) who grew up in Thailand, shared stories about her parents’ medical missions work with the International Mission Board in a 25-bed hospital.
“Growing up, I saw love and action from my parents,” said Miller, recalling her father touching the hands of a leper while leading him to Christ. “I saw that love every day.”
Throughout the day, WMU members heard stories of sacrifice and passion for the gospel being taken to some places that can only be accessed by a helicopter or snowmobile.
Svetlana Parish learned about Jesus in an underground church in Russia, recounting, “I wasn’t raised in Acteens or GAs,” but during the days of persecution for those who followed Jesus.
“We didn’t have the privilege of mission education, (but) we learned that our God is stronger than any circumstances in your life.”
In 1993, she moved to the United States, where she met her husband Steve. Years later, both were appointed to serve in Russia by the International Mission Board.
Living in Russia has given the couple opportunities to see lives changed for Christ. They work with local churches and have helped start a recovery ministry for drug and alcohol addicts, through which several people have given their lives to Christ.
“We are so glad to be a part of God’s business with so many people,” Parish said. “We are in Russia, and we want to sing ‘Victory in Jesus.’?”
Earlier in the day, North American missionary Brenda Crim – wearing polar bear and seal skins – told of her ministry in Alaska, which includes outreach in a remote area that presents a variety of logistical challenges. But that doesn’t stop her from bringing in hundreds of volunteers to reach the region.
“I always enjoyed the tough challenges,” she said. “I think that is part of what drew me to Alaska.
“We’re breaking down barriers for the local church there.”
Crim thanked WMU members for their prayers and support, noting, “I wouldn’t dare go there if I didn’t know that (WMU) is behind me praying.”
During the meeting, WMU re-elected Miller as president of WMU and elected Rosalie Hung as the recording secretary.
During an awards luncheon, Margaret Brown of Mountain Rest, S.C., received the Martha Myers Girls in Action Alumna of Distinction Award for her missions work with her church. She serves as WMU director at Mountain Rest Baptist Church and started the church’s GA organization. Brown is a member of the SBC Executive Committee.
Miller challenged WMU members to search out ways that they, too, can impact lives for Christ.
“So why are we waiting?” she said. “What is keeping you from training a tender heart to love as Jesus loves?
“If a life is changed, then the world can be changed. Change a life. Change the world.”
Hendricks is a writer for the International Mission Board.