Synergy 2007 Wrap-Up
April 15, 2007 |
In my experience at Synergy 2007, my most significant impression has been a sense of awe at how much variety is in the body of Christ, how many ways God is speaking and working through women. The women at this conference have traveled so many different paths; for some of us these paths have taken us all over the world. God has called us to different ministries and given us different passions. And yet through the mysterious work of the Holy Spirit and the fellowship we have in Jesus, he makes us one body—the ultimate in synergy.
While I’ve been here, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know and hearing from some remarkable women.
I heard from Ray Hood, who just (last week!) resigned a powerful position at Denny’s/Advantica Restaurant Group and now plans to follow God’s calling to her ancestral home in an Ethiopian community, where she will apply her gifts to help solve a water crisis.
Helen Qui met Jesus in an online chat room, led by a woman in Toronto who just got her computer the day before and was messing around on the Internet. She left her successful career in Silicon Valley and pursued seminary training to prepare her for ministry to her native China. She speaks passionately about China’s need for Christ and for deep social transformation that will allow the gospel to flourish there.
Lilian Calles Barger came to the U.S. from Argentina, where her father was a street preacher. When God called her to a new ministry, she sold her CPA firm and started the Damaris Project, which equips women to start non-threatening spiritual conversations with other women. Her mission field is American women, the most powerful and educated women in the world—many of whom feel alienated by Christianity.
I toured the offices of the Impact Movement, a campus ministry based here in Orlando. Impact is reaching out to African American students on college campuses throughout this country—and to communities throughout the world.
I met a woman who is doing children’s ministry at a church and figuring out the job as she goes along. One woman works part time as a women’s ministry leader and part time as a dental hygienist. Many women are finishing seminary and looking for what God wants them to do. Others are writers, counselors, and teachers. One team of women took on the ministry of praying throughout the entire conference.
God’s work in the lives of Synergy women represents only a sampling of what God is doing through women leaders. Sharing these stories, connecting with one another, is powerful! Such conversations help us to see God at work and build our faith. They encourage us and help us to keep going when ministry and leadership are tough.
So let’s hear your stories. To what ministry has God called you or someone you know?
Amy Simpson is Executive Director of Resources at Christianity Today International.
Posted by Amy Simpson on April 15, 2007
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Comments
These are amazing stories! Thank God for women who are willing to follow God's call--even if it seems crazy by "normal" standards. Stories about Christian women engaged in social justice activity and sincere evangelism always make me thankful there are those who are trying to make a difference in the world--and inspire me to do the same.
Posted by: Ryan on April 25, 2007
Wow. How I long to be one of these women-a woman who completely understands God's plan for her life and steps (leaps?) out in faith to answer the call. Sometimes it seems that no matter how hard I listen, I get no answer.
But then again, maybe I am just supposed to keep listening, keep praying, keep reading, keep doing what is right. Then when God needs someone for a task, he'll know I'm ready to answer the call.
Praise God for his infinite wisdom and myriad ways.
Posted by: Holly on April 26, 2007
What a joy to have been a part of the event...my intent was to bless other women through the workshop presentations, but it appears that God had the biggest blessing in store for me. Connecting with such gifted women left me both refreshed and energized. I truly believe that this was the best organized and best run event in which I've participated, either as a presenter or as an attendee.
Posted by: Pam Smith, Biblical Sem. on May 3, 2007