The first weekend in November, the 1st,-3rd, the Young Women's Initiative (YWI) of the Women's Missionary Society held its fist EVER, premiere Empowerment Conference. Our International President, Dr. Shirley Cason Reed, declared that YWI is no longer an initiative but a reality. This conference was an awesome event in which 269 YWIs from across this great connection came together to worship, fellowship, be uplifted and empowered under the theme, "Refined Women of God: Empowered by the Fire," scripture reference Isaiah 48:10. The Second Episcopal District Delegation consisted of 15 persons from our district. We praise God for those ladies who journeyed with us to Charleston, SC for this epic, mountain-top experience.
We opened with a powerful worship service in which Pastor Krystal Bryan of St Paul AME Church (Cokesbury) in Hodges, SC, brought forth a word that set the tone for the conference. "Thank God for the Fire." It is through the fire that God is able to rid of us of all the stuff that isn't of him, and set us apart so that we may be used for His works and His glory.
Our conference also included real and relevant workshops:
- The Truth About Being Single, Saved, and Satisfied: The Real Single in the City- Presented by Donald and Adrienne Bell
- WMS Leadeship....Are You Prepared? What You Forgot to Tell Me? Presented by Paulette Cryer and Jamestta Lovett
- Being a Light in a Dark World- Presented by Rev. Chante' McClure
- How to Break the Chains- Presented by Rev. Donna Jackson
Furthermore, we had a Rip the Runway luncheon with keynote speaker,
Tammy McCottry-Brown, a television personality in the Charleston area. She challenged us to be Bold and Beautiful (Bodacious, Obedient, Loyal and Determined). The luncheon conclude with a Fresh Fire, Red Heel Fashion Show with our distinguished models, Supervisors Mother Norris of the 7th Episcopal District and Phyllis Green of the 12th Episcopal District, and President Reed.
The YWIs were blessed with an opportunity to have an open dialogue with the Connectional WMS President Reed. She challenged senior members of the WMS to be receptive to an YWI mentee and after prayer YWIs were asked to follow God's direction to seek a mentor. We were asked to develop a solid relationship/friendship with these sisters. I know I can't speak for all of the YWIs connection-wide, but from the feedback I have seen and what I now of myself I am so excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to the God-ordained, awesome, supernatural things that will be birthed through this partnership.
In addition, we were afforded the opportunity to fellowship as a delegation with our Episcopal President. We thank and praise God for her leadership and vision and the bonds that were formed, information that was shared during this time. We are ready and committed to taking our YWIs to the next level. It is time for this Fresh Fire to catch on fire through our District.
The 7th District YWI showcased their talents for our Saturday Night entertainment through a series of skits traveling though the Motown Revue. We were also blessed to see Supervisor Norris serenade Bishop Norris with her rendition of "Your Precious Love." Finally, we were visited by Sister Lottie, an 88-year old tell-it-like-it-is, praise dancing church mother, in the form of Lynn, a Christian comedian.
Our conference concluded with a closing worship service an another dynamic, spirit-filled, YWI tailor-made word delivered by
Rev. Annabelle Robinson of New Jerusalem AME Church in Wadmalaw, SC. The YWIs shared in the holy communion service with the leadership of the 7th Episcopal District. Finally, we participated in the sending-off ceremony in which the YWIs were pinned by the senior members of the WMS and commissioned to do the work of missions, being creative, using their gifts to the betterment of not only the organization. but Kingdom building.
This was an AWESOME time. I am still on a spiritual high from this conference. I praise God for the opportunity, not only to represent my district at and planning this event, but to be a part of this monumental event.
In His Service,
Chandelle R. Ivy
SED WMS Member-at-Large (YWI)
