Arizona WMU celebrates missions ‘by all means’

By Lori Pruit

Since 1928, when Arizona Woman’s Missionary Union was born, women across the state of Arizona have continued to “celebrate” their call to missions!

Once again, to honor the call, Southern Baptist women met to “Celebrate Missions — By All Means.” CrossPoinTempe Church hosted the Arizona Woman’s Missionary Union annual conference Feb. 16-17 with the purpose to equip and inform concerning mission activity and opportunities.

“Arizona’s WMU goal for the churches across our state is to have a key person in each church with whom we can share information and to have churches involved in some kind of missions education even if they do not have an organized WMU,” explained Terrie Sullivan, Arizona WMU executive director.

The celebration began with attendees visiting a colorful and festive mission fair. As the women traveled around the booths, hosts shared local and international information ranging from college campus activity, international artisan ministry, to funding strategies for international missionaries.

Rotating breakouts were offered with subjects including Refugee Process led by Gail Hallman, Amazon Basin/Missions in a Box taught by Nadine Peterson, and a special breakout featuring Linda Cooper, national WMU president.

Each joint service included celebration of worship music led by Lori Pruit, former NAMB missionary and member of Pinal County Cowboy Church, and the Cowboy Church’s band.

“By All Means” was the challenge given during each service by Cooper. Women were delighted by Cooper’s “storytelling” delivery concerning her challenges to Go And Tell … by All Means! Cooper weaved picturesque words depicting ordinary people, using all possible means, to reach others for Christ.

“I have always felt people would prefer to hear a good story rather than a simple lecture!” she explained.

At the end of the day, when conference reflection was possible, Terrie Sullivan reported on highlights, saying, “There was great interaction this year, and many went away saying they had learned a great deal … this was the best yet.”