On Saturday 24 March, over 125 women arrived from all over the state for our 3rd Women’s Ministries Victoria State Conference. The theme was Our Glorious God and our keynote speaker, Sheryl Sarkoezy from Sydney.
Sheryl spoke from the book of Job, reminding us of God’s presence and care in suffering while helping us have a big picture of who our great God is. For many of us it was a real challenge to comfortable thinking, and yet one which helped us to really engage with the biblical passages.
Tying in with Sheryl’s talks we heard from Open Doors about the lives of persecuted Christians around the world who willingly give their lives for the sake of God’s Kingdom. We also heard about Project KIN which seeks to support refugee, indigenous and other needy children who need to hear about the love of God.
The babies played happily in the corner and the ladies perused the extensive bookstall provided by The Wandering Bookseller. New friendships were formed and old ones re-established, Gherkin Relish provided wonderful food and a panel of women addressed some tricky questions.
Through the day we had ten workshop options, ranging in topics from suffering, pornography, disabilities, ageing, music, work, and more. The feedback was very positive and many practical and biblical ideas came out of these sessions. All in all, the day was long but glorifying to God. We were left with much to ponder over the coming days and weeks.
Later this year we will be livestreaming an eight week training course which women across our state can access. Next year WMV will be On the Road in Mildura, Benalla, and East Gippsland. Look out for further information on our website womeninministry.org.au.
Hundreds of volunteer hours go into encouraging women across our state, and we want to continue reaching women in rural areas as well as in the city as affordably as possible. We would love churches or individuals to partner with us to financially support this valuable ministry so please get in contact with us at wmvpcv@gmail.com if you are interested in knowing more.
Please continue to pray for Women’s Ministries Victoria.
Mairi Girgis, WMV Convener