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Nearly 800 women from all over the region attended the first Women's Ministries Convention, which the Adventist Church in Malaysia (MAUM) hosted at the Palace Hotel in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, from July 26 to 28, 2024. Centered on the theme “Flourish for Mission,” the convention united a diverse group of participants, all eager to enrich their spiritual journeys and strengthen their commitment to serving both the church and their communities.

The convention featured leaders from regional Adventist organizations, including Pastor Abel Bana, president of MAUM; Virginia Baloyo, Women’s Ministries Director in the Southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD); and Raquel Arrais, Women’s Ministries Director in the Northern Asia-Pacific region (NSD). Their messages underscored the importance of spiritual growth and highlighted the crucial role women play in the church’s mission.

The event commenced on Friday evening with an address by Pastor Abel Bana. He encouraged attendees to embody the resilience and grace of a palm tree, using it as a metaphor for the flourishing Christian life. “May God enable each of us to flourish like the palm tree—beautiful in the Lord, useful in His service, bearing good fruit to His glory, even into old age!” he exhorted.

On Sabbath, Raquel Arrais delivered a message, emphasizing the centrality of Christ in the mission. “There is no flourishing for mission without Jesus! He is the one who sees you, heals you, touches you, and prepares you to flourish and serve. Flourishing for mission is with Jesus, for Jesus, and to Jesus!” Her words deeply resonated with the audience, setting a powerful tone for the entire convention.

During the afternoon session, Virginia Baloyo shared her insights on the important role of in the mission of the church, emphasizing the importance of continual spiritual growth and unwavering commitment to God’s work. She encouraged participants to embrace their unique gifts and use them to further the mission, reminding them that each woman has a vital contribution to make.

The convention’s program was thoughtfully designed, offering a series of inspiring messages aimed at equipping women with both practical tools and spiritual insights. These sessions empowered attendees to return to their communities with a renewed zeal for service. Topics covered included leadership development, mental health, and community service, providing a comprehensive approach to ministry that resonated with participants on multiple levels.

Many attendees left the convention profoundly impacted, with several expressing how the event had transformed their perspectives on ministry and personal growth. Dulina Runggam, attending her first Women’s Ministries Convention, described the experience as a blessing. “The convention was not only eye-opening but also informative, instructive, and inspiring. Mrs. Raquel Arrais’s extensive leadership experiences, coupled with her dynamic presentations, kept the audience engaged and eager to learn,” she said.

Another participant, Serimah Usek from Petaling Jaya English Church (PJEC), shared how the convention inspired her to serve God with greater confidence and love. “I had a wonderful experience meeting incredible women dedicated to God’s work, which inspired me to be more confident, loving, caring, and kind. I loved the convention so much and hope to attend again in the future,” she enthused.

The convention’s success was evident not only in the impressive turnout but also in the vibrant energy and enthusiasm that permeated the venue. A strong sense of unity and purpose marked the event, as women from diverse backgrounds came together with a shared goal: to “Flourish for Mission.”

As the first of its kind, the MAUM Women’s Ministries Convention set a high standard for future gatherings, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. The event’s success is a testament to the power of collective worship and the importance of providing women with opportunities for spiritual growth and effective service in the church. With plans already in motion for future conventions, the women of MAUM are poised to continue flourishing for mission, bringing light and hope to their communities and beyond.

Hazel Ginajil, MAUM Communications

The original article was published in the Malaysia Adventist Union Mission website.