The Guam-Micronesia Mission Women’s Ministries Department is teeming with activity from island to island. Here are a few details about some of the more recent WM programs.

“WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT IT” Mini Booklets Still Being Distributed in Micronesia

GMM WM team leaders from the different islands (Guam, Saipan, Tinian, Rota, Palau, Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae, Ebeye, Kwajalein, and Majuro) met regularly in 2020 and earlier this year to develop a special pamphlet they felt could really appeal to youth on their islands, most especially young ladies who face the reality of increasing social challenges in their communities.

The 32-page booklet contains information that addresses the different types, signs, and symptoms of abuse, suicide awareness, pornography, incest, and other real issues. In addition to featuring a special emergency contact directory for every island, it also provides information on positive relationship building skills.

Several thousand mini booklets have already been distributed throughout Micronesia and the demand for more continues to grow.

Before the end of this year, WM - partnering with Health Ministries - will publish and distribute two more mini pamphlets: “Women’s Health Issues in Micronesia” and “Recipes for Mental Wellness in Micronesia.”

GMM WM Reaches Out to Abused Women and New Mothers in Need

WM groups from across Micronesia, including the Mariana islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, continue distributing hundreds of special gifts of encouragement to victims of abuse and new mothers who are experiencing a variety of challenges. WM representatives are working with different government agencies hoping to reach those women and younger ladies who really need to feel like someone cares about their struggles. WM put together “Bags of Love” which contain numerous toiletry and self-care products and pamphlets with useful information. Bible scriptures of hope are printed on the bags so the women can reflect on them as they go through their personal ordeals.

Prayers continue to abound for them as well as the recipients of our “Bundles of Blessings” bags which contain baby products like diapers, wipes, clothes, bottles, and other items. In addition to working with agencies, WM ladies are also heading up and down dusty village roads, boldly going door-to-door presenting the bags and pamphlets while they comfort them with hugs, kind words, uplifting songs and prayers. Please keep these WM projects in your petitions. We surely appreciate it!

WM Leadership Certification Workshops

In an effort to equip current and future WM leaders with the skills needed to guide a successful WM team, GMM WM has been hosting regular leadership certification training sessions (certification levels ascend with each subsequent training program). These interactive sessions are being held on ZOOM which allows WM leaders from all over the region to join in on the lessons while their islands’ borders remain closed due to COVID.

Course subjects include: public speaking, managing conflict, effective leadership, effective communication, successful outreach, problem-solving and decision-making techniques, visioning and goal setting, grant writing, budgeting, and so much more!
The next leadership certification training takes place next month. If you would like to join us, connect with your WM leader for more information. Rev up your ministries for God. Get trained. Get certified.

WM Summer Series on Guam

WM started their series of summer seminars with “Can You Relate?” It was a special workshop that could not have come at a better time! Mental health worker, Suki Santos, addressed how the pandemic and other stress-causing factors may have really impacted our sense of connecting.

She shared research as well as encouragement in people’s efforts to develop stronger, authentic, and healing bonds with those in our life most especially during a period in our history when we find that many are still self-isolating.

Suki included multiple discussion circles which focused on how to build or improve our relationships with others. There was also digital polling during the session. A few weeks later, WM hosted a marriage and relationship seminar presented by Pastor Luis and Jessica Mafnas; and a couple of weeks after that, an interactive Christian parenting seminar was led by Dwight and Sandy McKeever.

Next up, as we wind down the summer months, WM will present a Do-it-Yourself (DIY): Make Your Own Personal Devotional Journal seminar! Starter materials will be provided. Families are invited to participate. Yes, that includes kids 10 and up! This is a Sabbath afternoon seminar that takes place on August 28th. For more details, see your WM leader.

WM Prayer Breakfast and Half-day Conference

Also this summer, GMM WM hosted a special prayer breakfast in June and a half-day conference in July. Both of these outreach ministry events were designed to promote (1) uplifting, prayerful Christian fellowship with women and their guests, (2) training on a plethora of topics that were presented, (3) real involvement by participating in small group breakout discussions, and finally, (4) a spirit of support leaving the participants feeling rejuvenated and ready to get on the road with their mission to serve God! Because the events took place on Guam and regional borders are still closed, GMM WM leaders and committee members from the different islands joined the program via Zoom.

Next, GMM WM will be conducting a series of Bible study training workshops for leaders and their teams. Materials and supplies will be provided to help WM participants start up new Bible study "small groups” at their churches and in their communities.

As your GMM WM teams throughout the region continue faithfully working toward building bridges of healing, please keep them in your prayers. These are the biggest contributions you can make to this very active ministry. Pray that as they reach out to others spiritual healing can also be a result as they share the truth about God and His love.