Come To the Edge as We Break the Chains. This was the theme of the AB Women’s Conference held June 13-15, 2008.
Arriving at Calvary Baptist Church, Thursday the 12th, I wondered what I forgot, how we were going to get the all decorations up, etc., etc. A few hours later all was in place and we were ready for the conference to begin on Friday. Thank you everyone. Great job!
The women had to break the multicolored chains to enter the Sanctuary, pews, rooms for workshops and bathrooms. As they were broken they were replaced. The chains decorated the front of the Sanctuary and remained there through the 9:30 am Worship Service on Sunday.
Our main speaker, Lauran Bethel helped us become more and more aware of the trafficking slave trade in the world including the United States. Yes! It is even in Colorado. Throughout the weekend the chains became broken, pieces lying about on the floor, evidence that it is messy to break chains and sometimes they don’t stay broken. The symbolism was powerful.
Lauran shared amazing stories and pictures of women rescued from the prostitution slave trade. It would break your heart to hear their stories but to know is to be fore armed. She shared how some people have chosen to “Break the Chains”. The challenge: What is God calling me to do? What is He calling you to do?
Estela Schweissing shared her stories of helping the Haitian women who are victimized in the Bahamas. Alicia Luquin used the Conference theme in a powerful ceremony of Installation for the New Board. Mary Hulst used the story of “The woman at the well” to help us understand how Jesus breaks our chains. The Children’s Story during Sunday morning worship completed the visual effect of breaking the chains.
Check out the break the Chains web site at www.abwmbreakthechains.org
Our Break the Chains offering totaled $1006.10. $125,348.30 has been received towards the two year National goal of $250,000. This project speaks to all of us. Keep up the good work!
It was voted to increase the Budget item “Church Women United” to $100 and increase the Conference offering line item to $440 thereby covering the added expense. Our Conference offering was $453.22. Well done!
Love Gift is as important today as it was started during the depression. Our Conference Love gift offering was $395.05. We have a ways to go to our goal of $15,000 but we can do. Can we go over the goal?
It makes me proud to represent Colorado as I go to National Board and Conference in Green Lake, Wisconsin in August. You are wonderful people. Thank you for making our Conference one to remember.
Remember to check out these web sites for starters:
http://abwministries.org/
http://www.abc-whitecross.org/
www.abwmbreakthechains.org
http://www.nationalministries.org
http://www.internationalministries.org/
Blessings to you all,
Yvonne Whisenhunt, President
Colorado AB Women’s Ministries
Pictures provided by Denise Wylde
 
Alicia Luquin & Estela Schweissing Gathering at Calvary, Denver
 
Chains to be broken Centerpiece on table
 
Centerpiece on table Centerpiece on table
 
Lots of chains made by women from around the Region. More chains to break.
 
Conversations Conversations
 
Conversations Craft workshop
 
Donna, Estela, and Maggie Tour of Franklin Park
 
Rev. Jo Murrow Scarves made by women just out of slavery with a
picture of missionary Lauran Bethell.
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