Dear Women’s Ministry Leader,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! I would like to start with a short introduction of myself. My name is Betsy Berger and I have begun training under Donna Kephart to fill the position of Director of Regional Women’s Ministry. The title will fall to me in February 2023. This decision has come with much wrestling and prayer. So many things have changed in my life over the last several years, and nearly everything feels new. A husband. Children. Grandchildren. A different denomination. Finishing ministry schooling and receiving a pastoral license through the Missionary Church. Moving out of the secular work arena into full time ministry. Becoming the Director of Women’s Ministry was the last thing I wanted, and I fought it for about a year. However, God did not allow me to run from the call, and I eventually submitted to Him. I know the responsibilities of this position are way bigger than me, and I covet your prayers. I have long had a passion for women’s ministry, but have never felt qualified to speak for Jesus, especially to this capacity. My prayer is that we will seek the Lord together and challenge each other to grow in His grace and truth.
I have been asked several times over the last few months what I believe the greatest need is of Christian women. The answer came easily each time- connection. But one time, I was pressed further, and I did not have a quick answer. The second question was this: “What kind of connection?” This brought some searching, and I believe that we each desire connection in three areas- with God, with others, and with ourselves. I also believe that we are greatly challenged in all these areas. It seems that no matter how hard we try, we cannot get enough time for connection. Our lives have all sorts of demands, and we struggle to get the priorities set right. Time with God gets pushed to the back burner. When it comes to others, we struggle to find the genuine friendships that will hold us accountable, encourage us, and simply sit with us. And connection with ourselves? We hardly even know who we are, let alone what we are, in the chaos of life. My prayer for each of you as we enter 2023, is that your connections will grow deeper and stronger- with God, with others, with yourself. It is in being connected that we can be equipped to live to our full potential.
The goal of our Regional Women’s Ministries Committee will continue to be assisting you in your ministry to the women in your circle of influence. We offer events throughout the year to help equip you to minister to your ladies. We are also exploring new ways in which we can better serve you.
Here are the events that we currently have planned for 2023:
- OASIS– This will be held on Saturday, April 1 at Pleasant View Missionary Church. This is an outreach event where Olivia Page will share the powerful testimony of how the Lord delivered her from occultism and witchcraft. Printable material for that event can be found at mcecr.org/forms-promos/womens-ministries
- FELLOWSHIP EVENTS– At our week of camp (July 23-29) we have Sweet Life Café for the ladies. This includes missionaries and ladies from our region sharing what the Lord has done and is doing. We have times of devotion and some crafts. We will also have work days at camp.
- R.O.W.– This is a one-day conference event being held on October 7th, to encourage us to grow deeper in our walk with the Lord. This year’s topic is Out of Egypt. We will look at how we get into “captive” circumstances, how to get out of the wilderness and into the promised land. Grace Missionary Church in Celina will host this event again in 2023.
- PERSONAL OPPORTUNITIES– I hope to, throughout the year, meet with many of you personally to get to know you and the needs of your ministry.
You can stay up to date on our events found on the regional website listed above or by reaching out to any of the Women’s Ministries Committee members.
Please take a few moments to look over this packet and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me.
In Christ,
Betsy Berger
Director of Women’s Ministries
(216) 815-2816
betsy.berger73@gmail.com