MAY 15-16, 2020

Thriving through SEEing

Blair County

Convention Center

Altoona, PA A Conference for Women and Girls!

Sponsored by: American Baptist Women’s Ministries Of Pennsylvania And Delaware

CONFERENCE & REGISTRATION INFORMATION & FORMS ENCLOSED

Register by Mail with forms or online at WWW.ABCOPAD.ORG

Please copy any/all of this booklet to distribute to your church or group.

A NOTE FROM OUR PRESIDENT—PAM HUGHES

How is your vision? What do you see? What have you seen?

Many of us do not have 20/20 vision. Some of us see things in hindsight – a little late. Some of us look into the future - it is not promised. Let’s look into NOW! Your ABWM Team has planned a wonderful THRIVE Confer-ence for you with 2020 vision. (Yes, we had a good time using 2020 in planning!)

This year will bring an end to the time I have served as your President. I have enjoyed the time I spent learning, meeting you, representing you and making memories with new and old friends. I have learned that many of you love to travel and have gone on amazing trips, both mission and relaxing with family. I know that some of you have served in the military – Thank you for your service. Many of you are crafters; you make amazing things. Many of you have grieved through the past few years and have been with me as I too have grieved (something that I did not see as a possibility). I have seen the mission projects that you hold near and dear to your hearts. You meet needs of your communities and the world (not only the ABWM projects). I am honored to have been involved in a new direction with our Conference. I am pleased that we THRIVE with our sisters (and brothers) in Christ. Please continue supporting the Executive Team (planning for the next year’s confer-ence happens many times while the current one is happening). Try not to be too critical of leadership style; everyone is different (God made us that way, He sees us as individuals) ,and we come together to share our vi-sions. We are volunteers serving the Lord to the best of our abilities. God has made us with different visions. It is amazing how each of our visions can be combined to make a plan that will work.

Welcome to all of you. Open your eyes to what God has in store for you (look for those AH-HA moments!!!!!!)

Pamela Hughes – ABWMOPAD President

THRIVE CONFERENCE PURPOSE

‘Encouraging all women and girls to live out their uniqueness

In a thriving Christ-centered community.’

A NOTE FROM CONFERENCE TEAM CHAIRPERSON—JODIE VASBINDER

Following the THRIVE acronym (Transformation, Hospitality, Restoration, Instruction, Virtues, External Focus),

we have arrived at the year of External Focus. The ABWMOPAD vision team of some eight years ago saw Exter-

nal Focus as a time to look outside of ourselves to others—Mission. Our God perfectly planned a time to focus

our vision on others in this year 20/20, purposely written as our optometrist would put it. While it is important

to develop our inward person, being transformed and restored through instruction, showing God’s work in us

through virtuous and hospitable living, it is so much more important that we realize and do our God-given work

to be in Mission—focusing not inwardly, but outwardly—External Focus. Several years ago an

evangelist told my church family that crossing the sea doesn’t make you a missionary, but ra-

ther seeing the cross. My prayer is that through something or someone at this 2020 THRIVE

Conference, each and every person is challenged to see the cross of Jesus in a new way and

their vision for their purpose in God’s Kingdom comes into focus.

THOUGH FLESH MAY FAIL…

Nearly 200 years ago in southeast New York, a child was born. In the first month of the in-

fant’s life, her parents noticed something wrong with her eyes. The community doctor was

out of town, but another man claiming to be a doctor told them he knew of a treatment that

would cure the child’s eyes. He horrified the family by placing a hot poultice on the infants

already inflamed eyes. The ‘doctor’ insisted the extreme heat would draw out the infection.

When he completed his treatments, the infection gradually cleared up, but ugly white scars

formed on the eyes. Months passed and little Fanny made no response when items were

held before her face. Fanny’s father passed away suddenly when she was 8 months old, and

her mother was forced to enter into the life of a maidservant for a nearby wealthy family.

Eunice Paddock, Fanny’s maternal grandmother, took on the near full care of Fanny and her

sister Polly. Grandma Eunice resolved that though Fanny may never see, she would not be a

helpless invalid, dependent on others, as most other blind people were in those days. Eunice

described in great detail for Fanny sunrises, sunsets, birds, flowers, trees, everything! She

also gave God the glory for His creation and pointed out that His interventions in our lives

were very real. She gathered her family around to read and explain God’s Word for them.

The family walked to church every Sunday and crowded into a small gathering house. There

was no piano or organ, just one man with a text who sang a line and the congregation repeat-

ing after him. By the age of 5, Fanny could sing both stately songs and crude ballads, her

musical talents were becoming obvious to those around her. In Fanny’s 11th and 12th years,

she began to feel there was a great store of knowledge waiting out there, but being blind she

had no opportunity with the education offered in her area. She began praying that God would

show her how she might learn like other children. At 14 years of age, Fanny knew the entire

Bible by heart and had begun musical training. Her mom told her about a new school in New

York City, a school for the blind. Fanny exclaimed, ‘He has heard my prayer and answered it,

just as I knew He would!’

Fanny Crosby, scarred and blinded for life nearly from birth, would never see

as others did, but the vision she had was far superior to the fleshy eyes of

our human bodies. The light that illuminated this brave girl’s soul was des-

tined to shine the Light for generations to come. She authored over 2000

beloved hymns, including “Blessed Assurance”, “Jesus, Keep Me Near The

Cross”, “All the Way My Savior Leads Me”, and “To God Be The Glory”.

Indeed! To God be the glory, that though Fanny Crosby was physically

blind, her spiritual vision was 20/20. And to God be the glory for a loving

caregiver who was determined to give a blind child the best vision possible,

grounding her with faith in God and His Word.

‘Father in Heaven, our fleshy eyes fail us, our vision is blurred, our purpose in You may not be

clear. In this year of 2020, please bring our spiritual vision into focus. Open our eyes and let

us see clearly the work You have prepared for us to do to bring You glory. Amen.’

- Jodie Vasbinder

THRIVE 2020

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Reverend Kelly Legg

Do you know the definition of “thrive”?

It means to “grow or develop vigorously.” To “thrive” is to experience dynamic, exponential maturation.

And that is the perfect word to describe the life-long process of transformation for a Jesus-follower. This

year it is my privilege to join in this pursuit of Jesus with you, as together we seek to develop an external

focus that enables us to thrive.

My life-verse comes from Ephesians 3:20-21. In that breathtaking prayer the apostle Paul gives God a

new name. He declares that our God is “He who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or im-

agine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Do you know what He is able to do, friends? To

heal the broken, cleanse the messy, comfort the hurting, and provide for the lacking. He is able to draw

more people to Himself than we can fathom, according to His power that is at work within us.

That single promise is reason enough for us to invite Him to shift our gaze beyond our own selves to the

people in front of us, community near us, and needs surrounding us. Because God is able to do more

than we can imagine. You don’t want to miss this experience. So grab your friends and register!

For those who like to know the particulars about their speaker: I grew up in WV attending an ABC-USA

church. I earned my undergraduate degree at Washington & Lee University and my Master of Divinity

from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. It has been my privilege to serve within ABCOPAD for more

than a decade, first as pastor of First Baptist Church of Norristown and now as the senior pastor of the

West Shore Baptist Church. You can find me on YouTube or at www.wsbc.org.

See you soon!

~ Pastor Kelly

CONFERENCE SCRIPTURE

‘Let each of you look not to your own interests,

but to the interests of others.’ Philippians 2:4 NRSV

MEET THE SMITHS

Corenne Phillip

Corenne is our Mission Speaker for THRIVE 2020. We are excited to hear her story first hand!

In Brazil, poor youth often choose life on the streets to escape the poverty of the slums and, more often,

to escape abusive families. On the streets, they are exposed to HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, child prostitution,

substance abuse, and violence. With the blessing of the National Baptist Convention of Brazil, Corenne

and Philip minister to children who are part of a residential program that rescues homeless street chil-

dren and youth ranging in age from 8 to 18. The program provides guidance, education, and training for

future employment. All students have completed a paid internship and are employed before they leave

the program. Corenne works mainly with the older children, working with them on life skills so that they

can eventually transition away from a boarding school to independent living. Corenne also serves as a

surrogate mother to many of the children, sharing with them the love of Jesus. After experiencing day-to-

day living in a safe, caring Christian environment, most of these children make decisions to follow Christ.

Philip Smith is the president and CEO of the residential program, Hope Unlimited for Children, which was

founded in 1991. Philip is an associate missionary serving in Brazil in a joint appointment by International

Ministries and Hope Unlimited International.

SETH & TABI MELHORN

The Melhorns are returning to lead our worship sessions.

Together they have 16 years of musicianship and have led worship for

8 years at various services and events. Seth is the campus pastor at

The Door in Bellwood, PA, and Tabi is a very busy lady! Wife, momma,

singer, speaker, event planner and manager.

They live in Bellwood with their two young daughters.

Seth will be sharing more information about The Door in a breakout session during THRIVE Conference.

Like many communities Bellwood had a problem with groups of teenagers hanging out after school with

little positive to do, and many destructive influences after them. These youth were viewed as a commu-

nity problem as they congregated on corners, in alleys or park areas getting into trouble. These teens

were not involved in school sports or arts programs and were often abandoned to the streets after

school because of difficult home situations. Someone's vision gave them a ‘door’ to a better way of life.

ADULT CONFERENCE FEE $100.00***

Register by Mail with forms or online at WWW.ABCOPAD.ORG

(Fee includes conference sessions, break outs, Friday evening and Saturday noon meals at the Conference Center.)

Limited $15.00 Scholarships for Women if Registered and Paid In Full by April 15, 2020.

NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN AFTER APRIL 30, 2020. WHILE WE UNDERSTAND PLANS

CHANGE AND EMERGENCIES ARISE, COMMITMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE ON YOUR

BEHALF, AND ABWMOPAD IS DEDICATED TO FULFILL THOSE COMMITMENTS.

***HOTEL COST NOT INCLUDED—Booking information below

ROOMS have been blocked at the following hotels in Altoona. You must make your own reservation. Book 1-

4 persons per room at any of these hotels. Reservations must be made by APRIL 15, 2020. You must

identify yourself with the American Baptist Women’s Conference to receive the group rates.

DO NOT book your rooms thru any generic booking systems online or by phone—CONTACT THE HOTELS USING

THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS GIVEN or you will not receive the group rate.

Prices given DO NOT include taxes

COMFORT INN—814-693-1800 $95 + TAX/NIGHT, SINGLE/DBL Group #3792296

130 Patchway Road, Duncansville, PA 2.3 miles from the Convention Center.

Hot breakfast included, indoor pool/hot tub/fitness center/refrigerators/microwaves/coffee pots/free

high speed internet.

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS—814-693-1004 $109 + TAX/NIGHT, SGL/DBL Group Code/SMERF

115 Convention Center Dr., Duncansville, PA Across from the Convention Center.

Hot breakfast included, indoor pool/fitness center/refrigerators/microwaves/coffee pots/free high speed

internet.

COURTYARD MARRIOT—814-312-1800 $99 + TAX/NIGHT, SGL/DBL ABWM Group

Attached with walkway to the Convention Center.

*NO FREE BREAKFAST/indoor pool/hot tub/fitness center/refrigerators/microwaves/coffee pots/free high

speed internet.

Those staying at the Courtyard Marriot may opt to purchase a buffet breakfast at the Convention Center

for Saturday morning—Cost including all fees for this *buffet is $12 and will be paid IN ADDITION to

your conference fees to ‘ABWMOPAD’. See Registration Form for full details.

*The Breakfast Buffet at the Convention Center includes a selection of hot foods,

fresh fruits, pastries, juices and coffee.

GIRLS CONFERENCE FEE—$100*

(Girls are those in Grades 5 thru 12)

Register by Mail with forms or online at WWW.ABCOPAD.ORG—include the Medical form from this booklet.

*Includes hotel cost, all Conference sessions, activities, Friday Supper Buffet at the Conference Center,

Saturday Breakfast at the Courtyard Marriot, and Saturday Sit Down Lunch at the Conference Center.

*Girls will be housed at the Courtyard Marriot in a block of rooms, accompanied by the Girls Coordinator

and Adult helpers. Girls may request roomies—each room will house 4 girls. The block for the

girls is among the ABWMOPAD Team members rooms as well.

*Girls DO NOT need to book a room, that has been done for them.

*Girls must stay in this block of rooms to take advantage of the $100 fee. If you choose to house your girl

with the adults, all adult fees will apply for that girl.

*Girls ONLY will be having breakfast Saturday morning at the Courtyard Marriot, that is included in the Con-

ference Fee.

*Girls will be joining the adults for all main sessions and their Coordinator, Becky Crissman,

will have many other fun and exciting activities and lessons for them!

2020 Tentative Conference Schedule

The schedule listed is the best approximation of what will transpire between the release of this registration information and our conference in May and during the weekend of THRIVE CONFERENCE. We like to include some idea of our timeline for those who

may be arriving at times other than Registration*.

Friday, May 15, 2020

11:00 AM-1:00 PM Registration* Some vendors’ tables will be open for browsing and shopping.

1:00—4:40 PM Opening Session & Breakouts

4:40 PM Free time Hotel check in, silent auction, visiting, getting information from tables or shopping in

Authors, Artisans and Information Alley

5:45 PM Dinner Buffet at Convention Center Blessing promptly at 5:45 PM

7:15—8:30 PM Evening Session

FRIDAY NIGHT FELLOWSHIP OPTIONS Meet & Greet with Missionaries, fellowship with one another, gather your association for fellowship, Afterglow writers’

group with Roberta Brosius, Authors, Artisans and Information Alley to get Mission information or shop! Convention Center & Shopping Open till 10:00 PM

Saturday, May 16, 2020

BREAKFAST at BCCC (7:30 AM if selected - ticket required) OR at HOTELS 9:00 AM ABW Business Meeting 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM Morning Session

Noon Lunch Buffet at Convention Center Blessing promptly at Noon

1:30 PM - 4 PM Closing Session with Communion

NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR BEVERAGES ARE PERMITTED IN THE CONVENTION CENTER.

1. Beyond the Blur: Seeing Evangelism Clearly Rev. Kelly Legg

Christians possess the best news there is. Sometimes, though, our vision for how to share that news gets blurry. We can make evangelism into something scary, complicated, obligatory, and for-eign. But it's not. It's beautifully, wonderfully simple. In this breakout session, we will tackle evan-gelism misconceptions that blur our vision and consider together a new lens through which to see the opportunities we encounter every day as individuals and churches. 2. Devotions: Sharing Your Heart and God’s Word Roberta Brosius

A devotion is a short essay (200 - 300 words) whose purpose is to link God’s Word and the reader’s every-day life, to help the reader realize God’s presence, and to give the reader something to take with them for the rest of the day. Can you SEE this as your potential mission field!?

Why and how do I write a devotion? Where do ideas for a devotion come from? What are the do’s and don’ts of good devotion writing? How do I link my devotion thoughts to scripture? How do I share my devo-tion?

Roberta Brosius is a published devotions writer who will help you develop a devotion and explore the possi-bility of sharing your writing with two publishers - The Secret Place and The Upper Room. There will be an opportunity to submit a devotion to Mrs. Brosius to be critiqued and a Friday evening of conference after-glow time for attendees of this breakout session to chat more intimately with Mrs. Brosius and other poten-tial devotion writers.

3. ABWMOPAD/ABCOPAD Mission Trip Guide

Rev. Mark Mahserjian-Smith; Sally Perry, Mission & Service Coordinator

When disaster strikes, people need people. In this breakout, session leaders will talk about exploring, planning, promoting, funding and successfully completing a mission trip. What questions or concerns do you have about joining or leading a trip onto a mission field? This breakout may help you SEE your way clear to move ahead.

4. Hope Unlimited, Brazil - Corenne Smith

Corenne is our Mission Speaker for THRIVE Conference. In this breakout you will spend an hour with Corenne in a more up close and personal time as she shares about their work in Brazil.

5. Can You SEE Into The Future? Dr. Jeff Johnson

When people talk about leaving a legacy, they’re usually thinking in terms of what they can do at the end of their lives to make an impact. We strongly believe that your legacy starts well before your finish. It will be measured by what you do every day up to that point and then what you leave behind to carry on the work you can no longer personally do. The most influential people, the ones who leave behind incredible legacies, live on in the hearts of the people and organizations that have touched them and they have touched along the way.

The best possible use of our lives is to spend them on something that will outlast us, ‘planting the seeds of a tree under whose shade we will never sit.’

By making a planned gift now, you ensure later that the organizations that have blessed you, like our ABWomen, will be blessed, and can continue its critical work for many years to come. This informative and interactive workshop will help you understand the Biblical basis of legacy and the financial opportunities that are available to you to drive home a legacy, and

we don’t mean a Subaru!

6. Beyond the Blur: Seeing Evangelism Clearly Rev. Kelly Legg

See Breakout Session 1. for details.

7. Doing Faith In Action with style! Dr. Jeff Johnson Style is defined as a distinctive way of doing something. You are one of a kind and the way you do things should be too. So, do you want to understand mission in a way that is natural and normal, that feels real and not faked, that complements your personality and doesn’t compete with it? This workshop will give you the Biblical basis for person-ality-based ministry and mission. It will teach you the various personality styles that exist, your own included, exam-pled in scripture, and powerfully relevant to the way you live out your faith today. Come for a time of information, interaction, and inspiration. The whole purpose of mission is to make God known (I Peter 4:11). So, if you are on mis-sion for God, if you are on mission with God, do it with style, YOUR style!

8. Local Mission Darlene McGregor, Executive Director of Rankin Christian Center

Braddock, PA Ranking Christian Center is a non-profit faith-based agency. Programs include: Supports Coordination for I.D. , Senior Program, After School and Youth Programs. Food Pantry

Seth Melhorn, The Door Bellwood, PA The National Center for Addictions and Substance Abuse at Columbia University determined that the kids who turn out best have two things in common. 1) They belong to a faith group like a church or youth ministry, and 2) They have

dinner with their family 3 or more nights a week. We at The Door step in to provide support in both of these areas in tangible ways. Being located in a residential home helps us maintain a strong family culture, while an upgraded commercial kitchen frees us to be able to safely and efficiently provide daily meals to an average of 40 teens in each of our locations. Our programs have always been able to be offered free of charge to any teen who needs them thanks to the sacrificial support by many individuals, churches, and local businesses!

Have you heard of or wondered just what these ministries do in their communities?

Have you ever supported either of these local ministries?

Would you like to know more about these local ministries?

Has God been nudging YOUR heart to be involved, or upstart a community ministry in your neighborhood?

LOOK at this breakout session. SEE the possibilities!

An evangelist once shared with his listeners: “It’s not crossing the sea that makes one a missionary but seeing the cross.’” Each of us is on mission! Ms. McGregor and Mr. Melhorn will share their unique personal stories of being in community ministry and answer questions you may have about being the hands, feet and voice of Jesus right where you live.

9. Hope Unlimited, Brazil - Corenne Smith

See Breakout Session 4. for details.

10. Fresh Expressions Rev. Dr. Frank Frischkorn

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19.

God is always about doing a ‘”new thing” in our lives, but sadly the famous last words of the church are, ‘”We’ve nev-er done it that way before.” So often as congregations we build walls around our hearts to insulate us from the lost world that is literally at our doorstep, even though God may be calling us to engage in some new and exciting ways. In this workshop we’ll explore some of the Fresh Expressions of church that are happening in communities just like ours, asking the question, “Why not our church, too?”

BRIGHTER DAYS

FOR BRAZILIAN YOUTH

REGION PROJECT 2020 - During this Project Year, the American Baptist Women of Pennsylvania and Delaware raised money to help renovate, decorate and open a thrift shop in Vitoria Brazil.

GOAL $15,000.00! How did we do? We will find out this weekend!

Meet International Ministries’ Corenne and Philip Smith. The Smith’s min-

ister to children who are part of a residential program that rescues home-

less street children and youth ranging in age from 8 to 18. Their program

provides guidance, education, and training for future employment. All stu-

dents have completed a paid internship and are employed before they leave the program. Corenne works

mainly with the older children, working with them on life skills so that they can eventually transition away

from a boarding school to independent living. Corenne also serves as a surrogate mother to many of the

children, sharing with them the love of Jesus. After experiencing day-to-day living in a safe, caring Christian

environment, most of these children make decisions to follow Christ. Philip is the president and CEO of

the residential program, Hope Unlimited for Children, which was founded in 1991. Philip is an associate

missionary serving in Brazil in a joint appointment by International Ministries and Hope Unlimited Interna-

tional.

A thrift shop, besides providing jobs, will be one more step that leads to

self-sustainability for the Smith’s program. “That means less depend-

ence on us as partners, and more autonomy going forward. You know

the old ABC adage, ‘We work ourselves out of a job.’ This Regional Pro-

ject will assist the poor youth of Brazil who often choose life on the

streets to escape the poverty of the slums and, more often, to escape

abusive families. On the streets, they are exposed to HIV/AIDS, malnu-

trition, child prostitution, substance abuse, and violence.

Remaining DONATIONS MAY BE MADE ONLINE https://secure-q.net/Donations/ABWMOPAD/12508

Remaining DONATIONS MAY BE MAILED ABWM Treasurer, Cynthia Carter-Wedgewood

2524 West 18th Street , Wilmington, DE 19806

DONATIONS BROUGHT TO THRIVE 2020 should be placed in the Offering Friday evening dur-ing session. Please mark your offering envelope with ‘REGIONAL PROJECT’

QUESTIONS? Contact Sally Perry, Missions & Service Coordinator

(717) 626-1488 (954) 494-8446 mailto:rasperryjelly@gmail.com

https://secure-q.net/Donations/ABWMOPAD/12508https://secure-q.net/Donations/ABWMOPAD/12508https://secure-q.net/Donations/ABWMOPAD/12508https://secure-q.net/Donations/ABWMOPAD/12508

CONFERENCE PROJECT—CHOOSE & BRING TO CONFERENCE!

Each year your planning team arranges for ways to bless others by asking attendees to bring certain items

to conference. We are happy to tell you there are several ways to bless THREE ministries this year!

************************************************************************************************************************************

HOPE UNLIMITED—BRAZIL

Corenne Smith has given a list of needed items. These will be used for resale at the

Thrift Shop or as needed for the children. Our rule of thumb is: ‘If it is used,

is it good enough that you would wear or use it or give it to a good friend.’

*Costume Jewelry in good repair

*Hand made aprons, crocheted doilies, embroidered items

*Reading glasses—in case if possible

*Children’s Clothing item or Outfit—shoes may be included—newborn to age 18

(Average temperature in Brazil is 70 degrees year round)

************************************************************************************************************************************

THE DOOR—BELLWOOD, PA ‘A ministry dedicated to at risk youth’

Paper goods, deodorant, tooth paste & tooth brushes, combs & brushes, bar soap,

shampoo, canned veggies, chicken noodle soup, sloppy joe sauce, spaghetti sauce,

Walmart Gift Cards….think ‘feeding teenagers’!

************************************************************************************************************************************

RANKIN CHRISTIAN CENTER—BRADDOCK, PA ‘The Rankin Christian Center is a non-profit, faith based community social service agency, primarily focusing

on serving the underserved communities in the Mon Valley of Allegheny County.’

Paper products and feminine hygiene products for the pantry

Walmart Gift Cards

We know our

ladies are VERY

generous—as

evidenced by the

mountain of

shoes a few years

back! Please

limit yourself to

one child’s outfit.

BASKETS AND BOXES AND BAGS, OH MY!

SEE what you or your group can put together to help raise funds to transport Conference Project items to their destination! Our

groups are so creative and each year we are amazed at what is do-

nated for the Silent Auction. Our ladies of Pennsylvania and Dela-

ware are honestly THE BEST! The best not only in their big hearts in

creating items for Silent Auction, but in bidding on them as well! It

is exciting to see name after name up the bid as the hours pass on

Friday and Saturday. ALSO, per evaluation form requests, we will

be adding a new twist to the Silent Auction. There will be a few items for which you may write your name

on a slip of paper, place it in the collection basket and add any donation of your choosing to the collection

jar nearby. These Select Silent Auction items will be decided by a drawing from the names in the basket—

rather than a highest bidder. If you want to add a bit of money towards transportation costs, this gives you

that chance! Looking forward to seeing your WOW stuff again!

*********************************************************************************************************

RANDOM ACT OF GIVING

Come prepared with some extra change or a dollar or two for a special ran-

dom act of giving…..you will know when the moment has arrived!

*********************************************************************************************************

AUTHOR? ARTISAN? INFORMATION?

Does your church group sell something special for a mission project? Is your group working on current pro-

jects you would like to share with the ladies of ABWMOPAD? Have you authored a book currently for sale?

Do you have a home based business? Are you a crafter with items to sell? Do you have information to dis-

tribute to our ladies? Consider reserving a table at conference!

8ft tables can be reserved for a $10 fee—vendor is responsible for table covering/skirting

Tables must be reserved by April 30, 2020

NO COOKING OR FOOD SAMPLING ON THE PREMISES per Convention Center Contract

APPLICATION FOR TABLES CAN BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING JODIE VASBINDER

Telephone : 814-845-2355 Email: jesusaveptl@gmail.com

We are thrilled to have our friends with us in Altoona in 2020!

January 30, 2020

To: ABWMOPAD

From: Pamela Hughes – President – ABWMOPAD

RE: 2019 REGION PROJECT: Rebuilding Primera Iglesia Bautista de Masas II, Puerto Rico

I want to share an update on our 2019 Region Project.

We received news from Pastor Miguel Rivera, pastor at Primera Iglesia Bautista de Masas II, Puerto Rico and

Abigail Medina Betancourt, volunteer coordinator for the American Baptist Home Mission Society “Rebuilding,

Restoring, Renewing Puerto Rico” initiative, that funds raised from our 2019 Region project cannot be used to

rebuild the actual church building. FEMA has taken responsibility to rebuild, giving them a more resilient/storm

resistant building and we were advised that FEMA will be in total control of the rebuilding of the structure.

The money raised by your generous efforts needs to be used in other ways; ex: refurnishing after FEMA has

completed their part as well as church programming. Our Mission & Service Coordinator for ABWMOPAD, Sally

Perry, did some fact finding when she and her mission team went to work in Puerto Rico in October of 2019.

Sally presented your ABWMOPAD TEAM with a proposal from Masas II. You can read its summary in this regis-

tration booklet as well. With a majority vote, we voted to accept this proposal as an appropriate use of the

funds. We are in fact rebuilding the Church by following the Pastor’s lead when he told us the “church building

was gone but the Church remains.” We are equipping our Puerto Rican brothers and sisters in Christ to minis-

ter to the needs of their community while sharing Christ’s love. $5,000.00 of the total funds have been released

in this effort. The balance of the funds will remain in an interest bearing account (interest earned will also go to

the project) and will be released as needs arise in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico needs our continued prayers as they are still struggling to rebuild from the hurricane’s devastation

and now, in recent days, the additional devastation of earthquakes.

Friends, I hope you will understand the situation that arose with our funds. Masas II may not have a building yet,

but as a Church, they are sharing Christ to those around them. We are able to help them. Once again all of you

have stepped up and are making a difference in Puerto Rico.

We will continue to provide updates as we receive them and hope to be able to provide pictures of the continu-

ing mission trips that help our Puerto Rican neighbors.

If you have questions please email Sally Perry or myself.

Thanks so much for your understanding, ABWMOPAD President Pamela Hughes

Sally Perry - rasperryjelly@gmail.com Pam Hughes - pamsue.hughes@gmail.com

Primera Iglesia Bautista de Masas II Gurabo, Puerto Rico

Pastor: Miguel Rivera

PROPOSAL TO EVANGELIZE AND OTHER MATTERS

Purpose: Announce the Gospel to those who do not know Jesus Christ through community service activities in the Masas II neighborhood of Gurabo, Puerto Rico.

Biblical Verse: “Whoever wants to serve me must follow me; and where I am also my servant will be. To whom it serves me, my Father will honor it. ” John 12:26

Mission: Impact the community of the Masas II neighborhood in Gurabo through the service with love to those who are part of, or will join the family of faith in Jesus Christ.

Proposal #1

Diabetes and hypertension clinic

Place: Primera Iglesia Bautista de Masas II, Gurabo, Puerto Rico

Date: Month of March 2020

Objectives:

a) Preservation of physical, mental and spiritual health.

b) Prevention of diabetes and hypertension.

c) Deliver Gospel tracts and / or sheet with biblical and Church information.

d) Motivate residents of the Masas II sector to visit and attend our Church.

Goals:

a) That the non-believers of the Masas II neighborhood in Gurabo, and adjacent places join the family of faith in Jesus Christ.

b) Request the help of medical sponsors and pharmaceutical companies, and also of the Mayor of the Gurabo town.

c) Announce the clinic through posters, social networks and flyers to promote the interest of the residents of Masas II neighborhood in Gurabo, adjacent places, and obtain good assistance.

Detailed Budget of the Diabetes and Hypertension Clinic: Includes Promotion of the event, nurses and staff for the event, rental of space and brochures for both management of diabetes and hy-pertension and Gospel tracts. The event will include a program with prayer, music, and Pastor Rivera speaking to those gathered. Grand Total $1,040

Proposal #2 During the time the permanent Gathering Place is being built by FEMA

Rental of a place that the congregation can meet while the gathering places is being built.

Monthly cost amount $500 (approximately) Deposit amount (will be determinate by the landlord)

2020 ABWMOPAD THRIVE CONFERENCE MEDICAL FORM—GIRLS ONLY SEND THIS FORM WHEN YOU REGISTER OR BRING TO CONFERENCE REGISTRATION!

NAME TELEPHONE

STREET ADDRESS CITY

STATE ZIP DATE OF BIRTH

INSURANCE COMPANY POLICY NUMBER GROUP NUMBER

MEDICATIONS TAKEN REGULARLY - HOW OFTEN

ALLERGIES - REACTIONS

ANY HEALTH ISSUES

LAST TETANUS SHOT FAMILY DOCTOR TELEPHONE

CONFERENCE ATTENDEE TO CONTACT IN CASE OF EMERGENCY TELEPHONE ALTERNATIVE TELEPHONE

ADDRESS RELATIONSHIP

NAME OF PERSON TO CONTACT IN CASE OF EMERGENCY TELEPHONE ALTERNATIVE TELEPHONE

ADDRESS RELATIONSHIP

I, being a person authorized by law to give such permission, do hereby give my permission for emergency medical treatment to be given to the person who is named

above. I understand that all reasonable attempts will be made to contact me as soon as possible after the condition necessitating treatment arises, and that failing

to reach me, attempts to contact the alternate above will be made and that the sponsor on campus has been contacted. I understand that all reasonable precau-

tions will be taken for safety at all times. I further release The American Baptist Women, American Baptist Churches, _______________________ (child's church),

and all persons associated with these organizations from any liability associated with any accident, injury, or disease to the person that is subject to this form.

Signature of Parent/Guardian ______________________________________________________________________ Date _______________________

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