Discussions about mission, new directions and the future of the Women's Missionary Society ensued at the WMS' annual council meeting in May. After the 2008 mission exposure tours (to India and Eastern Europe) were announced, Rev. Rick Fee, General Secretary of the Life and Mission Agency, shared a vision he has for mission.
“From the context of the Presbyterian Church, with an older membership, one innovative idea would see the development of programs wherein grandparents would travel to overseas destinations or other parts of Canada with their grandchildren,” said Fee.
He strongly believes mission tours in Canada and overseas are tremendous opportunities for spiritual growth, shared experiences and greater awareness of socioeconomic realities.
“The benefits of such an inter-generational program are innumerable,” he continued. “Shared experiences of what the church actually does, the bonding between grandmothers and granddaughters, a history lesson on church missions, and practical lessons on faith in Jesus Christ in a world attracted in other directions.”
Wilma Welsh, former moderator, agrees. “If we give an opportunity to a young person, they won't be lost from the church. They'll be part of the church's work. It's a challenge; to you and to me.”
Though nothing concrete has been set, Fee said he would encourage collaboration between the Atlantic Mission Society, WMS and LMA to release resources to foster such an idea.
The council also heard from a Presbyterian minister and an Imam on their views of Sabbath; discussed Sabbath as it relates to justice; and, heard from missionaries Arlene Onuoha (Nigeria), David and Anna Pandy-Szekeres (Eastern Europe), and Pauline Brown, who has retired after 55 years of service in India. Council also decided on their 2008 grants to various missions, including $8,800 to various Aboriginal ministries in Canada, and $25,000 to the Pandy-Szekeres' work on experimental farms in Ukraine and Romania. – AM
