April 6, 2020 -- American Baptist Women's Ministries (ABWM) collectively raised $12,000 to assist Ministerios de Mujeres Bautistas de Puerto Rico (Baptist Women's Ministries of Puerto Rico) with relief efforts for women and children impacted by the 6.4 and 5.9 magnitude earthquakes that shook Puerto Rico in early January. Gina Jacobs-Strain, executive director, noted, "The generosity of so many blessed us and helped us exceed our goal to raise $10,000 during the month of February. We are deeply grateful for their kindness. As ministries continue in the wake of new stresses and issues related to COVID-19, we will need to discern new ways to support AB women in Puerto Rico and throughout the country. Each day we have new challenges and new opportunities to extend love and kindness, especially to those already living in the margins with special emphasis on our children and the elderly." ABWM continues to answer the call of Luke 4:18-19 to bring hope to all who may feel forgotten and alone in their efforts to rebuild and to face the unknown. Brenda Toledo, region/state president of Ministerios de Mujeres Bautistas de Puerto Rico, shared, "Our temples are closed, but as church and ministry, we continue to be connected and united. We thank you with our whole heart for your continued prayers and constant financial support. With this help, we will continue to be able to supply food, school supplies, and other needs to those who are most affected by the earthquakes." ABWM is encouraged by the results of this campaign, but much remains to be done, as thousands are still without shelter or power, and some 2,000 people are displaced. ABWM will continue to be at the forefront of efforts to support the women and girls in the US and Puerto Rico and encourages other like-minded partners to do the same.
American Baptist Women's Ministries (ABWM) is a diverse community of American Baptist women and girls serving in ministry in Christ's name in the US including Puerto Rico as well as internationally. With local, area, region/state, and national levels of ministry, American Baptist Women's Ministries creates and sustains communities of passionately faithful, mission-minded women and girls engaged in worship, service, and friendship. Our ministries include domestic violence and sex trafficking prevention and education, building beloved community, and developing leaders. To learn more about American Baptist Women’s Ministries, visit our website at www.abwomensministries.org.