June 17, 2020
On June 11, 2020, American Baptist Women’s Ministries (ABWM) celebrated 69 years of ministry with a virtual celebration.
We’ve come this far by Faith, was the theme and Hebrews 11:1, “
now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” was the scripture. For 69 years, ABWM has inspired women to lead, addressed issues of economic and gender equity, and persisted in ministries amidst changing times and changing needs. ABWM journeys with women in career choices, leadership development, and changing economic and social conditions while simultaneously advancing kingdom building.
Even in this strange season wherein our country finds itself amid a pandemic and unbridled racism, ABWM sustains steadfast hope that God will heal our land. In the midst of COVID-19, ABWM is committed to finding ways to support our communities, especially women and children, as they reset and reimagine their future. Through region and state presidents, local and national partners, ABWM is continually acquiring knowledge about the best ways to serve its communities. ABWM’s Building Beloved Community Ministry sustains its commitment to deepening cross-cultural relationships, teaching, and providing safe spaces to learn cultural competence and collaborative leadership.
“We stand on the shoulders of women like Violet Rudd and Blanche Hodge board president that understood that the commitment and wellbeing of women are foundational for healthy churches, healthy communities, and a healthy denomination. We are grateful that they took up the mantel and began this journey 69 years ago. We trust that ABWM is poised to be light in the darkness, to be hope in the midst of disparity, to be kind to the mean-spirited, to be bridge-builders in gaps of understanding, and to be love to the unloved. We’ve come this far by faith, and we have so much further to go. Our mission of education and prevention of domestic violence and sex trafficking, cross-cultural relationships, economic empowerment, UN sustainable goals, and building beloved community provides fertile ground for our ministries to grow. 69 years and our sisterhood are strong, our friendships are affirming, and our ministries are still blossoming,” noted Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain, executive director of ABWM.
ABWM is grateful for the prophetic and encouraging preaching of Rev. Dr. Zina Jacque, the moving and soul-stirring poetry of Min. Barbara Florvil and the worshipful, unifying music of Jennifer Shaw, Dana Seville, and Hornrette Washington. Each unique gift shared uplifted hearts and inspired hope. ABWM is seeking to raise $10,000 for its Birthday. To watch a recording of the 69th Birthday and make your gift of $69 or more, please visit
www.abwomensministries.org/birthday today!
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.