VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 8/30/16)—American Baptist Women’s Ministries announces a virtual mission encounter, October 3-7, 2016, on “See…the Suffering: Drug Addiction.” Based on the 2016-2017 mission focus of the same name, the virtual mission encounter offers women the opportunity to raise their awareness about the critical problem of drug addiction and learn how their faith calls them to respond.
Studies show that prescription drug addiction and overdose continues to rise, especially among women. Although the highest percentages of addiction and overdose are among adolescents and young adults, the percentage of addicted adults in their 50s and 60s is rising dramatically. This is an issue that has an impact upon every American Baptist congregation; statistics suggest that members of congregations may be experiencing addictions themselves or have loved ones who are.
Virtual mission encounters are an opportunity to experience mission education and inspiration in participants’ own homes and within the requirements of their own schedule. Participants receive daily emails with suggested activities to deepen their understanding of the topic, and each evening of the encounter includes a conference call with a special guest with experience and expertise to share. Guest speakers for the “See…the Suffering” virtual mission encounter include Rev. June Cooper, executive director of the City Mission Society of Boston; Kerri Mims, activist; Rev. Yana Pagan, chaplain and professor of Justice at Esperanza College of Eastern University in Philadelphia; and Rev. Brenda Lammie, assistant pastor and director of the Greater New Life Center for Recovery in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts.
Virginia Holmstrom, ABWM executive director, urges American Baptist women to register for this unique online virtual mission encounter. She said, “It’s no secret that drug addiction affects women and girls and their families. The “See . . . the Suffering’ virtual mission encounter on October 3-7 is an online resource for women to learn about addiction and available sources for help, and how to respond as a Christian community. Your participation will contribute to the whole mission encounter experience.”
Registration for the “See…the Suffering: Drug Addiction” virtual mission encounter is open now through September 28, 2016. For more information, visit www.abwministries.org/vme.
American Baptist Women’s Ministries is a Christ-centered ministry with a commitment to encourage and empower women and girls to serve God.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.
.