intEntional rElationShipS

INTENTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

This season of life has lasted much longer than any of us hoped or expected. We are endlessly separated from our friends and loved ones in one sense or another. Sometimes we only see our friends through screens or plexiglass. It feels like one of the loneliest times in history. We are challenged to find new ways to interact and form relationships. That may even be what led you to be reading this blog.

As human beings, we are made for relationships. God told Adam it was not good for him to be alone, so God made a companion for him. Resist the temptation to shy away from relationships. My prayer is that we find new ways to be intentional in our friendships. Intentionality will enrich our love for those people even more. Try writing letters to friends far away or making phone calls to grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

I encourage you to set aside some time every day to do these things. Make it a time to express yourself but also a time to relax. The relationships you need to strengthen are not far away. Spend time with those in your own household. Honor your father and mother and those who take care of you. Remember, your siblings are your companions for life.

Commit to reaching out to a different friend or loved one every day this week. You will be surprised when you not only lift their spirits, but they also raise yours.

About the Writer: Hannah Gorrell is a 2021 senior at Welch College, studying Biology Education. She is a WNAC scholarship recipient and serves on many committees within Welch College. She is from Charleston, West Virginia, and attends McCorkle Free Will Baptist Church. Hannah enjoys gardening, singing, crafting, and cooking for family and friends.

thirtysomethings by Sarah Sargent

On August 5, 2020, I was on my way to work and listening to a daily devotion I get via email. The writer shared about a season in her life when she struggled to show “agape” love to a fellow church member. She realized that to be successful, she had to have God’s help. She and her best friend committed to reading 1 Corinthians 13 every day for an entire year. Over that year, through His Word, God softened her heart toward that person. As I mulled over this devotion, I could feel God challenging me to a similar mission.

By the end of that day, I had started my year-long journey with 1 Corinthians 13. At the time of this writing, I am almost six months into this endeavor. As a single woman, I long to find love. This consistent reminder of how God defines love has been challenging to my heart, thoughts, and actions.

I typically read it in the morning before I start my day. Many times God reminds me of my recent actions when I come across a particular characteristic of love. “Love is patient and kind”—unlike when my irritation with a co-worker was reflected in my attitude toward her. Having now read it consistently over 150+ times, I find the Scriptures coming to me in the moments of daily life. “If I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing” (verse 2). I can be a scholar of God’s Word, but if I do not share His love with those around me, my knowledge is for nothing.

I am excited to see how God will challenge me through this chapter over the next six months. I am eager to put this love into practice. I also hope God challenges many of you to start your own year-long journey with 1 Corinthians 13. This world desparately needs more of God’s love shining through us.

WVISION by Elizabeth Hodges

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose [activity, matter] under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). I shared this verse with the board announcing my retirement. “A time” represents my nomination to serve as the sixth WNAC director (May 29, 2010). “The season” began July 20, 2010, with my election and will extend until my retirement on December 31, 2021. What a privilege to serve Free Will Baptist women over 11 years.

As Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt and approached the Red Sea, he challenged them to “Fear not—stand firm—the Lord will fight for you—you only have to be silent” (Exodus 14:13-14). Imagine facing the Red Sea with the Egyptians behind you. The Israelites had been in bondage for over 400 years. Their bodies and spirits were weary. Moses encouraged them to let the Lord fight for them. What a promise as they faced an unknown future!

We, too, faced an unknown future in 2010. God led us all the way, allowing us to see the birth of new ministries, expanding our footprint in the denomination, and growth in existing ministries. We have better communication among all levels in WNAC. Thanks to social media, we can “see” our international sisters serving faithfully.

God has already chosen the next director. Join me in praying for Him to direct the board to this lady. May He knit their hearts together as He leads them into the next chapter of our history. We can each uphold this process in intercessory prayer. We have a rich heritage, and our future is bright. To Him be the glory. Great things He has done, is doing and will do in the future.

P. O. Box 5002 Antioch, TN 37011-5002 www.wnac.org 877-767-7662

76 Missionary needs met in 2020

For a current list of needed items, visit wnac.org.