January 2021
Vol 2021.1
QUARTERLY MAGAZINE
WOMEN OF PURPOSE
Connecting, Supporting and Empowering Women
January 2021
Vol 2021.1
RESET YOUR MIND
by Jenifer J. Johnson Founder - Women of Purpose Ministry Greetings Sistas, Blessing for a wonderful and exciting 2021. As we begin a New Year, we surrender all of our hopes and aspirations to our Heavenly Father. We know He holds tomorrow and we put our trust completely in His plans for our lives. We will walk in obedience, as He orders our steps daily. This is the perfect time to reset our minds, look closely at our habits, and prepare our hearts for what God is going to do next.
Here are 5 ways to do that: Set aside time with God every day Jeremiah 29:13 - You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Start rebuilding healthy habits by making time with God your top priority. When you prioritize time with Him, you allow Him to renew your mind and change the way you think. Fix your eyes on Jesus Keeping Jesus at the center of your life will help you to lay aside anything that might easily entangle you, and eventually this practice will change the way you live. Remember whose you are You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. I Corinthians 6:19-20; Psalm 139:14 Start small Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. - Luke 16:10 Invite others to join you As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. - Proverbs 27:17 Is there a trusted friend who can join you? Whatever the challenges are, we can make this our best year ever. ARE YOU READY? LET'S GO! Page 2
January 2021
Vol 2021.1
NEW YEAR, NEW CHAIR
by Janet Sealey (Chairman - Women Of Purpose Ministry Board of Directors)
It is a delight and honour to address you as Chairman of the Women of Purpose ministry. I salute the previous Board of Directors, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Beverly Lashley and acknowledge their dedication in sustaining this organization for the last ten years. I embrace the new Board and declare that 2021 will be a productive and purposeful year. We are off to a rocky start confronting the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has no doubt kept us on our knees while casting our eyes heavenward. The goal of WOP for 2021 is to impact more women through education, motivation and prayer. This ministry is all-inclusive and has the potential to bring spiritual, mental, social and physical transformation – the more ladies we reach, the stronger our communities will become. Despite the strict protocols, adjustments and limitations, COVID-19 has ushered in a virtual component to communication, that opens the global doorway to international participation. Last year we were blessed to share the zoom platform with our neighbouring sistas from the Caribbean and North America. We will build on that foundation and spread our wings further afield. Thank you for taking this journey with us, so fasten your seat belts and prepare for a triumphant experience. Be encouraged with the promise in Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) - “For I know the thoughts I think towards you says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil to give you a future and a hope”.
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January 2021
Vol 2021.1
MEET OUR TEAM
The Board of Directors of Women of Purpose has made a few changes to our team. Let us now introduce our new team, who will be working alongside our founder, Jenifer J. Johnson, to achieve the goals and mandate set out for this ministry. Please remember to keep us in your prayers. JANET SEALEY
Chairman
Janet Sealey is a humble servant of God; she loves the Lord with all her heart. She is blessed to be the mother of two sons, an adopted god son and grandmother to an adorable grandson. Janet is a qualified secretary with a leader’s heart. Her leadership experience includes being Director of the Maxwell Wesleyan Women’s ministry for ten consecutive years; President of the Barbados Association of Office Professionals in 2013, an organization which she served for seventeen years andthe President of the NXT Generation Toastmaster’s Club in 2017. In addition to Corporate entities like Cable & Wireless, West India Biscuit Company and the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization where she is presently employed, several groups have benefitted from her secretarial expertise. Namely the Wesleyan Women Barbados District (2011), the District Board of Administration of the Wesleyan Holiness Church in Barbados (2013-2021) and Family Heartbeat International Network Inc. (2017-current). Her penchant for prayer is manifested in her involvement in the Impact World Barbados Prayer Ministry, Cable and Wireless Prayer Fellowship and the intercessory prayer ministry in her local assembly. Janet enjoys public speaking and ministers the word of God among the Wesleyan community and other denominations. Through the Women of Purpose Ministry, she had the opportunity to preach in Women’s Conferences in Tobago and Grenada in 2018 and 2019, respectively. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, visiting the elderly, preparing and sharing meals with her family. Page 4
January 2021
Vol 2021.1
JOELLE JOHNSON
Vice Chairman Joelle has over 15 years’ experience working in the financial services sector where she was responsible for assessing organizational risks, compliance with regulatory and legal requirements, as well as internal policies and bylaws, and determining business continuity requirements and strategies. In 2015, she founded JoJoAwesome Consultancy Services which specializes in applying her creative skills to the designing of modern and unique handcrafted stationery and invitations. Her focus is fabulous design, impeccable quality, competitive pricing and providing a fabulous shopping experience for her clients. In addition to being an active member of Women of Purpose Ministry from inception, Joelle recently joined our Newsletter team and was instrumental in the design and layout of our 10th Anniversary Emagazine. She has since taken up responsibility for the graphical content of the ministry. Joelle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management from the University of the West Indies, Cavehill and an Associate Degree in Applied Science (Computer Studies) from the Barbados Community College. She was also a past member of the Youth Pulse Core Team at Family Heartbeat Ministries, Young Adults Executive member of the Ellerton Wesleyan Holiness Church and Whitepark Wesleyan Holiness Church youth departments.
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January 2021
Vol 2021.1
DIANA DAWSON
Secretary/Treasurer Diana Rosita Dawson, is the wife of Peter Dawson for 25 years, the mother to three daughters Sasha Dawson-Ifill, Shanice Dawson-Hinkson and Shantel Dawson and one wonderful grandson Master Cai Dawson. She is currently the part-time Administrator Assistant at the Ellerton Wesleyan Holiness church. Her career experience includes Office & General Management, Accounting and Finance Management, Church Administration and Counselling. She worked as the Office Manager of the Ellerton Wesleyan Holiness Church for 10 years, where her duties included church administration, counselling and project management. She served in a variety of offices in the Ellerton Wesleyan church: Leader of the Ellerton Marriage Ministry, Pastoral care director, Sunday school teacher and treasurer, Worship team member, as well as the WWI executive. She is currently the Leader of Benevolent Ministry - Love & Care and also sits on The Wesleyan District Building Committee and Conference Committee. She has served on the planning committee of Full Gospel Business Men, women’s chapter for two years. Her hobbies are serving others, reading, cooking, baking, gardening and sewing. She is certified in Church Administration and Advance Holistic Counselling. She also holds an Associate degree in Financial Management from BIMAP and a Certificate in Management with a Marketing Specialy.
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January 2021
Vol 2021.1
CHERYL GRIFFITH
Program Director Cheryl Griffith is a longstanding member of the Women of Purpose Board of Directors, where she held the post of Treasurer and more recently that of Program Director. In this role, she is responsible for planning the yearly projects for the organization. She has been very instrumental in the "Empower Me" program, which has been facilitated in several communities throughout Barbados. Training and empowering women to be better versions of themselves, and encouraging them to utilize their newly acquired skills, in conjunction with their God-given talents, to assist in providing for self and family. Cheryl Griffith is currently the Managing Director of Business Continuity and Management Services Inc., which specializes in determining business continuity requirements and recommending recovery and continuity strategies. She previously worked in the Offshore Financial Services sector where she served as Director of Technology/Middle Office and Back Office for over 10 years. Cheryl holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Leadership, both from Grand Canyon University, USA. She is also a Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP), an Associate Risk Management Professional (ARMP) and a certified BCP instructor through the Disaster Recovery Institute International. She is also a Member of the Business Continuity Institute (MBCI). Cheryl is a volunteer with the St. James Central District Emergency Organization. This role gives a more hands on approach to her business continuity expertise. Cheryl has a passion for helping the elderly and to use her words, “ I love old people”. She also has a green thumb and enjoys gardening, an activity she finds to be very therapeutic and relaxing.
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January 2021
Vol 2021.1
IN THE SPIRIT OF GIVING
BLESSING OUR OWN
We are constantly praying for our Sistas in need, and the prayers are reaching heaven indeed, but sometimes there is need for a friendly reminder, to encourage them and bring them some time of fellowship and laughter. This is a reminder to you, that praying is not all that we at WOP can do, we can take time to pick up the phone and call, or go and leave a small package on their wall.
Esther Maloney presents a Sunshine Box to Rev. Dr. Beverly Lashley
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Women of Purpose ministry, a short visit was made to Rev. Dr. Beverly Lashley and Sista Pamela Edwards. Time was spent encouraging them that God will never leave them or forsake them, especially during this season in their lives. During this short session, we shared in worship, a word and prayer. But we couldn't leave without presenting a token, where a Sunshine Box was given and warm words were spoken.
Wilma Holder presents a Sunshine Box to Sista Pamela Edwards
WOMEN IN PARTNERSHIP BLESSING OTHERS
With proper safety procedures in place, the National Organization of Women, Women of Purpose Ministry and Soroptimist International partnered together to make a donation of baby items, to a mother in rehab who was allowed to have her newborn baby with her.
Marsha Hinds of NOW, Cheryl Griffith of Women of Purpose and Krystle Maynard - President of Soroptomist International
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At the same time, a donation of books was also presented to the Library at Marina House, to encourage the women to keep their minds engaged.
January 2021
Vol 2021.1
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE CHURCH MOVES
by Jordan S. for DaySpring www.dayspring.com As believers, we are often reminded that the church is not a building, but it is the body of believers within the building. We know this to be true, because we are the hands and feet of Jesus going out into the world, but have you ever seen a more shining example of this than in the past year? Church buildings closed all over the country, traditional services were no longer allowed to meet in person, weddings and funerals were in small groups and went virtual. And the church moved. Virtual Bible studies started via Facebook and scheduled Zoom calls. Tech teams at churches around the nation put in countless hours to learn and set up the technology that allowed their congregation to tune into church from home on Sunday mornings. Even the elderly was trained on how to use the various platforms. People showed up for their elderly neighbors and loved ones, bringing them groceries and meals and showing them they were loved. We never could have imagined a time in our lives when the physical doors of the church were closed, but we lived through it. And we learned a very valuable lesson – what happens when the church moves, is that God moves. When the church was out in a neighborhood, bringing strangers together, God was moving. When the church was spending time out of their week to meet virtually, God was moving. When the church was delivering groceries, God was moving. Let us continue going out into the world and sharing God’s love. Let us continue allowing God to move, no matter where we are.
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January 2021
Vol 2021.1
RECIPE CORNER
PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN PUDDING
by Sonia Agard INGREDIENTS 200g Flour 10ml Baking Powder 150g Glow-Spread Magarine 150g Granulated Sugar 3 Eggs 10ml Vanilla Essence BASE 30ml Golden Syrup/Brown Sugar 4 Cherries 1 Small Tin – Pineapple Slices METHOD 1. Sieve flour and baking powder in a bowl 2. Add margarine, sugar, eggs and essence 3. Beat until light and fluffy 4. Grease baking pan, spread a thin layer of syrup over bottom of pan 5. Put pineapple over syrup. Cut cherries in half and place in center of pineapple 6. Spread cake mixture carefully over pineapple 7. Bake in oven 350°F until firm, well risen and brown 8. When cool, invert on a plate
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January 2021
Vol 2021.1
HERE'S A TIP!
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Women of Purpose Ministry 137 Lodge Terrace St. Michael Tel: 246-851-9215/246-826-7798 Email: womenofpurpose.bb@gmail.com To make an appointment to see a counsellor please call: (246) 851-9215 -Jenifer J. Johnson or email us at: womenofpurpose.bb@gmail.com