October 1997

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"On the Road to Assembly: Mission a Florida Tradition" by Susan Einarson

As United Methodist Women anticipate gathering at the quadrennial Assembly in Orlando, Florida, May 14-17, to "Make Plain the Vision," they should be prepared to be welcomed by sisters "whose mission sights have ignited diverse and comprehensive outreach in a city and state best known as a tourist magnet." This article explores the important role that Florida Conference United Methodist Women have played in addressing community needs, their multi-lingual outreach, their culturally and racially inclusive mission, and their long history that is groundwork for making plain the future vision.

"Amidst War, Hope" by A. Victoria Hunter

Even with war, displacement, looting, and shortages of resources, three United Methodist job training centers for women are still running in Sierra Leone. It is difficult though. This article explores the difficulties involved in running a school for women during these trying times; the role the centers play in empowering women; and how the centers have helped women become self-sufficient.

"An Open Door" by Alice M. Smith

Open Door Community House in Columbus, Ga., has opened its doors to a whole new building after a 60-year history. Programming participants and staff look forward to the new options at this community center, possible because of the fully paid-for building, which cost $2.2 million dollars and was partially made possible by a Call to Prayer and Self-denial Grant from the Women's Division. This article looks at the increased focus on older adults, the new home for women in crisis, how the center ministers to the young, and present-day advocacy and future plans.

"Graca Machel: Our Children's Right to Peace" by Susan Einarson

This article summarizes Graca Machel's report to the United Nations on the "Impact of Armed Conflict on Children," an unprecedented study on the catastrophic effects of war on children. Graca Machel shocks readers with quotes from children who have grown into adults without ever knowing peace. She lifts up 10 recommendations to protect and care for our world's children. Through this report, she has generated overwhelming support globally.

"Standing with Botswana's: Women Against Rape" by Sharon Boyd Hayes

The attitudes that girls cannot refuse men sex on demand is not uncommon in the northern part of Botswana, Africa, known as Ngamiland. Women suffer from such attitudes not only in this country, but throughout the world. However, Women Against Rape (WAR) is the first Ngamiland-based non-governmental organization, formed in 1993, to help women and children know their rights. This article looks at the work of WAR, the challenge it has with the laws, how the organization helps rape victims, and the future.

The Reading Program: Your Window to the World

This section introduces the 1998 Reading Program books to you. Use these books about and by people from other lands and cultures; as food for your spiritual journey; as a way to learn how you can work for justice; and to find new ways to build community locally and globally. Books will also be feature on the Women's Division/United Methodist Women's home pages! See the 1997 Reading Program books and keep checking for the 1998 update!

Other Articles:

See also:

• Response
• Responsively Yours
• United Methodist Women
• Women's Division
• September Edition of Response