Mission Update
Message from the Deputy General Secretary

Women’s Division staff and directors are in the final preparation stages for the 1998 United Methodist Women’s Assembly, May 14-17, in Orlando, Florida.

As we work with the theme, "Make Plain the Vision," a vision of the past and future becomes real to us. We’ve witnessed the struggles of women as they have gone to unknown countries, formed their own mission societies, and raised their own money, even though they were told that women should not and could not do such things. They openly faced together and opposed terrifying incidents such as lynchings, in spite of the fact that many men they knew participated in these events. They faced their own racism and stood together, calling for an end to racial discrimination and to apartheid. They explored new ways to be in mission, whether that meant advocating, inclusion of all people, working with the oppressed and dispossessed, or studying God’s call. By creating and supporting mission institutions around the United States and the world, women left a legacy of mission. This is our past. Our foremothers made plain the vision.

During this Assembly, we will look deeper into this history, then we will delve into the future. United Methodist Women members will make clear visions for the future of mission. We will pray, sing, praise, love, search, laugh, and learn together. Then, we will take home our vision for the future, working together into the new century for justice, peace, love, and a knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Joyce Sohl

See also:

Mission Update contents
Women's Division
United Methodist Women