WOM Spring Retreat: Joy & Legacy

By Sharon Mager

JARRETTSVILLE, Md. — Women from across Maryland and Delaware gathered April 10–11 at the historic Camp Wo-Me-To for the annual Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) Women on Mission (WOM) Spring Retreat, centered on the theme, “The Joy of the Lord Is My Strength” (Nehemiah 8:10), enjoying a weekend of worship, encouragement, rest and a renewed focus on God’s call in their lives.

Maryland/Delaware WMU Executive Director Melody Knox, National Women on Mission President Connie Dixon, and Maryland/Delaware WMU President Moran Davis. (Photo submitted)

Maryland/Delaware WMU Executive Director Melody Knox said she was pleased with the retreat and that the keynote speakers, National WMU President Dixon and Vice President Emeritus of Thirst No More Corp. Paul Davis, were both “excellent speakers” who engaged and challenged the ladies.

She was happy to see old friends return and meet some new ones. Knox said, “I’m enjoying the fact that some who attended the retreat had never been before. Some wanted to know more about WMU for their churches.”

Dixon reminded women they are part of something much bigger than the moment.

“This is Annie Armstrong country,” Dixon said with a smile, reminding attendees that Maryland holds a unique place in WMU history and challenging the women to carry that legacy forward.

“Miss Annie,” as she was affectionately called, lived in Baltimore and was one of the key founders and first corresponding secretary (equivalent to today’s executive director) of the national organization, which was established in 1888 in Richmond, Virginia. She played a major role in organizing and expanding the work and in raising funds to support missionaries.

Dixon’s teaching was both practical and encouraging, especially as she described how WMU can support and strengthen local churches.

“WMU provides missions discipleship for every age,” she said. “From children to adults, it helps churches raise up the next generation with a heart for the gospel.”

She also spoke about WMU leadership development and compassion ministries as ways churches can engage their communities and involve members in missions.

“These are tools churches can use to equip and resource their people to live on mission,” she said, adding that WMU is more than a program — it is a framework that helps churches build a culture of missions.

“If we fail to teach this generation the importance of missions, we’re only one generation away from apathy,” Dixon said.

Throughout her sessions, she brought the focus back to each believer’s individual calling. Missions, she reminded the group, is not limited to overseas trips or formal ministry roles. It happens in everyday life — “as you go.”

Whether at work, at home, or in the community, believers are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Morgan Davis shows the Maryland WMU Articles of Incorporation signed by Annie Armstrong. (Photo by Sharon Mager)

Dixon said she knows that stepping into those moments can feel uncomfortable. It’s often easier to stay where things feel familiar. But she encouraged the women to trust that God is already at work around them — and to take simple, faithful steps of obedience. Offering your life to God day by day is where lasting joy and strength are found — not in ease, but in walking in step with God’s purpose.

Giving a local and international missions picture, Thirst No More Vice President Emeritus Paul Davis spoke from boots-on-the-ground missions experience.

Davis described the ministry’s work in Baltimore, where teams regularly serve in the community — providing meals, clothing, and prayer while building relationships and sharing as the Holy Spirit opens doors for gospel conversations. He also shared the realities and difficulties of ministering in areas marked by addiction, poverty, and instability.

Thirst No More Corp. also partners internationally in places such as Guatemala and parts of Africa, supporting local ministries and meeting practical needs.

Throughout the weekend, Paul Davis, his wife, Jamila, and their children, Aisha and Kyle, not only shared about their ministry but also led in singing a mixture of hymns and contemporary praise music.

When not in sessions, women enjoyed the opportunity to relax together, stepping away from their day-to-day lives at the rustic campsite during a pleasant spring weekend, with flowers budding and blooming. Camp Director Frank Ulmer oversaw meals, and women could grab soft-serve ice cream cones afterward.

As the meeting closed, Maryland/Delaware WMU President Morgan Davis excitedly stepped to the microphone, holding up a document.

Smiling, she said, “I want to share with you ladies that this couldn’t have been a more legacy-filled weekend. These are the original articles of incorporation for WMU Maryland, dated April 11, 1905 — signed by Annie Armstrong.”

The articles, also signed by other early WMU leaders, including Annie’s sister Alice, were displayed as a reminder of the foundation laid more than a century ago. Gathered on that same date, the women were reminded they are part of a continuing story — carrying forward the same mission of prayer, discipleship, and engagement in missions.

“We have a torch to carry and a torch to pass,” Dixon said.

Feature photo shows Morgan Davis and Connie Dixon with the Maryland WMU Articles of Incorporation. (Photo by Sharon Mager)