WOM Conference: “Missions is Our Heartbeat”
By Sharon Mager
JARRETTSVILLE, Md. — The Women on Mission Conference, April 25-26, at Camp Wo-Me-To in Jarrettsville, Md., brought women from multiple BCM/D churches to the rustic classic camp for a weekend of worship, Bible study, fellowship, and missions. The theme was “What Joy,” based on 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV), “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”
“Mac” McIlwain and his wife, Myra shared about joy on the mission field. (Photo courtesy of the Mcllwain family)
BCM/D Women’s Missionary Union Director Melody Knox said, “The entire weekend was missions-centered in every way. Missions is our heartbeat.”
Knox said, “I was very pleased with our speakers. They really tied everything back to our theme, sharing what it means for them to have joy in their mission work.”
When the originally scheduled speaker had to cancel, Knox reached out to some missionary friends, Lewis “Mac” McIlwain and his wife, Myra, who graciously stepped in as the keynote speakers. Knox met the couple at Colonial Baptist Church’s recent missions fair.
The McIlwains shared personal stories of joy in their mission work. Mac, president of Thirst No More Corporation, has led more than 67 mission projects in countries such as Nepal, Kenya, Pakistan, and Guatemala. Myra runs a nonprofit, Ministerio Comedor y Educacion de Paz, focused on educational support and Bible studies for children, youth, and women in Guatemala. Last year, Mac and Myra combined their ministries under the TNMC banner, with MCYEP/Guatemala being the partnering nonprofit for that country.
“They were absolutely delightful,” Knox said. “They talked about their call to missions and shared how much joy they find in what they do. It was inspiring to hear how they’ve influenced so many lives worldwide.”
Morgan Davis, a field staff missionary with unfoldingWord, also shared at the conference about her missions experiences. Davis translates the Bible into indigenous languages and often travels to remote locations. Knox shared her admiration for Davis’ courageous ministry, and described her presentation as eye-opening for many attendees, adding, “Morgan gave us a fresh appreciation for the importance of Bible translation and the challenges that come with it.”
The Davis family, including Morgan, Chris, and their children, led worship throughout the weekend. “They were so good,” Knox said. “The ladies thoroughly enjoyed their music. We sang a lot, and at the end of the event, they gave a little mini concert as a family.”
Fellowship was another key part of the conference, with attendees sharing meals, reconnecting with friends, and making new ones.
Morgan Davis is a field missionary. (Photo courtesy of WMU)
Knox said it’s always a joy to greet returning conference attendees, and she was thrilled to see some new faces as well.
Established more than 136 years ago, the Women’s Missionary Union helps Southern Baptists fulfill the Great Commission with programs for men and women of all ages. Its Women on Mission ministry encourages women to become active disciples of Christ and to participate in missions.
For more information or to enhance your church’s focus on missions, contact Melody Knox at [email protected].
Sharon Mager serves as the BCM/D Communications Specialist/News Editor.