The United Methodist Women [UMW] across the United States gathered for its quadrennial assembly last April 29 - May 2, 2010 at America Center, St. Louis, Missouri.  Among the nearly seven thousand [7,000] participants were the World Federation’s World President and World Vice President.  What a privilege to have been invited to that huge and superb assembly by the UMC Women’s Division headed by Ms. Harriett Jane Olson and Inelda Gonzales, Deputy General Secretary and President, respectively.

            The Assembly had for its theme:  Faith, Hope, Love In Action which encapsulated the 140 years rich history of UMW.  There were gatherings as whole group at the Dome, as well as countless small group discussions/workshops simultaneously held at the Experience Hall to feed the eager, if not, hungry minds, hearts and souls of the participants.  The topics ranged from spiritual matters to current societal issues and contemporary ministries where women could gain more knowledge and exposure, thus, become more deeply involved in addressing the challenges these days.

            One of the most moving activities was the march and rally of the participants around the city of St Louis for immigrant, civil and human rights last May 1.  The women were joined by several other St Louis organizations.  What a loud and clear voice of women to tell the whole world that Jesus requires the strangers to be welcome, the people to be loved by their neighbors, the hungry to be fed, the thirsty to be given drink, the naked to be clothed, among others.

            Mia Adjali, World Vice President, participated in the flashback of women leaders who held the helm of leadership of the UMC, more particularly the former Foreign Women’s Missionary Society, to become the Women’s Division later.  On the other hand, Chita Millan, World President, sounded the ‘international voice’ during the Sunday Worship Service.  There were other World Federation members who attended and participated in numerous ways.

            The quadrennial event was indeed a face to face ‘connection of women who nurture and encourage one another in their spiritual, personal leadership and transformation.’  It is hoped that the women went back to their respective cities and churches bringing with them ‘Faith, Hope, Love In Action’ as the dynamo that moves them for greater heights of service to God through the UMW.

            The Women’s Division is a partner agency of the World Federation primarily in the Bossey Study Program where women are sent to participate in ecumenical seminars at Bossey Ecumenical Institute of the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland.  With the funds they give to the Federation, women could avail of the privilege of ecumenical learning, academic study and personal exchange through seminars/courses usually on ‘sensitive, cutting-edge and challenging issues’ confronting Christians and churches today.