I received an interesting and informative communication this winter from Nancy Adkins, the new National Coordinator of Church and Community Ministries. In this letter to the region counterparts, she encouraged us to think about a "90-second elevator speech" that answers the question, "What does American Baptist Women's Ministries mean to me, and what draws me to it?"

What would your 90-second elevator speech include? I would talk about the relationships I've deceloped over the years with women throughout the region and how they have nourished me in many different ways. I'd speak of the ways women have challenged me to grow and use the gifts God has given me, particularly in the area of creating and presenting retreats. I'd also bring out the fact that God is now nudging me to get out of my comfort zone even more by going on a mission trip, thanks to the testimonies of women who have gone before me.

My thoughts would probably take longer than 90 seconds to share, since I like to talk. What's important to you? A 90-second elevator speech is a great way to hone in on the essential reasons we're American Baptist Women.

A recently-revised coordinator's guide explains the three emphases of Church and Community Ministries - relationships, faith community, and community outreach. I'm sharing ideas with the association Church and Community counterparts that are good ways to show love to neighbors, build communities for Christ, and expand women's ministries within the churches. I'd love to hear stories and see photos documenting ways the churches and the women in our region are reaching out to share God's lvoe with others.

My Spring Communicator article provides an update on the Tha Lai family, Karen refugees who have settled in Lancaster, PA, with the help of Westgate Baptist Church, Calvary Baptist Church in Newark, DE, and our own region ABWM. The family is getting necessary education and working whenever and wherever possible to provide for itself. The family continues to worship with the Westgate Baptist Church family.

As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, this Easter season and serve Him, let's remember His command from the Gospel of Matthew:
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, "Love others as much as you love yourself." Matthew 22:37-39 (CEV)