Oklahoma City, Village was the site of the 2015 Ministry Wives Weekend, Oct. 2-3. Approximately 200 women attended the event that had as its theme “Home is Where My People Are,” based on Ruth 1:16.
“This year’s Ministry Wives Weekend may have been one of the best we have had yet,” said Kelly King, women’s specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. “The focus was on hospitality and how God equips us to serve people, not just with friends in our homes but even being generous with strangers, as a way to demonstrate how God welcomes us.”
Keynote speaker Sophie Hudson spoke on her new book, which was the theme of the event. A blogger on BooMama.net, and a writer for HomeLife magazine, Hudson highlighted the story of Mary and Elizabeth from the Gospel of Luke and the priority of hospitality.
“God has put you with the people who need you and with the people you need,” she said, emphasizing the importance of focusing on those who come into one’s life.
Hudson noted everyone needs a safe place with safe people, and the Lord lines up our circumstances to give us someone who will understand. She encouraged ministry wives not to compete, but to cheer each other on. She closed by emphasizing older women have a responsibility to pass on what they know to younger women. The event closed with King leading a time of prayer during which older women surrounded those ministry wives under the age of 35 and prayed for them.
Guest speaker Denise Lopez offered an abundance of creative ideas, give-aways and items on display at the event. She provided an on-site EveryDay Ministry Store for ladies to shop. Proceeds from the store went to support EveryDay Ministry.
Lopez founded EveryDay Ministry to partner with churches and ministries to meet every day needs to share the Gospel. In January, EveryDay will launch a HOPE House in Tulsa to provide a home for girls who have aged out of the foster care system. EveryDay also is involved in water wells, providing education, community transformation and care for those who have been rescued from trafficking and by providing food and clothing.
Longtime friends Sheryl Porter and Janell Jones provided an elaborate display and gave “how-to” tips of hospitality that can help “bring honor and glory to God” while hosting guests.
Worship through music was led by the ministry wives at Owasso, First. Led by Londa Balthrop, the worship team of consisted of six ladies whose husbands serve on Owasso, First’s ministry team.
“This year’s Ministry Wives Weekend was a perfect balance of fun, fellowship and inspiration while providing ministry wives with practical ideas to take home and better serve their families and churches,” said Karen Kinnaird, whose husband, Jimmy, is pastor of Oklahoma City, Village.
