GREENSBORO, N.C. – “Even in the midst of chaos, the mission matters most.”

National Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) President Connie Dixon shared that message with attendees at this year’s WMU-NC’s missions conference and annual meeting.

Dixon was a guest of honor at the event held April 28-29 at Lawndale Baptist Church in Greensboro.

Formerly known as Missions Extravaganza, the theme of this year’s conference and meeting was “Ignite!” The theme verse was John 1:5, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it (ESV).” 

The event focused on missions by challenging, preparing and equipping guests to spread Christ’s light to a broken world.

Keynote speaker Julie Busler, a former International Mission Board missionary, told her story of suffering with mental illness on the mission field, spending time in a Turkish psychiatric ward, and seeking God’s healing and purpose after going home. Busler wrote about her journey in her recently published book “Joyful Sorrow: Breaking through the Darkness of Mental Illness.”

“I was wearing my diagnosis as my identity,” Busler said. “I was forgetting my true identity in Christ. The most fruitful, spirit-led ministry happens when you understand your weaknesses and let God work through them. God uses unlikely, unqualified people and produces unimaginable results.”

Busler’s candid discussion of mental illness and how God used it to increase her ministry struck a chord with attendees. 

“What if what you see as a hindrance is actually what will lead others to your unhindered hope?” Busler said.

Russell and Kristi Johnson of RK Praise, led in worship, blending popular praise songs with traditional hymns.

Missions was also the main focus of 23 breakout sessions that were offered. Sessions featured North American Mission Board, International Mission Board, and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship missionaries and field personnel, as well as WMU-NC staff, executive board members and other guest leaders. 

The spread of the gospel was also symbolized through a special flag ceremony where missionaries and missions leaders carried flags from around the world into the worship center. A solid red flag honored Christian martyrs, while a solid black flag represented unreached people groups around the world. 

This year’s event also featured a kids’ camp and a youth camp. Students had the chance to meet missionaries and participate in missions projects.

Participants donated journals to CareNet, a counseling organization affiliated with Wake Forest Baptist Health. 

Business and voting

Attendees also elected officers and new executive board members. Deborah Taylor of Lumberton was elected for the fourth year as president, and other officers elected were: Barbara Hill of Statesville, as vice president; Kim Bounds of Pfafftown, as vice president of development; Jessica Hatcher of Buies Creek, as recording secretary; and Karen McCracken of Almond, as assistant recording secretary. 

WMU-NC welcomed the following new executive board members: Patricia Byrd of First Baptist Church in Ahoskie, Region 1; Melissa Peacock of Community Baptist Church in Goldsboro, Region 2; Kelly Lewis of Riegelwood Baptist Church in Bladenboro, Region 3; Andrea Jackson of Abbotts Creek in High Point, Region 5; Beth McDonald of McDonald Baptist in Hamlet, Region 6; Deborah Long of Forbush Baptist Church in Yadkinville, Region 7; Avis Morrow of Bethlehem Baptist in Kings Mountain, Region 8; and Amy Carter of Little Brasstown Baptist Church in Murphy, Region 10.

Next year’s conference

Next year’s missions conference will be held April 19-20, 2024, at Parkwood Baptist Church in Concord. The keynote speaker will be Nicki Koziarz, a bestselling author and Bible teacher with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Worship will be led by Cindy Morgan.

Leadership training opportunities

WMU-NC will also host three upcoming leadership training events around the theme of “Abound” in different locations across the state.

Events are scheduled for Aug. 12 at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Sylva; Sept. 9 at First Baptist Church of Rockingham; and Sept. 23 at Dudley Shoals Baptist Church in Granite Falls.

Additional information and registration details are available online at wmunc.org/leadership-development.