Stirring Our Heart Through Themes

Resources, Who are we
Mar 312012

Why Theme? It’s a heart thing!

Does that sound familiar? We know that Your Kingdom Come is part of the Lord’s Prayer; it also happens to be this year’s theme for PWOCI. Where did it come from? Why do we have a theme?

The ministry of PWOC looks to the bible for guidance. Psalm 45:1 (NIV) states “My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.” This is where we get the idea to have a theme to guide us through each ministry year.  It brings a focus to seeking God.

Through theme, the Lord will stir our hearts.  Developing our theme with scripture, song, visual art and other resources allow us to take the journey the Lord has for us at this point in time. The use of theme gives us a platform to spring off of, to do life as it happens, and to grow where we are planted. We are stirred to action, our hearts our captured by the Lord, and we walk it out in love and faith.  Each group will walk out the same theme as the Lord leads them.   Walking out the theme and the lessons God can show us through the use of theme may look different across our local PWOC’s, but it will be the same theme!

What does it mean to have a stirred heart? Stir can be defined as to cause movement; to bring into notice or debate; to rouse to activity; to be active or busy. Are you able to be stirred? Remember that through theme God can call us to action. Having a stirred heart is not passive! How amazing that we serve a faithful, present God who meets us where we are, when we are.

Unity to let the World Know, Prepare for the Bridegroom, At the Redeemers Feet, Arise for the Lord Extends His Scepter, Shine in the Light of His Glory, Your Kingdom Come.

We have a rich history when it comes to our noble themes! As I think  back over the last 5 themes my heart is stirred with memories of prayer, growth, fellowship, and more! Each of those theme’s represent a time in my life where God was using PWOC to teach me something new. Maybe the first time I served on a board, or the first deployment our family went through. For you maybe one theme reminds you of the first year you attended PWOC (maybe that’s this year, maybe that’s next week), or your first tour overseas.  How has God used theme in your life? God is able to stir our hearts; are you willing?

Theme Logistic’s Team
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W.I.L.D. Training Anyone?

Leadership Development, Resources
Mar 212012

Greetings from your Leadership Development Team!

We have been busy, busy, busy, preparing for the upcoming W.I.L.D. training season.  This is always a great time of year for our team as we seek God’s guidance, sort through evaluations and coordinate with Regional leadership in order to equip the next group of local PWOC leaders with the most effective and relevant training possible.  This is certainly a team effort.  In addition to the team of trainers, there are also many women working behind the scenes to bring dynamic weekends of training to your regions.

Did you know the W.I.L.D. training curriculum is written, edited, test run and formatted by local PWOC members throughout the world?  God has filled our body with amazingly gifted and talented individuals who sacrifice their time and energy as they pour wisdom, knowledge and experience into the training material. The teamwork does not stop there.  Team members also work with a local print shop to ensure the curriculum is printed correctly and then distributed to each region.   In addition, there is a team of women in each region working to ensure all the details for the training weekend are set into place.

A benefit of having a team pulled straight from the PWOC body is that each of these women is committed to prayer!  They pray over what is written, what is printed, even the shipment of the curriculum to the regions.  Isn’t that wonderful?!  Every aspect of our Regional W.I.L.D. Weekends is laboriously prayed over every step of the way as we seek to equip and encourage local leadership according to God’s plan.  As additional work continues to be done to organize and carry out the Regional W.I.L.D. weekends, all details are being prayerfully set into place: dates, locations, training teams, schedules, even the food that will be offered is put to prayer.

Now, we ask you to join us!  Listed below are the training dates for all nine regions.  Please join us in prayer over these dates, details and the local leadership that will be in attendance.  You can find additional information on the “W.I.L.D. Weekends” page under “Training” at PWOC.org.

W.I.L.D. Dates and Locations by Region

Alaska – May 4-6 @ Eielson AFB, AK

Europe – May 17-20 @ Edelweiss Resort & Lodge, Garmisch, Germany

Pacific – June 8-10 @ Pu’u Kahea Conference Center, Waianae HI

Central – June 8-10 @ Ft Leavenworth, KS

Korea – June 15-17 @ Religious Retreat Center (RCC), Seoul, Korea

Japan – June 22-24 @ TBD

Southeast – June29-July 1 @ Pinnacle Retreat Center, Clayton, GA

Northeast – July 6-8 @ Ft Belvoir, VA

West – July 20-22 @ TBD

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PWOC Speakers & Presenters List

Resources
Feb 222012

Are you looking for an excellent speaker or presenter who is dynamic, easy to work with, understands the special needs of PWOC women, has a special gift of communicating spiritual truths and connecting with the ladies? These are just a few of the descriptions event coordinators used to describe their experiences with women who are part of the PWOC Speakers and Presenters List. This list contains experienced PWOC women or those who have ministered to women of PWOC and understand our unique ministry. It is a great resource for retreat planners or anyone looking to bring a speaker or presenter to your local installation. Each biography contains a photo, short description of the presenter, where the presenter is traveling from, availability, required fees, and contact information. The list is accurate as those on the list verify their biographies every six months.

How can I find the list? The Speakers & Presenters list has its home on the PWOC Resource Library at http://resources.pwoc.org/speaker.

Perhaps you have considered applying to be a speaker or presenter for PWOC. To begin the process, simply email the PWOCI Resource Coordinator, Angel Mansberger, at resources@pwoc.org and request an application. Each speaker or presenter will be required to submit the name of a chaplain or pastor reference as well as a PWOC president or event planner where the applicant has shared.

Any questions? Email Angel Mansberger for more information at resources@pwoc.org.

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Europe Region

Leadership Development, regional review
Feb 102012

In January, ministry leaders from PWOC International met together for a time of vision-casting and goal-setting for the ministry at large.  While many of the participants stay connected throughout the year by phone and email, nothing replaces the deep understanding that results from face-to-face communication. This year, in addition to international board members, regional presidents and conference coordinators from around the globe joined in the vibrant exchange of ideas. Our common purpose connects our works of service: to see the four aims of our ministry unleashed in PWOC participants’ lives.

Vision Summit is a huge undertaking. In addition to transportation and lodging considerations, the lives of volunteers are complicated and arrangements for childcare, missed work and school all impact a successful event. When situations appear difficult, it’s tempting to eliminate the irritant and simply continue on the path already begun.  But we know that paying attention to movement of the Holy Spirit and bringing new people on board requires that we gather together in person and assess where we are and where we want to go.

The international board composed a captivating vision when they began their term in 2010: to foster an atmosphere of intimacy, simplicity and legacy.  Without the opportunity to talk about the vision and how it’s being lived out in the lives of PWOC participants, it slowly leaks and leaders lose passion for doing ministry well.  This vision isn’t just for the executive board; regional and local leaders help ministry thrive when they are familiar with the vision and take bold steps and breathe the vision into their local groups. During our weekend, the word “legacy” was particularly meaningful to me in my role as Europe region president. Our ministry was founded in Germany over 55 years ago, and the aims that anchored the ministry then–Lead, Teach, Develop and Involve–continue to form a strong foundation for what we do today.  During Vision Summit, I was reminded that legacy isn’t about old people telling young people how it should be done.  Rather, legacy is a living concept that breathes and moves in the relationships that I currently enjoy.  I want to communicate deeply with other women a vibrant legacy of faith and share how they are helping shape my identity in Christ.

Kristen Reitkerk

Europe Region President

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Leadership Selection

Leadership Development, Resources
Feb 072012

Several groups have shared specific prayer requests regarding this upcoming season of Leadership Selection. Please check the Women’s Ministry Manual at http://resources.pwoc.org/WMM  to refresh your memory on the process of leadership selection and the suggested timeline. Make an appointment with your PWOC Chaplain to determine the level of involvement he/she desires to have in the selection process.

Beth Whitaker, PWOCI Leadership Selection Chair (LSC), shared at Vision Summit that our LSCs are the gatekeepers of our groups. I love this visual! Our LSCs must be women of prayer and integrity, above reproach. Your LSC is key to the health of your local group and board. Choose this lady prayerfully with the approval of your chaplain. My prayers are with you and I stand ready to answer any question your Leadership Selection Chair may have about the process. I am specifically praying for each group and leadership selection team in Asia. I know this process can appear daunting. Be assured God hears our heart-felt prayers as we seek His face for the next season of leadership. He has been incredibly faithful to Asia Region in the transitions of leaders and I know He will continue to be. I’m praying women sense the call to serve and choose to answer that call to leadership. I pray where there are vacancies, God uses the PCS cycle to supply needed leaders. Please join me in praying for this season of leadership selection.

De’Etta Goecker

Asia Region President

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Worship and Expectations

Bits & Pieces, Resources
Jan 292012

God has recently been teaching me not to worship my expectations, but to worship Him in the midst of the circumstances He allows. I first realized this while reading How People Change by Paul David Tripp, but am trying to move to the place of full surrender in this area. When I let go of my expectations, then I’m not so easily tempted to be frustrated, hurt, anxious or angry.

Another helpful book I’m reading along these lines is Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges – full of great reminders about the good news of the gospel for maturing believers in Christ.

Andrea Plotner, Asst. to the President PWOC International

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Lessons I’ve Learned as a Regional President

Leadership Development, regional review, Resources
Nov 012011

Submitted by De’Etta Goecker, Asia Region President

In a little over a week we will begin the inaugural Asia Region Conference.  The pace is a bit frenzied…nevertheless, I find myself in a reflective frame of mind.  I’m in awe of the way Abba Father has gently led our leadership team. We’ve been challenged as we established procedures, navigated “natural disasters,” dealt with life changes, we’ve seen God provide every need – we’ve grown closer to our Father.

In this last Presidential Blog of 2009-2011, I bring you “Lessons I’ve Learned as a Regional  President.”

14.  All women snore; a true friend will comment on your “feminine snore” and offer to room with you at the next event.

13.  Even deployments are better when savoring a rich, chocolaty molten lava cake with friends! This pleasure can be enjoyed around the world and is truly board bonding at its best!

12.  PWOCI conferences are planned to coincide with the Asian Typhoon Season – plan accordingly.

11.  Three minutes of animated Japanese can be translated to three short words, “SIT DOWN IMMEDIATELY.”

10.  Noise reduction headphones are essential on long flights – and may possibly help with the snoring thing as well.

9.    Sisters of the heart are priceless – especially when facing a Korean gate guard.

8.   Wear your passport around your neck at all times, you never know when you’ll need it!

7.   Apple juice and Airborne are essential tools in fighting jet lag.

6.  ALWAYS slide the vacant/occupied lock on airplane bathroom doors. It’s wise to double check this. Seriously.

5.  It’s nice to have a friend screaming at your side when you encounter Korean snakes in the dark. Sadly, you may not be able to count on PWOC sisters to race to your rescue.

4.  Molten Lava cakes can travel from Tokyo to Seoul on dry ice.

3.  Earthquakes, tsunamis, life changes, surprise pcs’…happen. God can be trusted. ALWAYS – even with children whom you can’t get home to.  Semper Gumby.

2.  It is possible to fervently love women you’ve only met via email.

1.  God always provides others to come alongside as you wait on Him for His provision in leadership.

The lessons learned and personal growth in my life as your President has been priceless. Thank you for your gracious acceptance and love.

As we look to the next two years in Asia Region, I am convinced God is calling ladies to step out and experience the adventure of regional leadership . If you suspect you may be one of these ladies, please read the letter from Cathy at Asia Region Leadership Selection  and contact her at AsiaLeadership@pwoc.org.

It’s my heart that we each continue to Love God Wholeheartedly and Love Others Deeply!

Asia Region Rocks!

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Communications Update

Leadership Development, News & Announcements, Resources
Oct 262011

Submitted by Jenn Cook – PWOCI Communications Coordinator

Right around the corner are the Regional Conferences! What an exciting time and what an opportunity to see communication at its best.

Giggling, screams of joy, squeals of delight, laughter and chats over coffee are amazing forms of communication that you will engage in at your Regional Conference. There is nothing more delightful than walking into a room and seeing faces of friends that not only bring a smile to your face, but light up your heart with joy! The Regional Conferences are those “rooms.” We enter into these meeting places and our hearts are filled with joy in seeing friends, hearing God’s Word, singing His praises and fellowshipping with the body of Christ!  This great expectation is what we pray you have as you prepare your hearts for this time together.

But what happens after conference when we return home? Part of our preparation for this time has been getting the word out about many of the ministries that PWOCI offers to the body of ladies for encouragement throughout the year. Arriving to each of the eight regions, even as I write this, are boxes full of printed materials that the Communications Team has developed to encourage and inform ladies about some of these ministries. Be looking for postcards with details about PWOC on Facebook, our PWOC Blog, website and Resource Library. Another printed piece is a PWOC trifold titled PWOC International: Be a Part of Something Big. You will find more information about our ministry as a whole in this trifold which will be offered as a download later in the year.

Our heartfelt prayer is that the upcoming Regional Conferences will be a time of refreshing for each of you. We pray that not only would you laugh, pray, and cry together, but that you would deepen your walk with the Lord during this time. The Communications Team is praying for you and lifting you up for this encounter with friends and with the One who knows you best…Your Father God.

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Tag, You're it!

Leadership Development, Leadership Wednesday, News & Announcements, Resources
Sep 142011

We grew up with this well-known children’s game. Kids ran freely through a playground with the goal of tagging friends, unfreezing others, trying not to get caught or maybe to avoid being “it.”

It’s funny how I have heard these same kinds of words at PWOC events. After a time of prayer, singing, teaching, and lunch, one friend says to another, “I’ll tag you.”

Of course, the PWOC friends are talking about sharing photos and stories on Facebook. What a great tool to use in our chapels to spread the news of Christ and His work here in our communities! That is, after all, what He has called us to do — to spread the Good News of His plan of salvation and redemption. Our relationship with Christ is often evident in our profile and status updates on Facebook. We share with our virtual world our goods, our bads, our moods, our children’s accomplishments, our PCS transitions, our interests, likes and frustrations. We communicate to and connect with others not only through our FB but also link our texts and Tweets to our FBs. It is a need we have – to communicate with others. To communicate with God. To let them know how we’re doing. To be known.

Being someone who is characteristically introverted yet driven by the Great Commission and a strong affinity for words, I find great joy in sharing the Gospel of Christ to each generation through the social media of Facebook. This is how God has called me to evangelize and serve and be in relationship with His people in this season. And so for this reason, I want to encourage and challenge you each in the words of Jesus as He spoke to His disciples: And Jesus came up and spoke to them as it’s recorded in the book of Matthew, chapter 28, saying, “18All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

PWOC International has been involved with Facebook for about two years. Our Page is a place to share the blog, prayer requests, Scripture, advice, suggestions, ministry news, discussion pages, and regional and local updates. We currently have almost 3,000 “likes” to our Page, which means almost 3,000 people who say they follow us online. That’s cool! Let’s continue to encourage the several other ladies who attend PWOC weekly to also be part of our online community. I hope our Page is something you enjoy seeing when scrolling through your News Feed; it is updated daily.

As PWOC is a chapel-sponsored (i.e., government-sponsored) organization, we must abide by certain regulations that allow us the resources and advisement that we are accustomed to receiving at each level of ministry. Below are a few items found in our current “SOP” (Standard Operating Procedure) and guide the Facebook presence of PWOC International (local, regional, area, and international).

  • Please use the correct (turquoise) logo in the profile photo.
  • Please include webmail address and website address in the Info tab, plus any other local contact information you have (blog or website).
  • Please consider the safety and personal issues of all before posting unit or deployment information or photos. Practice good OpSec.
  • Please use only chaplain-sponsored “like” Pages in the left side of your Page (not military unit, civilian community, or other non-PWOC ministry Pages)
  • Please be sure to use your webmail when creating your local or regional Page
  • Please be sure your PWOC Facebook presence is on a Page – not a Group, not a personal Profile
  • Please feel free to share the links posted from www.facebook.com/pwoci — these may include blogs, home page updates, YouTube videos, and theme resources

Local executive boards can also network with others in their same position through Facebook Groups listed here:

Local Presidents  http://www.facebook.com/groups/134771346542949/

Local Spiritual Life VPs  http://www.facebook.com/groups/136400213047504/

Local Programs VP  http://www.facebook.com/groups/138443599506685/

Local Administrative Coordinators  http://www.facebook.com/groups/196429240405726/

Local Financial Liaisons   http://www.facebook.com/groups/168980749834802/ 

We are called to take His Word into the world – the message of the Gospel of Christ – the love of God – and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit!  Lord, I pray that this genius of social media will be used to the Glory of God for the purpose of YOUR KINGDOM COME on this earth, as well as in Heaven.

Be blessed – for the Glory of Christ and His Kingdom!

Love,

Melinda Hemphill

PWOCI Facebook Coordinator

The Facebook SOP can be found at http://resources.pwoc.org/web.

Please send all correspondence to facebook@pwoc.org. 

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5% Principle

Leadership Development, Local Limelight, regional review
Sep 082011

I think it timely I share a lesson I’ve been re- learning as we begin a new ministry year.

I tend to live life at 110%; I struggle with finding and MAINTAINING balance in life.  After the Great East Japan Earthquake, I threw myself into relief efforts. This was no surprise to those who know me.  I also continued with my PWOC responsibilities (local and regional).  It happened subtly – I lost sight of the 5% principle, relationships began to suffer, and I needed REST.

Wayne Cordeiro, in Leading on Empty states, “If you and I are going to enjoy healing and rest at our very core, we must discover and discern the top 5 percent of life.” P 77.   85% of what we do, anyone can do. Many of these tasks can be delegated (I

NVOLVE women in the work).  10% of what we do someone with training should be able to do.  5% of what I do; only I can do!   I won’t be held accountable for all the needs around me. I will be held accountable for this 5% – for what I’ve accomplished of what HE has asked me to accomplish.

What are my 5% activities? What would a life focused on 5% look like?  Do I truly elevate this 5% above the other 95% of my activities? The higher I elevate the importance of this 5 percent the easier it is for me to make choices which honor these God-given priorities.  I can’t find someone to take my place in these activities because they require my presence.  How I live the 5% validates the other 95% of my life.

I made some painful choices. I had to recharge, reflect and restructure.  I have challenged our local PWOC board to consider their personal 5% as well as our corporate 5%.  This has created freedom and excitement as we follow the passions God has given each of us.  Simplicity has become an oft repeated battle cry in Misawa (though new activities have begun).

I share my 5% to assist as you evaluate your 5%.

  1. A whole-hearted, extravagant, lavish, passionate, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ
  1. A vibrant relationship with Michael
  2. An authentic family – close to God and  one another
    • mentoring my children
    • educating my children
    • caring for my family
    •  FIGHTING for this connection to remain strong, not fatalistically assuming we’ll grow apart as children leave home
  3. A physically healthy body and creative soul
  4. Taking time to enjoy family and friends
  5. A God-pleasing ministry
    • Teaching/ mentoring women
    • inviting women to a deeper relationship with Jesus
    • someday this may well include more missions/relief efforts
Submitted by D’Etta Goecker, Asia Region President
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