(FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA – October 29, 2021)
Baptist World Alliance Women (BWAW) will host the annual Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer on Monday, November 1. Each year on the first Monday of November, Baptist women around the world gather in homes, churches, and communities to pray together for the world. This unified and dedicated time of prayer has been offered since its initiation in 1951, representing 70 years of impact.
“It is called Day of Prayer because literally as the world turns, women are praying from the eastern hemisphere all the way around to the west. We are linking arms, standing in solidarity together as Baptist sisters on this special day,” said Moreen Sharp, BWA Women Interim Executive Director.
This year’s theme is “Courageous Life” taken from Hebrews 13:6 – “So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’” The event prayer guide includes a Bible study focused on this passage written by BWA Women President Karen Wilson.
“Courageous living requires us to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, to stand firm, to dress well for the battles we will face, to be prayerful and faith-filled, and to fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel to a world in great need,” said Wilson. “What a privilege this year to pause and pray and to ask God to intervene for sisters all over the world. We will also pause to give to play our part in helping those who are in greatest need at this time.”
Women are encouraged to participate in a global offering that is utilized to support a series of women’s initiatives. This year’s projects include support of a women-led farm in Thailand that utilizes profits to care for orphans and widows as well as investment in the “Lighters of Hope in Darkness” initiative in the Philippines, which includes online resource kits that help identify, prevent, and address mental health issues.
Another featured project is the Multifunctional Center of the Baptist Women’s Union in Douala, Cameroon, which was established with the goal of improving Baptist women’s standard of living through practical training. By creating a library space in the Center, women and girls will have access to books and opportunities to learn. Since public libraries no longer exist in the area, project leaders also hope to transform lives through education and evangelization as non-Baptist members utilize the space.
The final project, The Sewing Club in Vanuatu, originated in response to the economic effects of the pandemic and the devastation suffered from Cyclone Harold in 2020. Vanuatu Baptist Women started the club to assist young mothers who were financially struggling. Through the club, women are able to make clothes for their families and create products to sell, giving them much needed income. The club also includes a time of food and fellowship, a Gospel-centered discussion, and lessons on budgeting finances.
In addition to these impactful projects, funds raised will also be utilized to support the global work of BWA Women and the ministries of the seven Baptist women’s continental unions.
Women are also encouraged to follow the BWA Women social channels on Monday, November 1, for updates from Day of Prayer gatherings happening around the world.
