Women in the East-Central Africa Division are pivotal in driving transformative change within the church and the broader community. Our dedication and commitment are crucial in fostering growth, innovation, and positive development across various spheres of life.
Our Vision
The vision of the East-Central Africa Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Women’s Ministries is to see women empowered and nurtured to reach their full potential as God intended.
Our Mission
The Women’s Ministries Mission Statement in East-Central Africa Division is to uphold, encourage, and challenge Adventist women in their pilgrimage as disciples of Jesus Christ and members of His world church.
Nurture: Reach Up to God
Women’s Ministries assist women in growing spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It helps them in their devotional time and personal development, enabling them to nurture others in the church and community.
Empower: Reach In with God
The Women’s Ministries of the East-Central Africa Division empower women by providing training, helping them become capable and self-assured in carrying out their divine mission. Make sure they have the necessary tools and resources for their church and community-related activities and initiatives.
Outreach: Reach Out with God
The Women’s Ministries Department in East-Central Africa Division encourages all women to be involved in reaching out to others, with love and compassion, helping them to see, experience, and know Jesus Christ. Encouraging them to utilize small group fellowship and evangelism to connect with others in their community.
The Women’s Ministries is a ministry that every woman can engage in to reach their world and make disciples. Women are encouraged to be totally involved in Making Disciples, through the initiative Total Women Involvement (TWM). They are encouraged to help women all across the ECD territory share the good news about Jesus, bringing hope and healing to their families and the community (Homes of Hope and Healing).
ECD Women’s Ministries Objectives.
1. Holy Spirit Objective
Our plans and actions within the Women’s Ministries Department will be continually guided and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
2. Spiritual Growth Objective/Nurture
Achieve a significant increase in the number of women and young ladies regularly engaging in prayer, Bible study, Sabbath School Lessons, and the reading of devotional books and the Spirit of Prophecy.
3. Mission/Outreach
- Increase participation among women and young ladies in both personal and public evangelistic outreach initiatives, aiming for Total Member Involvement (TMI/TWI).
- Develop strong groups of women dedicated to ministry within the Muslim community, focusing on outreach to women and children.
- Establish a midwifery training program for women in closed countries in collaboration with ADRA.
4. Leadership/Empowerment
Allocate more time and resources to support ministry efforts in large urban areas and among unreached people groups.
OUR PROGRAMS
1. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY OF PRAYER.
The First Sabbath in March is a significant date on the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church Calendar, observed in all churches within the East-Central Africa Division. This special day is dedicated to fostering connections and spiritual growth among women.
On this day, women come together to learn about one another and to pray for each other, creating a powerful environment for spiritual renewal and community building. It is an opportunity to deepen their relationship with God and with fellow believers, reinforcing their spiritual bonds.
Thousands of women—and men—gather for prayer, reflecting on their faith and supporting one another. This day also offers women a chance to strengthen their ties with other Christian women, as they unite in prayer and solidarity.
2.WOMEN’S MINISTRIES EMPHASIS DAY.
The Second Sabbath in June marks Women’s Ministries Emphasis Day, a notable occasion on the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Calendar of Days and Events. This day is observed across all churches in the East-Central Africa Division, providing a special opportunity for women to take a leading role in worship services.
Women’s Ministries Emphasis Day is not only a time for women to lead in worship but also serves as an important moment to educate the congregation about the vital role and purpose of Women’s Ministries. It highlights the significant contributions of women in church life and underscores the impact of their ministry efforts.
3.ENDITNOW EMPHASIS DAY.
Enditnow is a global initiative spearheaded by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for the cessation of violence worldwide. This crucial movement seeks to mobilize Adventists across the globe and invites various community groups to unite to address and resolve this pressing issue.
Observed on the Fourth Sabbath of August, Enditnow is a significant event in the Seventh-day Adventist Church Calendar. It is recognized and celebrated in all churches within the East-Central Africa Division, highlighting our collective commitment to ending violence and promoting peace.
4. LEADERSHIP TRAINING: Empowering Women for Impactful Ministry
The East-Central Africa Division’s (ECD) Women’s Ministries is dedicated to nurturing and equipping women through its Women’s Ministries (WM) Leadership Certification Program. This initiative is focused on both developing leaders within the church and extending outreach to non-Adventist women, to broaden the impact and effectiveness of their ministry.
Training and Certification
The WM Leadership Certification Program (LCP) is central to the ECD Women’s Ministries’ strategy. This program is designed to:
- Equip and Empower: Provide women leaders with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead effectively within their communities and congregations.
- Local Church Integration: Ensure that the training and resources of the WM Leadership Certification Program are brought to the local church level. This means that all women leaders in the church are trained according to a consistent and comprehensive curriculum, promoting unity and excellence in leadership across the division.
Broader Outreach
In addition to focusing on internal church development, the program aims to:
- Reach Non-Adventist Women: Extend its influence and support beyond the Adventist community, engaging with women from diverse backgrounds to offer leadership training and spiritual growth opportunities.
By investing in leadership training and certification, the ECD Women’s Ministries is committed to strengthening women’s roles in church leadership and ministry, ultimately fostering a more dynamic and impactful church community.
5.WOMEN ENGAGE
Women Engage: Inspiring Change Through Shared Experience
Since its inception in 2018, the East-Central Africa Division Women Ministries has embraced a transformative vision with “Women Engage.” This platform is dedicated to harnessing the power of women’s life experiences to uplift and inspire communities both within and beyond their homes.
Empowering Women, Transforming Lives
In recognizing women as pioneers in family life and social development, “Women Engage” encourages them to share their spiritual journeys and successes. By spotlighting these stories, the initiative aims to motivate others, fostering personal and communal transformation.
A Platform for Real Talk
“Women Engage” serves as a space for women to discuss the complexities and challenges of contemporary society openly. It provides a forum for exploring how Christian values can be upheld amidst modern secular trends that often advocate for boundless freedom.
Proactive Christian Living
Through various channels like social media, women involved in “Women Engage” are actively defending Christian principles. They have committed to addressing and overcoming issues such as gossip and idleness. Their approach includes engaging in prayer groups, participating in seminars, and joining bible study sessions, all designed to strengthen their faith and support one another.
By sharing their experiences and standing firm in their beliefs, these women not only enhance their own lives but also contribute positively to their broader communities.
6. VEGETABLE GARDEN EVANGELISM
This project is a collaborative effort between the various Unions/Conferences in the East-Central Africa Division and ADRA Africa, with backing from the ADRA Country Offices. The initiative aims to enhance the skills of Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) in vegetable production, basic nutrition throughout the life cycle, and disaster risk reduction. Equipped with these skills, the ToTs train community members and offer ongoing support across the East-Central Africa Division Region.
