The Tribune

UNDER the auspices of the Women’s Ministry, the pastor and the leadership of Zion Baptist Church, the annual ‘Women in White’ ingathering service was held on Sunday, April 30.

The theme for the event was inspired by Luke 1:46-55 – “Rejoicing, Renewing and Restoring”. The guest preacher was Rev Diana Francis, pastor of First Baptist Church on Market Street.

One of the highlights of the spirited service was the recognition and celebration of women of faith and works.

In his book, “God’s Good Women”, Paul Coughlin asks “Are you ever-so-slightly tired of hearing Sunday school lessons and sermons lauding the gentle spirit of Mary of Bethany as she sat at Jesus’ feet? Yes, she’s a wonderful example of making Jesus top priority, but all these lessons and sermons and books on her…do they ever make you feel like God must surely prefer women who passively sit, nice and quiet, throughout their lives?”

He asserts that God loves a spirited woman who does more than sit with her hands folded as the world crumbles. Mary and Martha of Bethany are two of many biblical female role models who pleased God with assertive and courageous actions.  

There is a need to recognise and celebrate modern day godly women role models and their gutsy actions, Zion Baptist said in a statement.

“Unlike Christian ‘nice girls’, these are God’s good women who chose to be good instead of just nice, and subsequently bring God glory and advance His Kingdom.  In living out God’s Word, they are proving that God prefers His women to do more than passively sit on their hands while their fields are white. These trailblazers have chosen risky paths for women.” 

The four honourees were recognised for showing how they lived out their unique callings despite challenges and opposition—inspiring modern men and women to imitate their godly examples today. They are Rev Dr Hilda L Symonette, Deacon Ella Johnson, Mitylene Moss and Gwendolyn King.