Activities of the Women’s Ministry Group in Linz, Austria

Women’s Breakfast Meeting:
As she lives in a lovely farm house high up in the mountains outside Linz, the head deaconess invited to a breakfast in her home. The “Women’s Breakfast” turned into a “Family Breakfast” as 80 Persons followed the invitation. There were almost 20 people from Afghanistan and Iran, about 20 children and 20 young people. Many young people no longer come to church and so our women wrote personal invitations to them. One young man came from Salzburg and a young mother wanted to meet with church members in a cosy atmosphere and brought her baby and husband. The afghan refugees – men, children and young people – felt were comfortable. More than half of the people were no church members. The lay activities leader praised our Creator in his devotional message. Yes, it was a lot of work. Our deaconess and her family bore the brunt but the women’s ministry team of the church spent days in preparation. The day was tiring, but all were happy. We felt blessed. God has placed these people close to our hearts and He will take care of them!
International Night:
Our church is made up of people from USA, Colombia, Ghana, Kenya, Tansania, Afghanistan, Moldova, Romania, Germany, Switzerland and of course Austria. We know very little about some of these countries as to their culture, especially the situation of women and the situation of our church. We organized an international evening in our church. Representatives of several nations presented beautiful pictures of their home country. They love their country even if many things are not good. Almost the whole Romanian group was in attendance and sang two songs and also organized the international buffet meal. During the meal people were able to enjoy good conversations. Some snippets: Thankyou for your interest! – We should do this every year – twice a year would be better still! How can we love each other if we do not know each other? I hope that this evening has opened our hearts, eyes and ears a little more.
Heartshaped Pillows:
We don't know how many pillows we have given to the hospital of the “Merciful Sisters” in Linz, at least more than 1000. Last year I was able to meet the lady in charge of the support group for breast cancer patients. I told her that we would like to give more help as a church, considering we have lots of experts. In the meantime 10 women from this group have visited our plant-based cooking classes. A chemist from our church gave lectures on nutrition and health in the hospital. These ladies are enthusiastic participants. We are so grateful that God is blessing our efforts.
Reported by Irene Poimer, SDA church Linz, Austria