Around 50 women from various places in Baden-Württemberg and other parts of Germany met at the Adventist church in Mannheim for a women’s day around the theme Gifts & Skills, Given by God on July 14, 2024. Each one had her own reason for coming and her own personal story to tell. The warm welcome from Women’s Ministries director Marion Knirr and her team Tanja Ardito and Susanna Pieschka immediately made everyone feel at home. Everything was lovingly prepared and decorated. There were warm hugs and a big “HELLO” from women who had not seen each other for years. Immediately there was a blessed feel-good atmosphere.
Using beautifully illustrated cards with Bible verses which served as a “door opener” for the introductions even more reserved women found the courage to introduce themselves. It was interesting to see how some women chose their cards intuitively based on the motif, while others felt directly addressed by the Bible verse on it. There was a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere all around. The introduction was rounded off by Marion, whose short devotion kicked off the topic: “Gifts and Skills, Given by God”.
Then it was the turn of our speaker Christine Kunst from Lahr. She took us on an exciting journey through the lives of well-known personalities from the Bible, such as Moses. She shed light on his abilities, weaknesses, and strengths. It is fascinating to see how much time and patience God invested in his followers. In the case of Moses, it was a whole 40 years in which he shaped and honed his character. Wow! Through the examples from the Bible, Christine sensitized us to better understand what God wants to do with us and how He wants to use us. We pondered the questions: ‘Am I using the gift that God has given me? Do I feel too small or too weak? Am I worth it? Can I even do this?’
After the spiritual food, we fortified ourselves with a wonderful, tasty and sumptuous lunch buffet served by members of the Adventist Church in Mannheim. Refreshed and invigorated, we started the afternoon program.
According to the topic, the speaker had placed several cards on the floor with traits and characteristics. Each woman was able to choose 2-3 cards in which she recognized her own characteristics. You could also choose a card for another participant to show her what gifts and abilities you see in her. Thus Christine wanted to impress the message that every person has been given gifts by God.
This was followed by a type analysis in the form of four group categories, which was to lead to a personal assessment through questions on the screen. Am I more of a helping, creative, or analytical person? This method brought movement and mutual encounters so that people could discover something new or perhaps recognize something dormant within themselves. The event concluded with a personal gift test with Christine Kunst.
These creative and coherent presentations, really motivated us to rediscover how special and valuable God has created us all. We were encouraged to use our gifts for God's work. We all have gifts to help others, to serve, to do crafts, to use our musicality, to manage finances or to speak in front of people. These diverse gifts combine to create a harmonious and beautiful whole.
Before ending the day with a wonderful, delicious cake buffet, we diligently exchanged contact details. Marion Knirr bid us farewell with a wonderful gift. A flower pot with soil and a matching tag with seeds and the wonderful promise from Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. God makes us grow. What joy!
It was not a “waste of time” to come to Mannheim for the women's meeting day. A fulfilling and blessed day, rich in love and warmth, now lies behind us. Body and soul were able to recharge their batteries. Join us at the next women's meeting. It is a special gift to experience such moments together. We are already looking forward to it and would love to come again.
According to a report by Angelique K.-H. und Rafaela K.