Women’s Ministries Congress in the South France Conference

On the weekend of June 14 to 16, 2024, 70 women from the South France Conference (Fédération Adventiste Sud) met at the Moulin de l'Ayrolle in the Cévennes for the second Women’s Ministries Congress, organized by Diane Régis and her team. Among them were WM leaders from the other conferences of the France-Belgian Union (North France, Belgium) and Switzerland.
During this retreat, the guest speakers led the group along a path in search of their identity and in reflection and workshops on the place of women in the Bible and the church. The women became aware that another reflection is possible in the mirror of their lives.
Dagmar Dorn, WM Director of the Inter-European Division, recalled women’s involvement in mission over the years and presented women’s initiatives in the various European countries to spread the love of Christ.
Sarah Rouvière, a Doctor of History with a degree from Jean Moulin Lyon III University, returned to a specific period in Protestant history when women resisted despite increased persecution of believers despite the risks to their lives.
"This congress recharged me spiritually, it encouraged me to persevere for the Lord, following the example of these ordinary women in history, who accomplished an extraordinary work for their God, thanks to their faith and commitment." Karin
Lynn Mazarin, Personal Development Coach, and Workplace Wellness Trainer, spoke about identity, or rather how to find your identity based on the Word of God. During a convivial workshop, the women present put their ideas into practice, realizing that they are more than what they are today.
"Blessed, edifying moments, rich both biblically, historically, culturally and in terms of personal development, as well as humanly..." Alexandra
Roland Meyer, Doctor of Protestant Theology, Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology, took up the biblical texts in their original sense and in the context of the times of their writing.
"...I can say that Professor Roland Meyer's meticulous work has relieved a huge burden from my conscience and given me all the answers I was looking for regarding the use of jewelry, hair braiding, and all those questions that cause great aversion to the apostle Paul..." Fabiana
"...Thanks to Roland Meyer and his theological explanations, I've (finally) understood Paul's texts on women, which, when put into context, have a completely different meaning to what they've been given for a very long time!... " Karin
"... Roland helped us to deconstruct the sexist prejudices conveyed by misunderstandings and mistranslations of Paul's biblical texts." Aude
The presentations were punctuated by sororal exchanges, love, and laughter, particularly during the evening program organized by Marleen and Marjorie, where the joy of the Lord was the main guest.
"I was nourished spiritually and sororally, and Saturday evening allowed us to have fun as well as to rejoice in testimonies shared by one another." Aude
"...this was my first WM Congress. Very interesting, enriching, with practical advice. Meetings with real people, touching and encouraging testimonials." Stella
This women’s weekend was blessed and all were able to experience growth. Thank you, Lord, for the care you give to all the women who make up your Church and the place you want to give them to help it grow.
I'm sure that new blessings will await the women attending the next WM congress. In the meantime, may they continue to shine!
According to a report by Violaine.
adventisteffs.org/face-au-miroir-de-ma-vie-qui-dit-on-que-je-suis/