by Diana Ventura

The Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) Missions Celebration was held on Saturday, April 18, at Olivet Baptist Church on Oahu, and on Sunday, April 18, at Valley Isle Fellowship on Maui. The purpose of these annual celebrations was to worship together and to hear testimonies about how Jesus is being shared in the various spaces and places to which God has called us.

This year’s theme, “You Are Meant for the Mission,” affirmed that God created us in His image with a purpose: to do good works that glorify the Father. As ambassadors of Christ and the light of the world, we are reminded that each day presents an opportunity to participate in God’s mission.

Connie Dixon, WMU National President and storyteller, served as the keynote speaker. Drawing from her personal experiences, Connie described the ways in which God has invited and orchestrated opportunities for her to shine the light of Jesus wherever she goes.

The celebration also included focused prayer for missionaries with birthdays on the event date. Shane and Maela Tanigawa, representing Harvest Family Life, shared how God is moving through foster care ministry across Hawaii. Trisha and Cinnamon Lee then offered insights into discipleship within their home, where a new generation is being formed to share Jesus. Bob and Gail Geihart offered reflections on their service with the International Mission Board, their years in pastoral ministry, and their continued engagement in retirement. These moments represented just a few highlights from the gathering.

During the annual meeting, Gay Williams, Co-Director of Hawaii Pacific Baptist Disaster Relief, was elected as the next Hawaii WMU President. Gay has been active in WMU for many years and brings professional experience as a mental health counselor and chaplain. She is poised to provide effective leadership.