Columbia-Willamette Women of Vision

January 2023

I’ve tried New Year's resolutions, but they don’t last more than a few days. I like the fresh start of a new year but after I organize my Christmas decorations one more time before putting them away, I’m back to a very busy and often hectic life. But thinking back on the last month of the year, our scriptures continue to speak to me.

But the angels said to them,

“Do not be afraid,

I bring you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people.”

Luke 2:10

We have experienced joy this past Christmas season connecting with friends and family, attending a gathering that we hadn’t experienced before, and seeing children excited about those special gifts waiting for them under the tree. These gifts are the symbol of the gift of Jesus Christ who was given not only for us but for all the people! Resolutions can come and go, but this truth, this gift, will continue in my heart all year long.

Life comes at us fast. Our lives are busy and our lives are messy. Maybe you are in the middle of having to sell a house or moving, replacing a fence or major clean up from the strong winds, a difficult job situation, a tough medical diagnosis of a family member, or worse. What gets me through these situations is remembering the gift of Christ in our lives and then acting on this truth by continuing to give, so others can live a full and better life, too.

Women of Vision is an avenue for joy and giving. We grow in our faith as we grow in learning about women and families around the world. We walk alongside them as we are able to give our time, talents, and treasure. There are many places to give, and so we thank you for being a part of Women of Vision. Together we are able to have joy as we give the gift of Christ’s love to others. This can be within our own chapter, within one of our new Focus Teams, or perhaps serving one of our local projects. This could be financially supporting our three international projects: Kenya Big Dream, the Global Emergency Response Fund, and the Central America Faith Discipleship Project or sponsoring a precious child in Central America or Kenya.

Looking forward to this new year working with you gives me great joy!  

Happy New Year!

Ann Zelenka

Columbia-Willamette Women of Vision Co-Chair

Ann Zelenka in Bolivia (top) and Mozambique (bottom).

Women of Vision is on the Move Again!

From February 13th to 17th, Ann Zelenka, Karol Rykert, Nancy Perich, and myself, Lynne Sears, all from our chapter, will travel with women from other chapters to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, to learn about World Vision’s Christian Discipleship project in Central America. We will spend time with pastors, Christian leaders, and teachers learning about problems associated with poverty including abuse, violence, and destructive social norms that prevent children from reaching their full potential. We will visit child and youth centers to observe and interact with children learning about God and His desire for them to grow in His love. We will learn how they are empowered through the programs.      

Through the Christian Discipleship project, pastors, Christian leaders, and teachers are supported by World Vision with educational programming so they can meet the needs of children using biblically-based program materials and handing out Bibles. Parents are taught how to nurture their children, leaving behind destructive cultural norms. Children and the community become empowered as they grow in their relationship with God and each other. Now there is hope.

We are grateful to have the opportunity to travel to Honduras and see God at work through the Discipleship project. Please join us in the following prayers.

• Pray for safety and good health for all the WOV travelers and all those we spend time with in Honduras.
• Pray that the youth and children of Honduras will feel God’s love. They are the future of their country.
• Pray for good connections with staff who work directly with families in the Discipleship projects.
• Pray we will have open hearts for all the people we meet, no matter what their situation.
• Pray for peace for all the families of the women on this trip since there are concerns that we are traveling in Honduras which is known as a dangerous country.
• Pray that our Columbia-Willamette team returns with a report that captures the focus of the Christian Discipleship project and the heart of this ministry.

Upon our return we look forward to sharing our experience, information, and stories from the people we meet in Honduras. Please watch for information about a gathering on March 11th. You can read more details below.

We hope to see you soon!

Lynne Sears

Columbia-Willamette Women of Vision Advocacy Team

Calendar

SAVE THE DATE!

A Journey to Hope:

"Travel" with us to communities in Kenya, Central America, and Places Struck by Disaster

March 11, 2023

Fellowship begins at 9 a.m.

Program runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Columbia Presbyterian Church, Vancouver, Washington



Our gifts directly support three World Vision projects and we refer to them often in our communication. They are Christian Discipleship in Central America, Kenya Big Dream, and the Global Emergency Relief Fund. Each of these projects empowers, protects, nourishes, and extends love to the children and families it serves, but do you know how? Can you explain to your friends and family how this work is changing lives? Do you want to learn more?

We’d love to share more!

Our Winter Education event is designed to give you a little glimpse into each project – what's the need, how is World Vision working to end extreme poverty and promote justice, and what is the impact? 

You’ll “travel” to each project area while enjoying fellowship and a light snack. A special highlight will be a report from the women in our chapter traveling to Honduras with World Vision in February. 

We hope you’ll plan to spend Saturday morning, March 11, on a Journey to Hope: A Virtual Journey to Central America, Kenya and Places Struck by Disaster. Perhaps you’ll find hope for your journey as well!

Watch your email for the Punchbowl invitation that's coming soon!

Share the Light Gala 2023



April 16, 2023 at 5:30 in the Evening

Multnomah Athletic Club, Portland, Oregon

Guest speaker: Margaret Schuler, World Vision's Senior Vice President, International Programs

Watch for more details!

About Us

Women of Vision is a volunteer ministry of World Vision that cultivates dynamic partnerships resulting in significant investments of time, talent, and treasure in support of World Vision’s work, facilitating transformational impact in the lives of the poor and our supporters in the name of Christ. Please partner with us! Click here to learn what that means and update your commitment for this new year (or for the first time).

The Columbia-Willamette Chapter of Women of Vision supports World Vision's work in Kenya, Central America, and areas around the globe struck by disasters. We also volunteer at many local organizations to help the disadvantaged in our own community. Please read about this work on our website.

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.