Kaliurang, Yogyakarta: Nazarene Women in Leadership Java-Bali District held a retreat From 31 October to 2 November 2024, with the theme “Empowering Women in Ministry.” Over 130 women attended the event at Wisma Taman Eden 2. This event aims to strengthen the unity of women leaders in the district.
This activity was also supported not only by Nazarene women but also attended by the District Superintendent, Rev. Sigit Obaja. Several male pastors were also present, and several NYI members supported this activity as a committee. This is a beautiful collaboration of ministries, as shown by the Ministry of Women in the Java-Bali District.
Dr. Eileen Ruger, AP Regional Missiologist Coordinator, also attended the retreat. During her session, she spoke about women’s leadership role in ministry. She explained the ministry of Nazarene Women in Leadership. An expression conveyed by Dr. Eileen is that when everyone is filled with the Holy Spirit and lives a life dedicated to the will of the heavenly Father, they are given authority and power. It doesn’t matter whether male or female, tall or short, thin or fat. Authority comes from God, the King of kings. Sometimes, people look at themselves and think power and authority must come from culture, education, status, and gender.
Moreover, it can be seen that women build intimacy with each other through warm joint worship, joint sports, and joint prayers that strengthen women’s role and calling in ministry. Rev. Sigit Obaja, the District Superintendent, said, “Women are an important key to a husband’s success if they play their role optimally according to God’s plan.”
Mrs. Warni, the District NWL Coordinator of the Java-Bali, said, “I am grateful that the Java-Bali Nazarene women’s retreat can run well. Providing church leaders (wives of pastors & female pastors) and female congregation and leaders participants who attend this event. Participants were taught how to minister in the family, church, and society. I am happy to see the participants’ enthusiasm. This retreat is also one way to ground (empower) the 3G Vision from the Java-Bali region to the Java-Bali Nazarene women.”
Mrs. Sukiswati, the Chairperson of the Retreat Committee, also said, “Very blessed with the theme of the retreat which begins with a change in our character like Christ in the family then in our social environment when we have changed our character, automatically we can serve optimally, explore our potential. Also very blessed with the testimonies of several Woman Pastors in the ministry who are strengthening and encouraging women in ministry.”
