Puerto Princesa, Palawan: Nazarene Women in leadership in the Philippine-Micronesia Field gathered for the Women of Wisdom Conference on 30 November – 2 December 2023. Over 345 female leaders participated in the conference with the theme “Called Beyond Ordinary,” held in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
The Women of Wisdom Conference is held every two years to uplift and remind the women leaders of the importance of devotion, passion for a life-long relationship with God, and most especially, to embrace the desire for fellowship with other women in the Philippines-Micronesia Field.
This year’s event kicked off with a message from Miss Jonah Villanueva, emphasizing the beauty and challenges of the female gender, which included warnings and tips on how women should be celebrated in every phase of their womanhood. It ended with a challenge to live a life they appreciate and will also exalt the Lord in the highest honor. After the first speaker ended her message, they all had the opportunity to share what they had learned and understood. Most women were excited to meet with their friends around the field as they communicated their thoughts enthusiastically.
The conference officially started as everyone participated in a parade of godly women from all 13 districts. Each delegate is welcomed with a cultural presentation from the members of each district. The district superintendent of Palawan, Rev. Jimmy Resurreccion gave a warm and cheerful welcome greeting to all delegates.
The beginning of our worship night was inspired by the powerful words from Rev. Linda Louw in a sermon entitled “Called to Live Beyond Ordinary Faith.” She shared Scriptures about our confidence of faith in our God from Hebrews 11:1 – 19, 23 – 29, and closed with chapters 32 – 34. She urged all women to read together with her and proclaim in harmony the word “By Faith” with conviction.
The next day, Rev. Sylvia Cacho conducted a workshop by prompting a question, “What legacy will you pass on to your family?” which entails good or bad influence. The legacy God intended us to leave to our families is an eternal blessing usually hindered by disobedience through the curse of sin that led to tainted relationships. Another workshop was conducted by mission professor Dr. Eileen Ruger, who discussed “Challenges of Women in the Ministry.” As she communicated her message, she mentioned that challenges compared to other women will be unavoidable. But the Lord God allowed us through His Spirit to remain resilient in overcoming these insecurities and shame, which can disable us from reaching our full potential in our assigned ministries.
Rev. Lynne Bollinger led the last worship night about women’s calling to live beyond ordinary service found in 1 Peter 2:9 – 10. The message she left all women was a decision of obedience and releasing control into God’s hands, whatever the present circumstances women face in accepting God to take over.
Lastly, all women were commissioned into a life of obedience, service, and purpose directed by Rev. Inocencia Piliin and the Field Strategy Coordinator, Rev. Arnel Piliin. Each woman must respond to the clarity of our calling, commitment to serve Christ and His people and to make Christlike disciples in the nations. Each participant was entrusted with authority, having the power to abide in the presence of our Almighty God.
