by Pleiades Faith Z. Longakit / MDD
The much long awaited Mindanao District-Lutheran Women’s League (MDD-LWL) Congress successfully took place last October 19-20, 2017 at Christ Lutheran Church (CLC), Cagayan de Oro City and ably and warmly hosted by the welcoming CLC congregation. The event was participated by 59 women delegates coming from the 13 local Lutheran congregations comprising the Mindanao District.
The MDD-LWL aims to foster closer relationship through fellowship, understanding and cooperation among women taking part in the ministry of the Church. The theme “Women Mentoring Women” from Titus 2 emphasized the of role of older women in teaching younger women to live godly lives. The league is composed of empowered Women Auxiliary Organizations of the Mindanao District congregations.
The women believe that they are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ and therefore are committed to support one another, to engage themselves in the ministry and to promote unity in the church.
The Mindanao District consists of LCP congregations grouped geographically into clusters and located in the island of Mindanao and the Visayas regions of the country.
The first day started with a processional march of the participants bearing the banner of their respective auxiliary organizations. Jesus Leyva, CLC Council President, heartily welcomed the women in an inspiring welcome speech. In the afternoon, Arlene Reyes, wife of LCP President, Rev. Antonio Reyes, gave a lecture-workshop on the theme “ Women Mentoring Women” based on Titus 2:3-5. She discussed among others the Biblical command for older women to train the younger women to be reverent and to love their husbands and children. Representatives of each congregation shared their wisdom and experience as wife, mother, worker and housewife during the workshop. Another lecture on “Children Ministry thru Sunday School” was subsequently conducted by Krista Ray Leocadio. After which, the women had a delightful dinner and a lively fellowship night.
The next day started with Stress Debriefing and Team Building exercises facilitated by Samuel Macagba III and the presentation and deliberation of the proposed MDD-LWL Constitution and By-Laws facilitated by Faith Longakit. After a thorough discussion on the manner of election, the following were elected by a majority vote: Neyra Parcon-President, Cyril Lim-Vice President, Emeliana Caday-Secretary, Guia Casino-Treasurer, Josephine Guinio-Cluster 1 representative, Annabel Rafosala-Cluster 2 representative, Cecille Payla-Cluster 3 representative, Myra Berber-Cluster 4 representative, and Elvie Piano-Cluster 5 representative. The newly elected officers immediately took their oath right after the election and were installed to their respective positions by Ptr. Jason Dimaano, Pastor, Christ Lutheran Church, Cagayan de Oro City.
The congress ended with the women truly empowered to equip and encourage other women by reflecting in their own lives God’s love and character in the church, in their families and in their own environment.
