After visiting more than 30 countries, earning a master’s degree and serving as a Journeyman missionary, Alicia Wong planned to become a career missionary with IMB (International Mission Board).
Instead, she found herself serving with the North American Mission Board and then teaching at a seminary. Although that was not what she expected, “missions has always been the thread that has run through my life,” Wong said.
Wong accepted that God called her to give her life to missions, and while that call has looked different during different seasons of her life, God has faithfully prepared the way for her to live out this calling.
“God called us and He created us with a purpose in mind. It’s important for us to live out our calling. He has a specific task for us to do and it varies from season to season,” she said.
Wong, assistant professor of women’s ministries at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, is the featured speaker for the April 20-21 Embrace Leadership Training event at Woodlawn Baptist Church in Conover.
Speaking to the event theme “Worthy of the Calling,” based on Ephesians 4:1-3, Wong will share with women that they each have a calling from God, no matter their age or occupation. She will also help them understand who they are in Christ.
“Our worth is found in who God is. If we base it on who we are and what we’ve done, it’s pointless. Because of who He is and what He’s done, we are worthy,” Wong said.
The leadership event is for all women serving in leadership roles in their churches and associations in areas such as evangelism, discipleship, missions and leadership.
Along with plenary sessions, women will learn through breakout sessions, hands-on community mission projects, and a special prayer tea to help women learn to pray for lost people throughout the world.
This year’s prayer tea includes a special focus on Central Asian peoples.Women will pray for lost people in Central Asian countries such as Turkey, Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. In Central Asia, Islam is the primary religious influence.
Breakout sessions provide women with practical ministry and life applications on various topics.
“For the event this year we are offering a dual track. There are breakouts specially designed for those who are just starting Embrace or are looking to start Embrace in their church,” said Ashley Allen, director of Embrace.
“For those who have Embrace in their church or who have already attended a leadership training, there are new breakout opportunities to enhance what they are doing.”
The cost to attend is $45 if registered by the March 2 early bird deadline. After the early bird deadline the cost is $60 per participant; deadline to register is April 5.
To register or for more information, visit embracenc.org.