By the end of 2008, Malika would have either been to visit or lead workshops in over 36 churches within the South England Conference. In order to hit several targets at the same time she has been working with Health Ministries Director, Elsie Staples doing training events and programmes. They carry out weekend training events for officers in local church and have almost covered each of the targets set out. An example of one of the programmes they conduct is, 'How to Make Your Church Community Visible', sharing women's ministries ideas, resources and plans.

This year the Women's Ministries Department has launched a big Project called 'Just 2'. It involves women finding two hours a week to work voluntarily outside of the church, hopefully enabling them to take ideas back to their churches in the future and to transfer skills found and used on these voluntary programmes.

Women's Ministries have teamed up with the Family Ministries Department, helping to runLone Parent Camp, and this year Women's Ministries are sponsoring one of the activities. Also, the department is helping organise a new program 'Growing Relationships' which is hopefully to be launched in 2009.

An aim for this department is for women to get the most that they can from Women's Ministries, using the resources at the SEC that are available to them. Another is to encourage representatives from the Women's Council to use these resources to instigate training back in their areas and churches.

We try and bring a variety of programmes to each of the churches, in the hope that this will give all our women a real way to not only enhance their own spiritual growth but to also help others find their way to Christ. Hopefully this will also challenge them enough to find out from God what He wants them to do for both themselves and others.

Our theme for 2009 will be 'Pray, Claim and Retain'

Womens Ministries' Contacts

Malika Bediako
Women's Ministries Director
mbediako@secadventist.org.uk

Natalie Simon
Women's Ministries Secretary
nsimon@secadventist.org.uk

Malika

Why did you decide to start working for the church?
I never thought that I would work for the church, but just before I was nominated ( in the March before Session 2007), the service I worked for went into liquidation and so, during July I started looking to find work even if it was to be part time. God remembered a promise I'd made 19 years ago; that if he got me out of a particular situation, I would serve Him for the rest of my life! Therefore, this job is not only an answer to prayer, but also God holding me to my promise.

What would you say are the challenges of your job?
The biggest challenge is fitting the plans and the work into the time allocated for my post. I think that's one of the biggest constraints that there is, it is really about the time and needs of women.

What are the highlights of your time as director of this Department?
For the first time, in a long time, I get up every morning looking forward to get to Watford! I believe that nothing is impossible with God and He will show me the way to develop His plans.
I've also really enjoyed witnessing the diversity within our church, meeting women on all levels, from different languages to different cultures. I feel that, because God gives me the encouragement power and energy to do what I need to do, my job is made all the more enjoyable. He always reveals confirmation of what He's been telling me, about His plans and also what I should do, either through one woman, or many! Look out for our theme for the coming year (2009); 'Pray, Claim and Retain'. 
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