By Julie Walters, WMU SBC communications BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WMU SBC communications) – The Woman's Missionary Union SBC has named four young women to the 2026 National Acteens Panel: Alexis Andrade of Freeman Heights Baptist Church in Garland, Texas; Hannah Cooke of Harp’s Crossing Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Georgia; Abigail Howard of Casey First Baptist Church, in Casey, Illinois; and Jamila Toya of Jemez Valley Baptist Church in Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico. “Being named a National Acteens Panelist means these young women are the cream of the crop,” said Heather Keller, national WMU ministry consultant for Girls in Action, Children in Action and Acteens. “Their missions resumes reflect all areas of missions discipleship: learning about missions, praying for missions, supporting missions, doing missions and telling others about Jesus. These young women are not the ‘next’ generation, they are the ‘now’ generation of missions! I am excited to work with them and learn from them this year and know we will all be blessed by hearing about their passion for missions.” ALEXIS ANDRADE As a member of Acteens for more than six years, Andrade has had opportunities to serve her community through outreach events, packing backpacks … [Read more...]

By Timothy Cockes, NOBTS communications NEW ORLEANS (NOBTS) - A sold-out crowd of more than 1,200 women gathered for the fifth annual Abide Women’s Conference at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Jan. 30-31 to explore the theme “Women of Worship.”  The conference, started by Tara Dew and the NOBTS Prepare Her team in 2021, has sold out each of its five years. This year’s event, which sold out in less than one month, drew women of all ages from 18 states and more than 150 churches. Tara Dew, wife of NOBTS President Jamie Dew, adjunct professor of ministry to women and director of New Orleans Seminary’s Thrive program, said the Abide conference is one of her favorite events of the year. "What a blessing it is to host this conference each year, allowing women to gather, learn rich theological truths, worship and fellowship with one another,” Dew said.   “The Abide Conference is truly one of my favorite weekends on campus each year, as God’s Spirit and favor is always so present with us.”  NOBTS President Jamie Dew addressed the sold-out crowd of ladies during the conference and challenged them to genuinely engage during this special event.  “I’m delighted to have you here with us,” Dew said.  “Sometimes … [Read more...]