International Renewal Conference for Women

By Yana Mospanenko, Communications Specialist

God created each person in His image and likeness, both man and woman. He made them different to complement each other and give them different functions. According to God's plan, the purpose of all the activities of His creation is to know Him, glorify Him, have a relationship with Him, and take care of His creation through their roles. We all remember the Garden of Eden story, where sin destroyed this perfection.

Everyone, regardless of gender, is called to discern God’s purposes for their life. What noble deeds are we individually summoned to fulfill? How does this gifting and calling fit into the community of faith to make the world a better place?

In March this year, Music Mission Kiev sent Ira D. and Yana M. to participate in an international conference for women in ministry and leadership worldwide. This was the 17th conference of its type, and it took place at the seaside in Eurasia. (The location is kept confidential for security reasons.) 

This women’s conference started in 2005 when 19 women gathered to study the Word, share their stories and challenges in serving God, and support each other. Who could have imagined then that this meeting would grow into a powerful movement that would unite Christian women leaders worldwide?

This year’s gathering had 167 participants from 24 nations and 147 team members from 20 countries, spanning Central Asia, the Middle East, Ukraine, and beyond. It was a huge privilege, encouragement, and a horizon-broadening experience for our two MMK staff to be team members and participants at this event.

The conference's primary goal is to help every woman find her calling, the one God has given her, and then be empowered, resourced, and supported to move forward in that calling. The conference exists to invest in women for leadership across Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. Unfortunately, many women still lack the freedom to pursue their calling in many of these countries. But as God's unique creation, women have their gifts, talents, and destinies unique to each of them.

I can say for myself that, having considerable experience with various conferences, this event is simply unique. The peculiarity of this event is that it provides holistic support, which speaks to a person’s spirit, soul, and body. It ministers to the whole person.

First and foremost, it is a time of intensive study of God's word. This year, everything was viewed through the lens of the study of the book of Ruth. We looked at it not as a romantic story but as a story of women who faced challenges. They made difficult decisions, took responsibility, went through various emotional stages, and supported and mentored each other. Their purpose was to discover and fulfill God's will in their circumstances and glorify Him with dignity.

This conference program also includes meetings with psychologists, counselors, and healing prayer ministers. A dedicated prayer room immerses you in God’s love and gives additional guidance when needed. The program is full of applicable seminars on topics relevant to women leaders. We experienced relief from carrying the burdens of everyday life. This, in turn, contributes to spiritual and emotional renewal. This is the part about taking care of the soul.

Our two ladies reported benefiting from the healing experiences, spiritual renewal, and emotional support. Finding empowerment in the divine purpose that God has unveiled to each of the ladies present, their motivation and fortitude to press forward in the power of the Holy Spirit within them was refreshed, regardless of the war or other challenges they were experiencing. They are grateful for this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, contacts, and tools to assist the people they serve daily.