Girls In Action Approves New Missions Themes and Motto

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Recommendations for "Girls in Action" to adopt new Scripture verses, a motto, and a pledge to help members identify with the organization and its missions purpose, was approved by the Woman's Missionary Union's executive board during its national meeting, Jan 11-14, at the Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center in Talladega, Alabama.

Girls in Action involves girls from grade levels one through six, who are interested in learning about missions, praying for and giving to missions and actively partaking in missions work.

With this missions theme in mind, the Girls in Action adopted Isaiah 12:4 as their new theme verse. The verse states, "Give thanks to the Lord. Worship him. Tell the nations what he has done. Announce how honored he is." Mitzi Gibbs, WMU children's ministry consultant, said, "We chose this verse because it reflects worship and service to God."

The Girls in Action also approved of Micah 6:8 as their lifestyle verse. "The Lord has shown you what is good. He has told you what he requires of you. You must treat people fairly. You must love others faithfully. And you must be very careful to live the way your God wants you to." The verse was chosen because it challenges the girls to live a daily mission focused lifestyle.

The motto for the group, "Go Forward!" comes from Exodus 14:15, which states, "And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward." This approved motto served as the motto for the WMU since 1888.

The new Girls in Action pledge is: "As a GA, I will do my best to live a missions lifestyle that honors God by learning about missions, praying for missions, giving to missions, doing missions and participating in the work of the church."

Gibbs said, "GA organizations are not merely surviving after 90 years, they are thriving in our churches. Since 1913, GA organizations around the world have bonded girls together for generations as they make friendships and enjoy discovering their world through missions education, awareness and involvement."

By Pauline C.