Reflect Beauty: Mobilize Women for Service in JUC

Sometimes, we need to be reminded how much our Heavenly Father loves and treasures us and what great rewards are included with the privilege of reflecting His beauty to the world around us. On the weekend of April 26–28, 2024, 130 women from local churches throughout Japan met in Kyoto for a congress on revival, spiritual growth, and service organized by Mie Morita, Women’s Ministries Director of JUC. This congress was the first major convention after the pandemic.

Mie Morita, Women’s Ministries Director of JUC, organizes the congress.

The theme “Reflect Beauty: We are Daughters of God” was carefully chosen for that short but powerful and inspirational weekend. Everything from the decorations to the setup and gifts was tied to the theme. Pastor Yutaka Inada, President of the JUC, opened the congress, inviting women to dedicate themselves to the Lord as He uses them to Reflect Beauty in their local churches.

The invited speakers, Dr. Willies Oliver and Elaine Oliver, Family Ministries Directors of GC, and Raquel Arrais, Women’s Ministries Director of NSD, shared topics relevant and pertinent to the women regarding reflecting beauty in the family through prayer, service, and mission: to love the Lord (Nurture), live joyfully (Empower), and serve cheerfully (Outreach).

Dr. Willies Oliver and Elaine Oliver, Family Ministries Directors of GC, delivers the message.

Dr. Galina Stele, Women’s Ministries Director of GC, empowered women to Reflect Beauty and serve Jesus where they are through a beautiful video message. Hearts were touched, and not a dry eye was seen in the several sessions shared.

This congress allowed women to learn from each other during the workshop sessions. The women learned how to relate to themselves and others in their daily lives, churches, and communities. They learned different evangelism methods and how to connect with people around them. For 30 minutes, women went to the streets, and together in mission, they distributed 3,200 pamphlets with prayers.

Participants take a group photo after the meeting.

During these three days, they prayed together, studied the Word, celebrated fellowship, and encouraged each other to reflect beauty in their Christian life, putting God first. Indeed, it was a beautiful ending to the congress in Kyoto, but just the beginning for the inspired women as they returned home to their local churches and shared what they had learned with the rest of their sisters in their beautiful territory. To God be the glory for the things He has done.