Summer WMA reports

By SARAH LOW
Texas WMA Editor

​CHEROKEE DISTRICT REPORT
The Cherokee District Women Missionary Auxiliary met July 12 at Afton Grove Baptist Church. The meeting was called to order by President Cindy Allen, and the group recited the WMA motto with Connie Sherman opening with prayer. All were welcomed by Dr. David Hallum, pastor of Afton Grove. After the offering was taken up, Mrs. Annie Williams, member of Afton Grove, sang “Broken Pieces.”
 
Mrs. Allen introduced the speaker, Mickey Gear with the Clothes Closet and More located in Jacksonville. The Clothes Closet was established in 2004 through the Eagles’ Nest, a non-profit that provided for the spiritual growth, faith-based discussions and community activities for area youth in Jacksonville. Over time, the organizers realized many youths were in need of clothing. Mickey was asked about opening a non-profit to provide these services for the area youth, and the Clothes Closet and More was born.
 
Over the years The Clothes Closet and More has expanded its services to providing many community services for all ages and groups. Clothing, shoes, coats are available in all sizes and genders. Specialty clothing is made available such as scrubs, men’s work clothes, the Cinderella’s Closet for when it is time for prom dresses and a few tuxes for the men. And when December comes, toys are collected and handed out when Santa visits the children with a wish list and even bicycles are given out. Every Friday and Saturday a sack lunch is available through the lunch program for the children. A small food pantry is operated, and some school supplies are available.
 
The Clothes Closet and More is a registered non-profit and relies on donations of clothing, household items and monetary donations. Other funding includes grants, area businesses, local churches and private donors. The Clothes Closet and More can make a difference in our community by working together. Volunteers run the ministry by honoring God, being a witness of Jesus’ love, and caring for people. All services are provided free of charge.
 
President Allen thanked Ms. Gear for explaining what the organization does for our community.
 
The minutes and treasurer reports were handed out by Secretary Lugene Sims. Motions made, all approved as written. The new business consisted of the election of new officers for 2026-2027 year:
 
Cindy Allen (president), Nancy Washburn (vice-president), Lugene Sims (secretary/treasurer), Connie Sherman (prayer chairman) and Alicia Johnson (historian). The words of appreciation were given by Connie Sherman, and then she read the prayer requests. Cindy Allen prayed for these mentioned closing the meeting. The next quarterly meeting will be announced.
 
LIBERTY DISTRICT REPORT
The Liberty District WMA met with Rosewood Baptist Church on July 11. President Johnnie Ross called the meeting to order by reading Amos 4:13 and spoke of God the wonderful commander we serve. She also mentioned theme of the past WMA year “Call to Arms” and how our meetings reflected the theme with “Basic Training” in October, “Tour of Duty” for January and “Active Duty” in April. Teresa Gipson opened the meeting in prayer.
 
The WMA motto was recited by all. Project Promoter Glenice Whitaker gave a report on the project, Texas Baptist Hope for Children Tyler Office. At that time, we were only $1,000 from our goal. Prayer requests were taken and Michelle Ayres led in prayer.
 
The Texas State Sunbeam 2026 House party was being held that day at Rosewood. The Liberty District Sunbeams graced the Liberty WMA meeting. The Sunbeams sang a song and were presented with awards from their local churches, from District Sunbeam Promoter Mellissa Henry, and also from Liberty WMA. Texas Sunbeam Promoter Vera Koonce spoke on the importance of pouring Jesus in these precious lives.
 
Michelle Ayres led a prayer for the project offering, Teresa Gipson led singing, accompanied by Michelle Ayres on piano. Elizabeth Midkiff presented 2026-27 officer nominations. Meeting places for the upcoming year were set: Oct.10, 2026 at Enon; Jan. 9, 2027 at Antioch; April 10 at Camille Acres; July 10, 2027 at Rosewood. It was announced the Liberty District GMA Coronation will be held at Enon on Sunday, April 18, 2027 at 2:00 pm.
 
District GMA Promoter Tami Blackburn spoke about the 2026 Texas GMA House party and the National GMA Camp. Their district project is for cabin renovations at Daniel Springs Baptist Encampment. She also noted Liberty has five girls that are Texas GMA Officers and two as National.
 
Second Vice President Sarah Low presented the theme for the upcoming year, “Crafted in Christ” with the theme verse Ephesians 2:10. She quoted scripture reaffirming “we are fearfully and wonderfully made” and “we are molded by God’s hands”. We were created with different gifts and talents according to His purpose. The newly appointed officers were prayed over by Sarah and presented with beautiful handmade crochet gifts.
 
Glenice Whitaker gave the exciting news $1,000 was received today for the project, making the goal of $3,000 reached. Donations can still be made for the Texas Baptist Hope for Children Tyler office through Oct. 31. Glenda Chamberlain gave a report on the meeting, five churches present, 19 ladies, six Sunbeams, three GMA and two pastors. The attendance banner was awarded to Camille Acres. Johnnie closed the meeting in prayer. A delicious lunch was served by Rosewood.