April 29, 2013
Hi Pam,
I wanted to let you know that I was ordained to ministry this past Sunday, April 28, by Tomahawk Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. It was a most sacred and wonderful experience and I personally wanted to say THANK YOU to BWIM for the incredibly helpful worship and ordination planning resources you provided on your website. I used them and read the book you recommended, Ordination, as I prepared for my ordination council and the service itself. It was a most incredible experience.
I want to thank you for the support of Baptist Women in Ministry, for without your encouragement (although I doubt you knew it!) I would not have had the courage to pursue my calling into vocational ministry. Thankfully, I was permitted to serve my seminary internship under the incredible leadership of a most gifted senior pastor, Rev. Mary Richerson Mann, who not only exemplified a model of what a woman preacher can be, but her grace, leadership, and gentle spirit have truly inspired me to be a faith-filled servant of God as I follow my own calling into ministry. Thank you for the support of BWIM.
As I anticipate graduation this May 2013 from Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond, I am reminded that I am going into ministry not on my own, but I am sustained by the network of prayers and encouragement from women across the country who have been serving faithfully and providing examples and encouragement to me over these past five years that I have been in school. All this is to say that I appreciate BWIM and what we as women in ministry stand for, the good works that we do, and the resources and encouragement that we can give to support and sustain one another along the journey.
Thank you for being a part of my formation!
Krista Manuel