Women's Emphasis Day Inspires Women to Answer God's Call

On Sabbath, June 13, the Jonesboro Seventh-day Adventist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Franklin Marti, hosted a districtwide Women's Emphasis Day that encouraged women to answer God's call with faith, courage, and commitment.

The guest speaker for the day was Marjorie Belizaire, M.D., Arkansas-Louisiana Conference Women's Ministries director. Belizaire shared the Women's Emphasis Day message presented throughout the North American Division, titled "Hinneni, Here Am I." Drawing from Isaiah 6:8, she reminded the congregation that God is still calling ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His kingdom. Through Scripture and practical application, she emphasized that every person can be used by God when they willingly submit to His leading and place their trust in Him.

Following the worship service, the women gathered for a potato bar fellowship meal. During this time of fellowship, Jonesboro church’s Women's Ministries Leader Angela Fusilier facilitated meaningful conversation through a "Real Table Talk" session. Participants were encouraged with thought-provoking questions that sparked honest discussion, spiritual reflection, and mutual encouragement.

After the fellowship meal, Belizaire presented the afternoon seminar, "Listening for Him: God's Voice and Call in Our Lives." She began with the familiar game of telephone, demonstrating how messages can easily become distorted as they pass from person to person. Using this illustration, she highlighted the importance of maintaining a direct connection with God rather than relying solely on secondary sources. Just as messages in the game became altered, Christians can become distracted or confused when they are not consistently listening to God's voice through prayer, Bible study, and communion with Him.

The seminar continued with a discussion of obstacles that can interfere with hearing God's voice, including busyness, noise, distractions, stress, and fatigue. Together, the women explored practical ways to overcome these barriers and cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ so they can more clearly discern His leading in their lives.

The day concluded with worship, fellowship, learning, and spiritual growth. Participants left encouraged to listen more attentively to God's voice and to faithfully carry out the work He has called them to do in their churches, homes, and communities.

Throughout the day, women were reminded of God's invitation to serve and were encouraged to respond with the words of Isaiah: "Here am I. Send me."

By Marjorie Belizaire, M.D.

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