Short History of the Church of the Firstborn National Womens Fellowship Council Every organization should seek to move

to a higher level; in this case, the then Superintendent Rev. Clinton Hoffenden caught the vision, knocked on the door of the western zone Ladies Ministry led by Sis Audrey Bradford Chairperson, Sis Miriam Gordon Secretary and Sis Jacqueline Chin Treasurer. Of course, we did not respond readily but with persuasion and encouragement for a number of years the National Womens Fellowship Council emerged in 2003. So, in 2004 when we had our Retreat and Convention we had other members added to the sisters listed above. Deaconess Paulette Roberts Vice Chair and Central Zone Coordinator, Sis Valry Neil Corporate Area Coordinator, Sis Novia Manning - Western Zone Coordinator and Sis Fay Parredon Eastern Zone Coordinator. These ladies were mandated to work out policies and set directives for the group. Two years later we had our first Election; all positions were filled as listed in the Constitution. Sis Miriam Gordon was elected as the 1st President for the Council; she would serve for three (3) years and others elected would serve for two (2) years. Others elected were Sis A. Bradford Vice-President, Deaconess P. Roberts Secretary, Sis J. Chin Treasurer, Sis Gloria Fairweather Easter Zone Coordinator, Sis Donna Thomas Central Zone Coordinator, Sis V. Neil Corporate Area Coordinator, Sis N. Manning Western Zone Coordinator, Sis Gloria Chin Ex-Officio Member. The National Womens Fellowship Council continued to move from strength to strength; the Executive would have four (4) scheduled meetings for the year, the Council which comprises the local President and two (2) executive members would meet twice per year. These meetings would be held at different venues. Reports indicate that some local fellowships were doing much better and that some new ones have been formed. Some of these local congregations have planned their own

Convention/Day of Fellowship. From time to time, the Executive members would worship at different congregations and sometimes minister. Lets look at themes we have developed over the period; these have always been challenging. 2004 A call to serve, A change in culture 2005 Positioning yourself for the future 2006 Empowered to confront new challenges 2007 Power is invested in you.. use it now 2008 Rise up women of God be true to the trust 2009 Facing the challenges with confidence 2010 Enlarging our borders 2011 The Time Is Now 2012 A longing for Holiness 2013 Positioned to impact The formats for each year varied as we examined the different themes; the activities included panel discussion, group discussion, input from various agencies, seminars/workshops, video presentation, skills training, open air meeting. Physical fitness and prayer meetings played an integral role in our activities.

Sundays activities included male and female coming and we would have dynamic speakers delivering powerful messages; in the afternoon the local groups/churches would be given an opportunity to share in songs, poems, special productions in music and drama. Apart from the Retreat and Convention the National Womens Fellowship Council has embarked on other programmes such as Feast of Accomplishment which did not get the support we anticipated; this lasted for two consecutive years. Also, we have a Couples Ministry we have had a few couples seminars and have had six (6) Couples Retreats. This area still needs improvement. As part of our Family Month activities in June we have a Family Empowerment Day; this year will be our second attempt at this. During the ten years there are two sisters who have worked on the Executive for the period in different capacities Sis Miriam Gordon and Deaconess Paulette Roberts. To God be the Glory for these two ladies who along with others have dedicated themselves to this arm of the church; the years have been challenging but they rose up with new courage. As we bear in mind our mission statement, we urge other ladies to come on board we need to be empowered for self- development and the effectiveness of our ministry as we move forward.

God Bless You Submitted by Sis Miriam Gordon (V.P. of N.W.F.C.)

Mission Statement: To foster and facilitate the upliftment of women in our churches with a view to empower them for self-development and effective ministry.