I spent September 4-7 traveling through the state of Oregon.Mildred Rasmussen, president of the Oregon ABW, was my host.Three years ago Mildred's husband died of cancer.She learned to live alone, to take care of her finances, to change the oil in her car.At 75-years-old she does more traveling as an ABW president than she ever did in her married life.She is quick to embrace new ideas.As we visited ABW regional meetings, she shared a vision of what ABW can become if the women would "step outside their circles" to welcome the younger generations.I was inspired and in awe of her enthusiasm.Has my life been touched?Yes, by Mildred Rasmussen.

Ginger Benson was our traveling companion. She is the Conference Director for Oregon's ABW.She shared the driving time with Mildred on our trip of over 500 miles.Ginger is a woman who exudes warmth and charm.She has the gift of encouragement. She empowers women by inviting them to be part of a new endeavor, helping them to realize their hidden potential in the process.Two years ago she and her sister embarked on a new business adventure in catering.Why?Because they love to cook and entertain.Ginger's children are grown and she is a grandmother.But she is boldly stepping forward in faith.Has my life been touched?Yes, by Ginger Benson.

Ardath Montelius is an 88-year-old dynamo that lives in Bandon, OR.I stayed in her home and she gave up her bed for me.Where did she sleep?On the couch!And she refused to trade places with me.She had recently had a bout with cancer on the back of her head, which also involved a skin graft from her leg.Her head was still swathed in bandages that she covered stylishly with a black beret.When I commented that the daily treks to the clinic to change her bandages must be frustrating, she stated regally, "No.I decided that I wasn't going to be frustrated.I was going to deal with this straight on and be positive."The next morning she drove me on a historic tour along the waterfront.She volunteers at the visitor center and had just finished a book about the 100-year history of Bandon.She was a wealth of fascinating information!There is such strength, and grace, and dignity in this woman's face.Has my life been touched?Yes, by Ardath Montelius.

Miriam Mendez is the interim pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Portland, OR.She lost her 43-year-old husband to Hepatitis C last year.She is learning to rest in the palm of God's hand as she continues to raise her 2 teenage children and also to be involved in ministry.She welcomed three people as new members the Sunday I visited.Previous to this she had participated in a class with them, asking them about their reasons for wanting to join Grace Baptist.88-year-old Ken McCracken, who had rarely gone to church before, had started attending with his step-daughter after his wife's death.His reason for coming, and then staying, "God is here."Miriam talked about the power of Ken's testimony: God is here.How many churches are so relationally strong that people stand up and humbly declare, "God is here.Therefore, I want to be here too."I praise God for Miriam's leadership and witness as she and Grace Baptist both transition to new places in their faith journeys.Has my life been touched?Yes, by Miriam Mendez and Ken McCracken.

As International Ministries moves into the 21st century, we the missionaries are seeking to establish deeper and stronger relationships with people in the local churches and in the regional offices.Have our lives been touched?Yes!By you!Through your daily witness, your prayers, your sacrificial giving to the World Mission Offering, your passion for missions, your hospitality, and your enduring love.We are blessed . . . over and over again!

Has your life been touched?

Let us look into each other's eyes, each other's faces, and see the sisterhood, the brotherhood, our family in Christ.