"Come to Jesus Christ.He is the living stone that people have rejected, but which God has chosen and highly honored.And now you are living stones that are being used to build a spiritual house." I Peter 2:4,5a (Contemporary English Version)

As stones detach from the quarry rock, so 364 Baptist women from Mexico, Central America and Panama detached from their homes and communities to gather (assemble) together July 13 - 16 for the V Baptist Women's Congress held in San Jose, Costa Rica.We reflected on what being "living stones", the theme of the conference, could mean for each of us and as a symbol of our attendance, each brought a stone with our name and country written on it, which was placed at the altar during the inaugural session.We considered what force such a gathering of stones, yeah an avalanche, could have in the world, when each one allowed oneself to be identified, cut and polished in the hands of her Maker.

Meaningful worship and challenging preaching called women to assume key roles and ministries in their families, churches and communities. Workshops allowed them to deepen their understanding of the needs in and around them, especially with at risk children, women caught in prostitution and domestic violence, aging people and pastoral families.Women responded to calls to give their lives to Jesus as well service in specific ministries, most notably in pastoral ministry.Already there are plans in the works for a gathering in 2005 of women pastors and those sensing a call in this regard.

The President of the Latin American Baptist Women's Union (UFBAL), Gloria Cabrera de Rivera of El Salvador, invited the women to break down barriers through actively living their faith, to join in the World Day of Prayer and to support mission efforts.Rev. Magda Aguirre, ABC missionary in El Salvador, preached inspiring messages as did two women pastors from Costa Rica: Ruth Vindas and Miriam Marin.Each delegation gave a colorful cultural presentation with song, dance and dress during an evening "fiesta".

The event was significant for women of the Baptist churches of Costa Rica, being the first time they had ever hosted such and event.Judith Hylton, the Vice President in representation of Costa Rica for UFBAL, was the general coordinator and many others, including myself, Sara, came along side her to help in the months of planning and preparing.It truly was a "learning experience" for all, which helped us grow in leadership skills and organizational planning.The planning process was a refining process to shape us into useful stones in the building of God's Kingly Reign.

Shalom,

Sara Wiegner